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Find specific sources of copper that are always reliable. Find copper wire inside old electronics. Search construction and remodeling sites. Look for copper in your home. Understand the consequences of copper theft.
Most people who sell scrap copper don't rely on finding it by chance. They have sources on which they rely to find a steady supply of copper to sell. For example, you might be able to set up an agreement with an appliance repair store to pick up damaged goods you know contain copper. They might be happy to allow you to recycle what would otherwise wind up in a landfill. Cut wires off the outside. Wire can be snipped off of TV's and monitors with scissors. Cut off the plugs from the end to add to your brass pile. The small black boxes on charging cables can be cut off and put in your transformer pile. Search inside for insulated wires and connectors. Thinner insulated copper wires can be found throughout old laptops, VCR's and DVD players. Take apart desktop computer towers to find the ribbon wire and insulated connectors in the board and hard drive. Large appliances are often sold for steel. But don't forget to look inside for copper wiring. Small appliances such as coffee makers, AC units, fans, blenders and toasters may all have copper wiring inside. Small electronics, such as cell phones, cameras and hand-held games are good places to search for copper wire. Electricians scrape up electrical wire for scrap during demolition. Plumbing materials also contain copper and brass. Always check with the owner or a construction supervisor before taking copper away from a property that you do not own. Even if you are being paid to clean a demolition site, that does not give you a claim to the wire or any other materials you find there. Look for old statues or decor. Old garden gnomes, statues and other lawn ornaments may contain copper. In addition, sometimes roofing material is made from copper sheeting. Roofing copper is recyclable and environmentally friendly. Unless you have permission to remove copper from a property you do not own, it is considered theft. Copper theft has been on the rise since the value of copper started to increase in 2004. CNBC refers to copper theft as an epidemic that is sweeping the United States. The FBI states that copper theft is threatening the infrastructure of the United States. Thieves are targeting electrical sub-stations, cellular towers, telephone land lines, railroads, water wells, construction sites, and vacant homes. Delivery of electricity, water, telecommunications, transportation and security and emergency services is disrupted. This poses a threat to public safety and national security. Businesses are taking steps to protect themselves from copper theft. They are installing security cameras, securing metals in locked areas, installing alarms, limiting access to buildings and increasing lighting. In many states, the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony has to do with the value of items stolen. Since copper is so valuable, copper thieves are often charged with a felony when caught. Also, since copper thieves can knock out traffic lights or disrupt 911 services, other felony charges such as disrupting public service may be filed.