Why companies should embrace urban mining for copper recovery

Global demand for copper continues to surge, while an upcoming shortage is anticipated soon.

To tackle this, companies across the UK should consider the practice of "urban mining" to recover valuable metals from discarded electrical goods.

There’s increasing pressure to meet decarbonisation targets and copper is a crucial component in wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicles. Mark Hall, waste expert at BusinessWaste.co.uk, believes that urban mining offers a practical and sustainable solution that benefits both businesses and the environment.

Recent research reveals that UK households are sitting on around 627 million unused cables that contain more than 38,000 tonnes of copper. That's enough copper to supply 30% of what the UK needs to transition to a decarbonised electricity grid by 2030. Mark Hall urges companies that use products containing copper to recover this valuable resource from old cables and other electrical goods, rather than throwing them away.

There are several benefits to embracing urban mining. Firstly, it helps secure a reliable copper supply at a time when the material is in high demand. With the UK planning to increase renewable energy projects, copper shortages pose a real threat to these developments. By mining copper from unused cables, businesses can exert greater control over their supply chains and mitigate risks linked to fluctuating copper prices and supply disruptions.

Secondly, urban mining is a much more sustainable option. Traditional copper mining has significant ecological impacts, from land degradation to water pollution. By reusing copper from discarded items, companies can reduce the need for new mining activities, protecting natural ecosystems and lowering their overall carbon footprint. This ties in with the broader goal of achieving net-zero emissions and showcases corporate responsibility by contributing to global sustainability efforts.

Another major advantage is potential financial savings. Copper is becoming an increasingly expensive commodity, and the rising cost of raw materials is a growing concern for many industries. Recovering copper from cables that would otherwise go to waste offers businesses an affordable and renewable source of the metal, helping to reduce operational costs in the long run. Additionally, companies could create new revenue streams by selling recovered copper or repurposing it in their own manufacturing processes.

Mark concludes: “We are sitting on a vast amount of copper hidden in old cables and unused electrical devices. At BusinessWaste.co.uk, we see urban mining as a vital step towards building a circular economy, where waste is minimised, and valuable materials are continually reused.

“Companies that take the lead in this initiative will help address the looming copper supply shortage and set an example in responsible resource management, ensuring a more sustainable future for all.”