Anyone save scrap copper???

[Tela]

I see in the news all the time that thieves are stealing copper. It makes me wonder- should I save my scrap? Right now I don't.

I've been going through old jewelry pieces and taking some apart. I have quite a pile of copper going.

[Renate]

I've been wondering about that, too. It seems that it has a market value in large amounts so far, like long cable or pipes.

Though I produce what feels like a lot of scrap, it may not add up enough to be of interest. But even if so, where would we turn, if we don't want to wait for the thieves to collect it? ;D Who's collecting copper scrap?

Following this trail of thoughts: I live in a country where every kind of stuff is recycled, there's a bin or collecting point for everything. Every 3 months every household in my city gets a leaflet with a meticulous description and calendar of what to drop where and when. It's a science.
And I just have an idea where to ask, if there's interest in small amounts of copper waste. I'm very busy at the job right now, but I'll try to find a minute to make the call, now my curiosity is piqued.

[Vicky]

When I first started making wire jewellery I read heaps of stuff about making sure you kept your scraps of silver wire - to sell it back to the merchant for re-processing. I have never actually managed to "graduate" to using silver but instead use recycled copper. I have kept a scrap jar in my work space for the past couple of years and it is slowly filling up.

My intention is to take the jar to my local scrap merchant and "trade" my wire with him - I have no expectation of getting a lot of money for my copper scrap but if I can get some wire in return I'll be happy - if he won't play ball I'll just give it to him for the few $ it might be worth.

I have spoken with the guy and he only sells copper wire by the kilo - he thought I was nuts when I started talking to him about buying 10/20 metres - his response was "how many kilos do you want, 10 20 100 ?"

It took quite a bit of explaining, lol ;D

From a philosophical point of view I love the idea of recycling everything until it can no longer be re-used!

[shiny]

I save all my copper scrap. I don't know what I will do with it, but I recycle everything I can. I assumed everybody saved their scraps.

[Tela]

Shiny-- Oh, I do save silver, I just haven't started saving copper, yet. It takes soooooo much to amount to anything. I keep all copper scraps that I could reuse, though.

[christine]

I keep the copper I can reuse but don't save the scrap like I do silver. A local church had their copper down spouts stolen. There is a market for copper resale but I do think it is in much bigger pieces. Would love if Rio would buy copper like they do silver.

[Kate]

I do the same as Christine and save even the microscopic shavings of silver and itty bits of gold. I was saving copper but didn't think anyone would want it. I hate throwing it out. It should be recycled. Now I only save the larger pieces.

[Renate]

I have called our communal recycling center. There is no place where small amounts of copper would be collected. I could drop it into the metals collecting bin, but it will get lost there among the big pieces.

There's one other idea: there are places where computers and other eletronic equipment is taken apart and recycled. I suppose they also strip electric cables, and maybe even computer parts, and they probably will be used to deal with smaller amounts of metals.

[Tela]

Thanks, Renate. In the US, some areas are more concerned with recycling than others. I visited Maine a few years ago and felt like a real troglodyte when I threw away batteries! It is really strict up there, not so much where I live. I haven't developed good habits. We don't even have recycle bins in my neighborhood. No recycling, at all. (The city does, but we have private pick up.)

[Renate]

Apparently nobody really wants our wire scraps. ;D

Let's think about creative uses:
What about hammering the tiny wire pieces very thin and flat?
Use it as confetti for the festive dinner table?
Glue it to a metal surface? Or put it into a bezel with resin or glaze(?).

Use the torch: if we can heat-ball copper ends, we can also melt copper scraps to a larger piece and hammer it flat, or into a desired shape. I have no experience with metalsmithing whatsoever, and don't know if that would work. Would it?

[Tela]

I haven't done much torching myself Maybe Santa will bring me a better torch and I can test that theory

[christine]

Renate, I like your idea of balling it with a torch. I am not real torch adept but it is an idea worth trying!

Tela, we have curbside recycling everyother week. We always have 2 bins full. I am surprised/sorry you don't have it. They won't take my copper scraps

[sarahsequins]

I save my scrap copper, and I have for years. I'm just not sure what to do with it! I also wish that Rio would recycle copper -- I've recycled my silver in the past, and I got a good price for it.

I like the idea of melting copper down into an interesting shape. I've done that with silver with great success -- I arranged the scraps in a circle and got these neat pieces that looked like wreaths. Copper takes a lot more heat to melt, though, so it probably can't be done with a tiny butane torch.

But maybe a huge propane torch? Mr. Sequin has one. It's too big for me to hold in my itty bitty hands, but maybe he'll experiment for me.

[Tela]

Sarah, you'll have to keep us updated on Mr. Sequin's experiments. I am hoping to get another torch sometime soon- just a hot head or something like it.

[christine]

Yippee Just found a place that buys scrap copper wire. I asked if it could be mailed in thinking of y'all out there but they have to check ID so in person delivery is necessary. I know it won't bring alot but at least I can save my scraps now. Wish I had not thrown so much away but will start saving now!

[Tela]

Great news, Christine! I wonder, is it in your area or between us. If copper keeps going up, it might be worth the drive

[christine]

Hey Tela, It is here is Richmond so maybe this will entice you to come! The guy said copper is paying well right now. I neglected to ask how much but can call back. He did say to bring a large bag full, since it is small wire ,so it will register on their scales. Happened across their add in the
Richmond paper: River City Recycling 804-612-0695
An open invite for coffee, lunch or dinner or an over night!
(at my house not the recycling center!)

[Tela]

That would be lovely, Christine!!! We'll have to make a date.

[glenda]

Wish I wasn't so far away!!!

[christine]

Wish you weren't so far away too. A slumber party would be grand fun with tools, wire and ideas flying around!

[Tela]

Wouldn't it, though!!! I was thinking we would be swapping stuff like kids swapping marbles. It'd be awesome to see everyone's rocks, beads and tools. ;D