COPPER
Copper Recycling- Copper is the third leading used metal after iron and aluminum. Today, this vital metal's recycling states are one of the highetgs among nonferrous metals. Since copper is highly resistant to corrosion it is known for its longevity; and it is estimated that 80% of all copper ever mined is still in circulation today, due to high rates of recycling.
Copper is commonly used in a pure form more than any other metal. However, copper is used in many alloys and can be classifed in may different ways. Some common recyclable types of copper include:
Bare Bright
Bare bright is expected to be very clean and pure. This usually will include any 12 gauge solid strand sized wire or larger that has been stripped from the shield and is free from tarnish or any other impurities that keeps it from being "bright and shiny" in appearance. Most often MCM stripped wire is the item commonly bought as bare bright but could include other wire that has been stripped.
#1 Copper
This is copper tubing that has a "new appearance look" without any visible paint corrosion, and/or solder. Wire has to be pencil lead diameter or bigger with no coating (zinc or tin). Bus bar must also be coating and solder free.
#2 Copper
This is copper tubing including flex hose that contains any visible paint, corrosion, and/or solder. Wire can be smaller than a pencil lead diameter and can have zinc or colored coating such as electric motor copper. Bus bar with coating is #2.
Copper with Brass Ends
These materials when combined are of considerably lower value when not separated.