Scrap metal is plentiful and easy to find in most houses, so if you need to declutter and want the bonus of extra cash, metal could be a great way to accomplish both goals. Non-ferrous metals, like copper, are more valuable, so you'll gain more if you bring any metal that doesn't stick to a magnet. Where do you find this copper in your home? Start your search with these five places.
1. Wiring
Insulated electrical wires often use copper. The reason is simple: every material has a level of resistance to electrical currents as they pass through, and copper has a comparatively lower resistivity than other metals. Copper also doesn't rust like other metals do with air exposure. Instead, it will produce a coating that prevents it from corrosion when it oxidizes.
Look for copper wire in old electronics, AC units, and anything that depends on electrical circuits. Strings of lights or old power cables are good places to start. Strip the colorful casing off of the wires before you bring it in to get the most for your metal.
2. Plumbing
The high conductivity of copper makes it useful for other purposes besides electricity. Plumbers will use copper pipes for hot water because they retain heat as the water passes through. The natural heat retention will help your water keep a consistent temperature and stay warm for longer. Whether hot water warms your entire house or you use it for showers and washing dishes, you likely have copper pipes in your system.
Copper tubing is worth a lot in the scrap metal world, so if you have to replace your hot water system inside your home, don't throw the tubes in the trash. Bring them to a scrap metal recycling plant to get a good price for something you're not going to need anymore.
3. Appliances
Because of copper's resistance to rust, you may find it in appliances in your home that frequently come into contact with water or steam. Your kitchen and bathroom sinks, bathtubs, range hoods, and other fixtures sometimes have this versatile metal. If you need to replace any of these components in your home, test the old ones' material to see if you can get a bit of your money back for them.
4. Decorative Elements
Copper's unique colors and durability often make this metal attractive to home decorators, which means you might find it anywhere in your house. Look for anything from copper tabletops to clocks, mirrors, or outdoor planters, and see if you can find the metal you seek. Sometimes, copper is used in an alloy with other metals, which will change your expected profits.
5. Door Fixtures
Door handles and pulls frequently include copper in their material, if not from copper entirely. The anti-microbial properties of copper make your doorknobs self-cleaning, which is one reason they grew in popularity. When you change out knobs, handles, or pulls on your entryways, test the metal to see if you can bring it in.
Locks and keys are other good sources of this precious metal. When you upgrade to smart locks and can open your front door from your phone, don't toss away the classic locks and keys you've taken off. If you don't plan to use them anymore, locks can be an excellent item to turn in to a scrap yard, whether made of copper or another metal.
Now that you're ready to bring in your scrap metal, head over to
Big Daddy Scrap
to cash it in. Our family-owned and operated plant takes pride in hassle-free customer service, giving you a convenient, hassle-free place to take all your junk metal. Get in touch today to find out more.