West Coast Metals

  Copper is one of the most valuable and widely recycled metals in the world. Known for its conductivity, durability, and reusability, copper plays a critical role in industries from construction to electronics. But not all scrap copper is the same—and understanding the different types is key to maximizing value and ensuring proper processing during scrap copper recycling . In this article, we’ll break down the main categories of scrap copper and explain how each type is typically recycled.  1. Bare Bright Copper (No. 1 Copper) Description: Shiny, uncoated, unalloyed copper wire or tubing Free from tarnish, insulation, paint, or solder Common Sources: Electrical wiring Plumbing pipe scraps Stripped cable from demolition jobs Recycling Process: Bare bright copper is the most valuable form in scrap copper recycling . It typically doesn’t require heavy processing—just cleaning and melting—before it can be reformed into new copper products.  2. No....