Copper is a trace element that is found in a variety of everyday items, like motors, wiring, radiators, connectors, brakes, and bearings for vehicles. When these items become worn or no longer work properly, you can take these components to a copper recycling center to have the metal processed for conservation. Understand the importance of copper recycling by learning more about the benefits that this metal offers. 

Where Did Copper Come From?

Discovered around 8000 B.C. in Northern Iraq, copper has been used for more than 10,000 years. Later Egyptians were among the first to heat and cast the copper into different shapes, making tools, dishes, and adornments.

By 3500 B.C., the process of smelting ores became available. Copper was mixed with tin and other metals to create bronze, which is much harder and more durable material than normally-malleable copper. As a result, the Bronze Age came to be, characterized by more advanced tools and weapons made with this material.

Why Is Recycling Copper Important? 

Copper is a non-renewable source, meaning that the Earth only has a finite supply. This makes it vital to recycle the metal to continue having it for our products. For example, in the modern era, we rely increasingly on electricity and technology; copper is often found in wiring and circuitry. 

Traditional copper mining requires a multitude of channels to be dug deep into the ground, using explosives and drills to break rocks containing metal reserves. This virgin, or previously unused copper, has to be milled and processed after collection. This utilizes far more energy than the process of melting down and then reshaping the copper at a copper recycling center. Reusing copper, therefore, not only helps the environment but keeps the costs of this precious material down.

If you are looking for a copper recycling center in Colorado, visit Denver Metal Recycling. Whether it’s scrap auto parts, metal sheets, or copper wiring, this facility processes your resources to create new, environmentally-friendly materials while offering you a fair value on your items. To learn more about their services, visit their Facebook or call 303-316-2880 with questions.