When most people think about precious metals, they instantly think of gold. A few other metals like silver and platinum may also come to mind. Most people, however, do not think about copper. Copper is actually more valuable than most people realize. It can also be found in a wide variety of electronics. Copper wire is a common component in many different types of household and office electronics. Many electronics have wires on both the inside and outside that can be cut off and scrapped. Here we’ll break down a list of some of the most common electronics where you can find copper to scrap.
TVs and Monitors
TVs and CRT monitors can be difficult to scrap. They are big and bulky, and most recycling facilities will actually charge you to recycle them instead of paying you. However, amost all monitors and TVs contain insulated copper wires. You can quickly and easily snip these wires off and add them to your pile for scrapping.
Laptop and Desktop Computers
Laptops and desktop computers both contain copper wires. When opening up your computers, you will usually find thin copper wires inside. Just like in TVs and monitors, these small wires can be easily cut out with a pair of basic household scissors. These wires are often overlooked but can net you even more profit when recycling electronics for cash. Desktop computers may also contain ribbon wire and thin insutlated connectors.
VCRs and DVD Players
VCRs and DVD Players used to be in every household and many businesses as well. You can find these old electronics very easily. Just like laptops and desktops, DVD players and VCRs contain insulated copper wire that can be quickly and easily removed and recycled for profit.
Large and Small Appliances
Large appliances like freezers, washing machines, refrigerators, dryers and more have copper wires in the back. Thse can be removed easily and shouldn’t be overlooked when scrapping these items. Likewise, smaller appliances like blenders, toasters, and more all have insulated copper wire on the inside and outside of the appliance.
Extension Cords
Broken or unwanted extension cords can be a great source for copper wire.
This is just a small list of the many different types of electronic items that contain copper wire. When recycling items for profit, copper wire can be easy to overlook. However, it just takes a few moments to remove copper wire from most of these items. While wire from one item may not be worth very much, it will add up to a good profit over time.