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Copper Recycling Copper is one of the most recycled of all metals. In 1997, 37% of copper consumption came from recycled copper. Copper-based products have a wide variety of life spans (from a few years in electronic devices, to over a 100 years in architectural uses). Assuming an average life span of 30 years for most products, copper's truer recycling rate would be 85%. Virtually all products made from copper can be recycled. Industry uses recycled copper (also known as secondary copper) as a major source of raw material. In some instances, recycled copper can be remelted and directly used without any further processing. In effect, copper can be considered as renewable since it can be recycled over and over again without losing any of its chemical or physical properties. Some countries' copper requirements greatly depend on recycled copper to meet internal demands. However, recycled copper alone cannot meet society's needs, so we also rely on copper produced from the processing of mineral ores. Recycling is dependent on the efficiency of the scrap collection system, technological and economic factors, product design, societal values, as well as on the incentives and barriers introduced by society, including governments. Recycling is an important economic activity with significant environmental benefits. Not only does recycling copper result in more efficient use of natural resources, but it also results in energy savings and a reduction in material sent for final disposal, such as to a landfill.
Cuttings, filings and other excess material produced during the various stages of manufacturing, and products disposed after their useful life, can all be recycled. Judicious design, use, recycling, and disposal of materials is an integral part of a sustainable society.
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