Copper Recycling in Caringbah

Copper is graded primarily by cleanliness and form. Bare bright copper — clean, uncoated, unalloyed wire — is the highest grade. #1 copper (clean tubing and wire with no solder, paint or fittings) is the next tier. #2 copper has some contamination like solder, paint or light corrosion but is still valuable. Insulated wire is assessed based on copper recovery percentage — the higher the copper content by weight, the better the rate. Keeping each grade separate and removing non-copper attachments before you arrive helps the assessment process.

Stripping insulation will generally improve the assessment because bare copper is graded higher than insulated cable. However, stripping takes time and effort, and the difference may not always be significant for thinner wire with low copper recovery. If you have a meaningful quantity of reasonably thick wire, stripping is usually worthwhile. If you are unsure, bring the cable as-is or call us on 02 9531 1900 to discuss.

We do not accept copper items containing hazardous materials, sealed pressurised vessels or radioactive sources. Copper combined with asbestos insulation or other unsafe materials cannot be processed. If your copper is mixed with other metals such as steel or cast iron, it can still be accepted but the mixed-metal portion will be assessed differently. If you are unsure whether a particular item is suitable, please call ahead on 02 9531 1900.