Recycling of Copper Containing Waste/Scrap/Offcut

RUrbanMines has established a collection network for copper waste and scrap, and we constantly return these copper resource to copper alloy strips manufacturers through our global network. As a reliable and leading resource recycling manager in the world, UrbanMines is contributing to the global environment, economic development, and to building systems of a circular society.

UrbanMines contributes to achieving a sustainable society by operating recycling centre in South China, where we can collect, sort and process these copper raw materials properly, so as to realize resource recycling and reuse.

The Copper Recycling Process

Curious about the recycling process and what happens to copper once we take it away?

Copper containing Waste or Scrap is taken to a metal recycling facility where it can be further sorted and graded. High grade copper can often be melted down and recast, without the need for any other steps. In some cases, it could require moderate refinement to make sure the quality is up to par. Low grade copper, on the other hand, requires electrical refinement to remove impurities. This involves melting the copper down, casting it into anodes, and electroplating it.  

Copper recycling is a multi-step process that starts with the recovery of copper from end-of-life products, waste electronic equipment and electrical devices. Copper is most often recycled by melting it down and turning it into smaller copper pellets that can then be smelted and formed into new materials.

What types of copper can be recycled by UrbanMines?

Scrap copper that’s free from impurities and separated from other materials can be recycled with minimal processing, and therefore commands a higher price than lower quality scrap copper. UrbanMines can provide recycling services for the following materials:

Copper Scrap/Offcut From Stamping Line

In the Precision Connector or IC Lead Frame stamping industry, there are about 50% of the copper alloy strip materials will become waste scrap/offcut during the stamping process. It can not be ignored that the cost of waste scrap/offcut is a large proportion in stamping cost.

To take seriously our commitment to sustainability, UrbanMines strive to make effective reuse of these copper scrap/offcut resources through our professional recycling management.

We focus on collecting and recycling stamping scrap/offcut materials as below from precision stamping line:

Phosphorous Bronze(Copper-Tin) Alloy Strips C51910/C52100;

Copper Nickel Silicon Alloy Strips C70250/C70350;

Brass(Copper-Zinc) Alloy Strips C2600/C26800;

Electronic Lead Frame Material Strips C19400;

Electronic Lead Frame Material Strips 42%Ni-Fe;

Ultra-Low Carbon Copper Ingots

Copper (Cu) possesses the ability to be endlessly recycled and repurposed. UrbanMines is working hard to provide more secondary copper into the market, reducing the reliance on primary sources.

                                                    Copper Ingots 95%

Secondary Copper Ingots Process

STEP1 Pretreatment: Sorting the scrap, stripping the scrap of contaminants, removal of ferrous metals (via magnetic separation).

STEP2 Smelting: Copper is melted using a specialist induction process.

STEP3 Quality Control: Operate quality control measures to ensure the highest grade copper remelt possible.

STEP4 Casting: The liquid materials are then recast into ingots and ready for shipping.  

 

UrbanMines can provide recycling services for the following Copper Ingots/Bars/Bullions: Cu 93% Min.(Au/Ag Containing), Cu 95% Min.(Au/Ag Containing), Cu 97% Min.,

Barley Millberry - Copper scrap grade 1

ISRI code: Barley

No.1 Copper Wire.

Shall consist of No.1 bare, uncoated, unalloyed copper wire, commonly known as Bare Bright copper wire. Wire gauge subject to agreement between buyer and seller.

Green copper wire and hydraulically compacted material to be subject to agreement between buyer and seller.

There are 4 quantity grades that UrbanMines provides recycling: Cu 99% Min., Cu 99.9% Min., Cu 99.93% Min., Cu 99.95% Min..

Birch Cliff - Mixed Copper scrap grade 2

ISRI code: Birch Cliff

A combination of No.2 copper wire and copper as defined in Birch and Cliff. Cu content 94-96%.

No.2 Copper Wire

Shall consist of miscellaneous, unalloyed copper wire having a nominal 96% copper content (minimum 94%)as determined by electrolytic assay. Should be free of the following: Excessively leaded, tinned, soldered copper wire; brass and bronze wire; excessive oil content, iron, and non-metallics; copper wire from burning; insulation; hair wire; brittle burnt wire; and should be reasonably free of ash. Hydraulically briquetted copper subject to agreement.

 

                                                                                                                                                                 No.2  Copper Wire Scrap (Birch Cliff)                                

Five tips for recycling scrap copper

There are several steps you can take to speed up the process of selling your scrap copper and ensure you get the best value of money.

1. Clean your scrap copper

2. Sort your scrap copper

3. Research copper prices

4. Sell in bulk if possible

5. Find the right scrap metal recycling manager