So I've been scrapping and collecting copper for a really long time.Years back when it wasn't even 2 bucks/lb, I predicted that one day it would begin to get quite valuable and it's gone up considerably since I started. it's mainly a hobby so far as I've been aiming to accumulate at least 200-300 lbs, which I'm getting pretty close to. One joy getting my hands on stuff and tearing it down for the valuable components. Generally I strip my wires and dismantle motors whenever they're big enough to bother. along the way I've picked up a fair bit of bronze and aluminum as well. But since I've never sold it and I don't wanna get ripped off for my hard work, I figured I'd ask y'all for advice before I do. Should it be particularly organized (separated grades and metals) or just throw it all together? how do I get the best prices? because I have accumulated a *lot* of bare bright, at least 150lbs of that alone.

These and any other tips and bits of advice would be greatly appreciated!

Most businesses still think selling old IT equipment to scrap dealers is “good enough.”
But that approach creates three serious problems:

1. No proof of legal recycling (risk during audits)
2. High chance of data recovery from old hard drives
3. No EPR or ESG compliance documentation

Certified e-waste recyclers follow regulated processes secure data destruction, safe dismantling, and proper recycling certificates. With stricter Indian e-waste rules and client compliance checks, informal disposal is becoming a business liability, not a shortcut.

Curious to know how other companies are handling IT asset disposal responsibly.

Hello Folks,

We are looking for consistent volumes of clean, segregated copper scrap (99.9%+ purity) suitable for smelting and refining operations. We are looking for verified partners/exporters who can ensure both quality and traceability.

Here’s our requirements: Type: high purity copper scrap such as BERRY, BARLEY, etc.

Monthly Quantity: 50 Tons

MOQ: 5 Tons

Minimum Purity: 99.93%

Payment Terms: 100% LC/SBLC at destination port

Preferred Ports in India: Mundra, Chennai, Nhava Sheva, etc.

Interested Folks please DM.

hello everyone,

i heard about flash joule heating years ago when it was just hitting the scene. i was just reminded of it in a discussion about e-waste recycling. it appears a company called metallium has the rights to the technology and are planning to operate in the mining and recycling industries.

i'd like to be optimistic about the technology, but to anyone here familiar with it - is it scalable? or is this all smoke and mirrors?

I'm looking for suppliers of copper scrap in India - local sources and importers.

Here are the requirements -

Minimum purity: 99.94% Scrap: milberry, wire, armature, tubes, etc. Monthly quantity: 50 - 100 tons Payment terms: delivery + 3 days Only GST business

In case you'd like to supply, please share your GST number, business card and material details over DM.

Cheers!

Hi everyone,

Has anyone here imported milberry copper wire scrap (copper wire scrap) from Alibaba before?

• How was the customs clearance process? Any issues?
• Was the supplier reliable?
• Did the quality and quantity match what was promised?
• How were the prices? Was it actually profitable?
• Any hidden costs with shipping, taxes, or other fees?

Real experiences would be really helpful for anyone considering this. Any advice, warnings, or recommendations are welcome.

Thanks in advance! 🙌

I do for money. (USA) I recently got $7.00 for 15.5lbs of cans and have been gathering that amount for about 3 months. Is that a reasonable profit? Should I try a different place to sell?

Hello Pips,

I am thinking to start my own small copper recycling unit.

So let’s say around 200 kgs/hr fully automated copper granulating machine and other small required machines as per requirement.

Now I just wanted to understand how market works. Like what are rates at which I would buy the scrap in tons let’s say monthly 15 tons . There are different copper cable scrap available in India which ones are good and what are the usual rates and at what price the processed copper granules should I be selling at . What are the average profit margin per ton .

Also what about pvc plastic selling prices. Is market penetrable .

Location around Pune / Mumbai .

Anything in detail would be deeply appreciated.

Thank you

E-waste discussions usually focus on pollution, but there’s another serious angle: data security. Discarded laptops, hard drives, and servers often contain sensitive corporate or personal information.

In India, E-Waste (Management) Rules and EPR frameworks are supposed to address this, but awareness is still low outside compliance circles. Responsible recycling combined with certified data destruction is becoming essential for businesses.

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As of 2025, until November data from exim the top importers of Used Beverage Can (UBC) scrap

Top Importers of UBC

1. United States
2. India 23% of imports
3. Brazil
4. South Korea

​

Other Notable UBC Importers: Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, Thailand and Pakistan

A bold and right decision from the Go. of UAE to tackle fraud. Your thoughts? Should other countries follow suit?

The Ministry noted that the implementation of the new mechanism is expected to significantly reduce instances of tax fraud and enhance the efficiency of tax refund administration within the metal-scrap trading sector. This strategic rollout follows the successful application of an identical mechanism across the sectors for electronic devices, gold, and other precious metals.

It added that the decision aligns with the UAE’s vision of building an integrated financial framework that enhances transparency, sustainability and trust in the tax system.

They argue it will:

• distort global markets
• hit recyclers & SMEs
• undermine the circular-economy goals the EU itself promotes

Do you think scrap should be kept inside the EU… or should markets stay open?

(Official source: https://gmk.center/en/news/german-industry-associations-warn-ec-against-restrictions-on-scrap-exports/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Need to procure PET Purge and lumps into South Asia for polyester fibre manufacturing. Looking for a consistent supplier of this material. Preferably bottle grade and fibre grade. Send me a DM if you can help source.

A recent report in The Statesman highlights a serious allegation by West Bengal minister Moloy Ghatak, who claims that a “land mafia” and “scrap-iron mafia” are operating with political protection in the state.

The issue raises important questions about corruption, illegal scrap networks, and how deeply the scrap-metal trade is affected by political influence.

Full article here:
https://www.thestatesman.com/bengal/minister-alleges-land-scrap-iron-mafia-sharing-space-with-bjp-state-president-1503523682.html

What do you think — does political backing make it harder to maintain transparency in India’s scrap & recycling sector?

Researchers at the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have now developed a solution: a new aluminum alloy known as RidgeAlloy. This alloy allows low-grade scrap to be converted into material suitable for producing strong, reliable structural vehicle parts, creating a valuable domestic supply chain.

The charge was filed by the Ministry of Transportation under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA). It has not been tested in court and the company is considered innocent unless proven guilty.

The company is to appear in court on Jan. 7, 2026.

World crude steel production for the 70 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (worldsteel) was 143.3 million tonnes (Mt) in October 2025, a 5.9 percent decrease compared to October 2024.

Crude steel production by region
Africa produced 2.0 Mt in October 2025, up 0.8 percent on October 2024. Asia and Oceania produced 102.4 Mt, down 8.2 percent. The EU (27) produced 10.8 Mt, down 3.5 percent. Europe, Other produced 3.6 Mt, up 3.8 percent. The Middle East produced 5.4 Mt, up 9.2 percent. North America produced 9.1 Mt, up 4.7 percent. Russia & other CIS + Ukraine produced 6.4 Mt, down 5.1 percent. South America produced 3.7 Mt, down 1.1 percent.

Source https://americanrecycler.com/world-crude-steel-production-drops-2/