Scrap metal collecting and selling is the right way to go if you want to make a steady income on the side. The process is so simple, that anyone can do it. All you have to do is keep an eye out for junk or rubbish that contains metal. Collect anything that has metal and toss it onto a pile in your back yard. When your metal pile is big enough, you can give a scrap metal company a call and they will pick up the pile of metal and pay you a generous amount based on the weight of the metal and the type of metal you have.
All metal types are worth collecting but some types, like copper, are a little bit more valuable which means you should be setting your focus on metal with a reddish golden gleam.
Why is Copper a Valuable Scrap Metal?
Copper is sought after for quite a few reasons. Firstly, it is a relatively scarce metal and, because sources are limited, the price naturally increases. Secondly, this metal type never rusts or erodes. Copper can stay trapped in the earth, under water, or exposed to oxygen for centuries without ever wearing down. The metal will simply discolour as a layer of oxidation forms over it’s exterior and this greenish layer will keep the metal perfectly preserved throughout the centuries.
The third reason this metal is so valuable is because of its functionality. Copper can easily be smelted down to form all sorts of structures, sheets, pipes, or devices. It is also a fantastic electrical conductor making it suitable for inside electrical wiring.
This metal is rare, tarnish resistant, and has numerous applications. All of these characteristics make it the ultimate metal to collect and sell.
The Best Places to Find Copper
Because copper is so valuable, most collectors will immediately snatch it up when they see it. This can make it a little bit challenging to get your hands on some copper that you can collect for recycling. If you are willing to invest a little bit of time then you are, however, still very likely to find a lot of copper to collect. Here are some of the best sources for this type of precious metal.
Plumbing Companies
Plenty of plumbing companies use copper fittings and pipes as a plumbing material for home watering systems. You can contact local plumbing companies and enquire about any old, dented, bent, or damaged copper fittings and pipes and collect these scrap items from them.
Demolition Companies
Demolition companies might allow you to dig through demolished sites so you can extract any metals you can find. Inspect the old building’s plumbing system to see if it has copper pipes. You can also check the roof to see if the roof sheets or gutter system is made of copper or if it perhaps contains copper nails. Remember to check through the home’s old wiring. Plenty of electrical wires have copper inside that can be stripped and repurposed.
Check Old Appliances
Some appliances can contain a little bit of copper in the electrical cord or inside the devices. Copper is more common in older household appliances like washers, dryers, refrigerators, or heater systems that might have some copper coils. The copper can be stripped out of these old appliances before discarding them.
Where To Sell Copper Scrap Metal
Once you have a nice and heavy pile of copper, you should give Vic Star Metals a call. Our scrap metal company is happy to take any old scrap metal types off your hands. We are especially enthusiastic about copper and offer the highest rates for this important metal type. If your copper pile is big enough we can offer free metal removal services so you can enjoy even more profits and greater comfort.