afvalkoperdraad

Afvalkoperdraad is copper wire that has been discarded as waste or collected for recycling. It typically consists of copper conductors with an outer layer of insulation, most often made of PVC or polyethylene, and occurs in both insulated and bare forms. It is a common form of copper scrap from electrical installations, construction sites, and households.

Sources include old electrical cables, appliance leads, and dismantled wiring from renovations or decommissioned equipment. The wire varies in thickness, length, and whether it is tightly bundled or loose, and may contain a mix of copper alloys in some cases.

Recycling involves scrap yards sorting copper-rich material and separating insulation from copper through shredding, magnetic separation, and air classifiers. The insulation is removed, and the clean copper is melted and refined into ingots or rod stock for new products, often used for new cables or plumbing applications. Recovered copper retains high conductivity and value.

Environmental and economic aspects: Recycling afvalkoperdraad saves energy and reduces emissions relative to primary copper production, while preserving natural resources. The scrap value depends on copper grade and market prices. Improper disposal, such as open burning of insulated cables, can release toxic gases and pollute soil and air.

Regulatory and handling notes: In many regions, afvalkoperdraad is treated as household or industrial scrap and must be handled according to waste and recycling regulations. Clean separation of copper from insulation improves recycling efficiency and market value.

See also: Copper recycling, Scrap copper, Electrical waste.