Copper, like aluminum, is 100% recyclable, both as a raw material and in products. By volume, copper is the third most recycled after iron and aluminum. It is estimated that 80% of the copper that has been mined is still in use today. The International Resource Panel in its report “Metal Stocks in Society” estimates that the global community has between 35 and 55 kilograms of copper per capita available for use, with developed countries having higher per capita availability (140 to 300 kilograms) and less developed countries having lower per capita availability (30 to 40 kilograms).[34] The International Resource Panel estimates that the global community has between 35 and 55 kilograms of copper per capita available for use.
The copper recovery process is essentially the same as the mining process, but with fewer steps. High-purity copper scrap is melted in a furnace, reduced, and cast into billets and ingots. Low-purity copper scrap is refined by electroplating in sulfuric acid.
