Blog Layout

Don’t Throw Away Your Old Copper and Brass

Admin • Nov 15, 2020

Copper and copper alloys have been recycled for thousands of years. It’s a common economic practice, even though it’s regretted by some. The copper and copper alloy industries depend on the recycling of products that are no longer needed. There’s a variety of copper-based materials that are used in a number of applications, and using the cheapest feedstock for making the parts needed to build these items allows manufacturers to offer them at the most economical price.

Brass Doorknob — Gregory, TX — Dawson's Recycling & Disposal, Inc.

The Scrap Value of Copper

Copper is used for many of the most important applications (such as for the production of super-fine enameled wires). It’s also important for the purity of the copper to be maintained because it makes sure they get the highest amount of conductivity, consistent annealability, and freedom from breaks during rod production (which is done before drawing wires). Because the enamel layers are thin and have to withstand the right amount of voltage, they can’t have any surface flaws. The copper wire must also have excellent surface quality, so the best possible grade has to be used. Recycled copper hasn’t been contaminated and other types of scrap that has been electrolytically refined back to “grade A quality” can also be used.


Copper can be used for many non-electrical items — some of which may include:


  • Plumbing tubes
  • Roofing sheets
  • Heat exchanges


Achieving a high level of conductivity isn’t needed for these products, so the quality requirements aren’t as high. Secondary copper can be used to make these materials, but there are still some quality limits with regard to the amount of impurity. Where copper recycling is concerned, it’s more cost effective to take advantage of the presence of any contamination than it is to remove it through a refining process. Many gun metals and bronzes need both tin and lead to be present, so scrap copper that contains any of these materials can be useful.


The Scrap Value of Brass

Brass recycling is essential for the economics of the industry. The brass used for extrusion and hot-stamping is typically made from a basic melt of scrap with a similar composition, which is then adjusted by adding virgin copper or zinc to a level that’s required to meet certain specifications. Scrap brass metal can be bought at a much lower price than you would from a metal mixture, because the cost of fabricated brass is much lower. Having other elements present in the brass mixture can also improve machinability, so it’s often acceptable to use recycled brass.


Aside from the free-machining brasses, there are many others with certain properties that make them more “special purpose.” Some them can include but may not be limited to:


  • Extra strength
  • Extra hardness
  • Corrosion resistance


Scrap brass that comes from certain machining operations can be remelted in a cost-effective way, but it needs to be free from any excess lubrication (especially anything with organic compounds that can create an unacceptable amount of fumes). Any brass that’s made into sheets, strips, or wires needs to be free from impurities, so it can keep its ductility when cold. That’s why it’s common to use brass that also includes virgin copper and zinc, which can be made from scrap brass that has been properly cleaned, identified, and segregated.


If you have any items made of copper and brass that you no longer use, you should consider recycling them. If you’re looking for a place that does quality recycling in Corpus Christi, get in touch with Dawson Recycling and Disposal.

28 Feb, 2024
Read this blog to learn about the numerous benefits of hiring a professional garbage removal service and why the DIY approach isn't worth it.
15 Feb, 2024
Remodeling your home can bring a new look to your living space as well as debris. Read this blog to learn how to maximize your rental roll-off dumpster.
15 Feb, 2024
In this blog, we will explore some of the many uses of roll-off dumpsters and how they can make your waste management hassle-free. Continue reading.
Cluttered Garage — Gregory, TX — Dawson's Recycling & Disposal, Inc.
By Admin 14 Aug, 2023
As you look around your home, you may feel like you’re close to living in an episode of Hoarders. You may feel like it’s time to declutter.
Commercial Waste Management — Gregory, TX — Dawson's Recycling & Disposal, Inc.
By Admin 14 Jul, 2023
By reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, reducing the use of disposable packaging, and promoting cleaner handling processes, you can not only help your company’s reputation but can also help the environment.
Recycling Faq — Gregory, TX — Dawson's Recycling & Disposal, Inc.
By Admin 17 Apr, 2023
Recycling is the process of collecting and processing materials that would have been thrown away as trash, so it can be turned into new products.
Scrap Heap of Copper — Gregory, TX — Dawson's Recycling & Disposal, Inc.
By Admin 15 Feb, 2023
It has caused prices to go up by 125% since March 2020. In fact, it’s one of the commodities that has gone up in price since the start of the pandemic.
Dumpster Loaded — Gregory, TX — Dawson's Recycling & Disposal, Inc.
By Admin 16 Jan, 2023
The purpose of any disposal procedure is to make sure that the health, safety, and beautification of an area is maintained, which is why a good system of solid waste management and collection is needed.
Steel — Gregory, TX — Dawson's Recycling & Disposal, Inc.
By Rob F 16 Dec, 2022
It’s good to know which metals are the most valuable when it comes to recycling. Non-ferrous metals (such as aluminum, copper, and brass) are often worth more than ferrous metals (which have iron in them).
Wood Recycling Pallets — Gregory, TX — Dawson's Recycling & Disposal, Inc.
By Admin 15 Nov, 2022
Everything from metal and paper to wood and glass can be recycled, which is important for a number of reasons. But, it doesn’t make sense to waste
More Posts
Share by: