The Mighty Metal Series: Copper – The Unsung Hero with Superpowers

Copper might not have a star on the recycling walk of fame like aluminum or steel, but trust us—this reddish-brown beauty is working overtime behind the scenes. If metals had a backstage pass, copper would be running the whole show.

From your plumbing to your phone charger, copper is everywhere—and the best part? It’s infinitely recyclable.

Copper 101: What Makes It So Special?

Let’s break it down. Copper is:

• A top-tier conductor of electricity and heat (your wires love it)

  
  

• Tough but bendy, which makes it perfect for pipes and fittings

  
  

• Naturally antimicrobial (you’ll find it in hospitals and doorknobs)

  
  

• And honestly? It’s just plain good-looking.

Whether it’s powering your playlist or keeping your water flowing, copper is quietly holding it all together.

Copper’s Secret Identity: Hiding in Plain Sight

Here’s the thing—copper isn’t always obvious. It’s not just scrap pipes and pretty pennies. In fact, many of the items we throw away or stuff in the garage contain valuable copper, often tucked inside a plastic shell or wound into a motor.

Here are some household items that commonly contain copper:

• Old Electrical Cords and Chargers – That tangle of cords in your junk drawer? There’s copper inside.

  
  

• Appliances – Think blenders, hairdryers, fans, vacuums, and microwaves. Many contain copper wiring or small motors.

  
  

• Ceiling fans and Light Fixtures – When they break, don’t just toss them—strip them or bring them in whole.

  
  

• Plumbing Scraps – Copper pipes are obvious, but even connectors or fittings might qualify.

  
  

• Old Extension Cords – A garage sale reject that’s secretly worth something.

  
  

• ...and Christmas Lights - You might not immediately think of these at first but its true! Copper help make them shine bright!

  
  

So if you’re decluttering, downsizing, or swapping out electronics—pause before you toss. You could be holding onto something with real recycling value.

Why Recycle Copper? (Hint: It’s Basically Magic)

Copper doesn’t lose its superpowers when recycled. That means:

• Less mining and reduced environmental damage

• Up to 85% less energy used compared to producing new copper

• More money in your pocket, especially if you’ve got a haul of old wires or metal parts

  
  

Recycling copper helps keep valuable materials in use and rewards you for clearing out the clutter. Win-win

Drop It Off, Give It New Life Think of Comal Iron & Metals as your copper treasure hunters. Bring in those mystery bins of wires, broken appliances, or spare plumbing parts—we’ll sort it, weigh it, and make sure every bit of copper gets a proper encore.

But before you go recycle with us, there's one thing to keep in mind! As you now know, copper is one of the most valuable and versatile metals out there — so valuable, in fact, that it’s considered a regulated material by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Because of this, when you bring in copper to Comal Iron & Metals & want to get paid for it, we’re required to collect a valid ID and a few details to complete the process. It’s all part of keeping the system fair, safe, and responsible for everyone.

We appreciate you taking the time to keep it out of the landfill! We’re here to make it worth your while!