Recycling Copper: Give Your Home a Dynamic Touch

California has become synonymous with innovation over the past few decades. With all those new technological developments coming out of the state, recycling has become an integral part of the conversation.

Copper, for instance, is one of the most common materials used in electrical equipment. As such, repurposing it could prove to be immensely valuable. One way to do that is to look for centers specializing in copper recycling in Sunnyvale, CA. 

Recycled copper retains most of its raw material value, enabling it to be used again in electrical appliances. Still, there are plenty of creative uses for it as well. You could, for instance, use it to design certain accessories or add a little flair to home appliances.

So, here are some ways you can get creative with recycled copper. Read on to know more.

Getting Down to Business

First and foremost, you’ll need to obtain some used copper. That’s not a challenging task if you are a resident of Sunnyvale. After all, studies have found that 60% of national copper sources come from leftover scrap material.

Your local scrap metal center or vendor will be your best bet. Once you have what you need, you can start your DIY projects. 

• Mobile Back Covers

Due to how robust and pliable they are, repurposed copper wires make for excellent mobile frameworks. If the cable is fine enough, you may skip the thread and hang your phone using just the wire. 

To make loops at the ends of the pieces, bend the copper with pliers. Remember that patience is essential while creating any art. Additionally, clean your pieces with polish regularly to maintain them. Copper cleaners are available at any local hardware shop. 

Now, you can start looking at old appliances and abandoned copper heaps with an artist’s eye.

• Lawn Sprinklers

Besides watering the yard, sprinklers can often be fascinating playthings for children. With how hot Sunnyvale summers can get, you can’t blame children for wanting to play around with water. Why not make your sprinklers a little more interesting, then? 

Using discarded copper, you can build your own sprinkler. Such devices work based on a hose linked to a copper framework. Essentially, water is discharged through slotted holes in the frame.

The method you use to construct the apparatus will depend on your expertise. If it gets too confusing, do a quick google search.  

• Copper Jewelry 

A good set of pliers is the only essential equipment for crafting homemade jewelry. Contrary to popular belief, syringe tweezers and wire clippers are only ever valid for thinner materials. You could also invest in a pair of forceps to make the entire process easier.

To start with, look for easy designs and patterns. Recycled copper brooches and pins, for example, are always a good beginner project. 

One suggestion would be to briefly talk with vendors specializing in copper recycling in Sunnyvale, CA. With their experience, these vendors could tell you all you need to know about working with recycled copper.

Consult a jewelry specialist as well. If you can’t find one, your local craft store will surely have a few people who are knowledgeable in crafting DIY jewelry. 

There are so many possibilities when it comes to reusing copper. It’s also vital that you do, considering that the material, itself, is a finite resource. 

A lot of people consider copper to be a soft option when it comes to artistic projects. When used correctly, however, you’ll notice that no other material can deliver the same results.

After all, look at most contemporary art sculptures. Most of them use copper as a base material for their framework.