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| Recycling |
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  People
have put copper to use for over 10,000 years. For all of these millennia,
we have always taken advantage of copper's recyclability.
Copper is 100% recyclable. Virtually all products made from copper
can be recycled. Whether in a raw state or contained in a finished
product, copper is recyclable at all stages of a product's life cycle.
The Colossus of Rhodes is said to have been made of copper. No trace
of it remains today since it was recycled centuries ago to make artifacts.
Copper implements and ornaments fashioned by ancient craftsmen have
been reused time and again to make new implements and ornaments.
Copper-based products have a wide range of life spans. For example,
electronic devices last just a few years. Electrical cable and water
pipes can last several decades. Roofing and other architectural copper
products can last over 100 years. Assuming an average life span of
30 years for most copper products, copper's true recycling rate has
been calculated to be about 80-85%.
It has also been estimated that at least 80% of all copper ever mined
is still in existence - having been recycled time and again and in
use today somewhere, somehow.
Much of the copper used in the world comes from recycled sources.
This is a significantly higher percentage than is the case for aluminum,
which is often regarded as the benchmark metal for recycling effectiveness.
A major source of secondary copper is discarded auto radiators. Because
of its recyclability, exceptional energy-to-weight efficiency, and
thermal conductivity, copper is becoming the material of choice for
radiators in environmentally sensitive vehicle design.
Copper can be considered a "renewable" resource because it can be
recycled without any loss of quality (chemical or physical properties).
In some instances, recycled copper can be remelted and used without
further processing. Recycling is dependent on the efficiency of scrap
collection systems, technological factors, economic factors, product
design, societal values, and government regulations.
Although copper's virtually infinite recyclability makes it environmentally
advantageous for use in a variety of products, worldwide demand cannot
be met exclusively by secondary copper. Continued production of new
copper is also required to meet human needs. Fortunately, ample reserves
have been identified to last for generations.
Recycling is an important economic activity with significant environmental
benefits. Not only does recycling copper result in more efficient
use of natural resources, it also results in energy savings and a
reduction of waste sent to landfills. Because copper can be reused,
the wealth of this natural resource can be preserved for future generations.
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