When it comes to recycling, one of the best materials to recycle is copper. Copper is a 100% recyclable material, meaning that any copper product, once it reaches the end of its life, can be turned into something new if recycled. That is a large part of why it is such a valuable scrap metal. Here are four reasons to engage in copper wire recycling.

Reason #1: Reduce Mining

Every time you take any scrap copper metal or wiring that you have to a recycling center and allow it to be turned back into something new, you are helping with the decline of mining. Each piece of metal that is recycled is another piece of metal that doesn't have to be mined and pulled out of the ground. This helps to save fossil fuels, energy, and people's time.

Reason #2: Reducing Refining

Mining copper out of the earth is only the first step. Then, it has to go through a refining process so that it can be used. Taking old copper, though, and getting it ready for a new product only takes a fraction of its energy to refine virgin copper. By recycling, you reduce the need for all the energy, gas, and toxins that are involved in the regular refinement process.

Reason #3: Reduce Landfills

Landfills may be a place to put old junk, but they are also a blight and often an environmental risk. Landfills are something that needs to be reduced as much as possible. One of the best ways to reduce the required space for landfills is by reducing what gets sent to them in the first place.

Copper is found in many items that make their way to the landfill, from household electronic items to wires to computers and vehicles. Most homes have hundreds of pounds of copper hidden inside items. That is why it is so important to remove any copper from things before throwing them out, so that waste doesn't go to the landfill but can instead be used in a productive manner.

Reason #4: Make Money

Another reason to recycle copper is that you can make money doing it. Old copper is so valuable, as it can be reused entirely that scrap metal yards and other places will pay you for your old copper. You can make a little spare change by bringing in old copper for your home or job site. Or you can search for copper and turn to sell old copper into a decent side-hustle job.

If you care about the environment, you should engage in recycling old copper. If you want to make a little money on the side, you should recycle old copper. Recycling copper is a great way to make money and help the environment at the same time.

For more information on copper wire recycling, contact a company like American Scrap Metal Services.