Hundreds of millions of pounds worth of copper found inside unused or binned electricals could help supply the growing demand for the metal, according to new research.
A study by Material Focus’ Recycle Your Electricals campaign found that UK households currently contain 1.3 billion unused or binned electricals, including more than 627 million cables, which combined are estimated to contain more than 38,000 tonnes of copper, worth around £266 million.
The research highlights analysis from Bloomberg Intelligence which says this copper could be vital to help meet growing global demand for the material if it is better recycled.
Meanwhile, the Royal Society of Chemistry has found that 347,000 tonnes of copper is needed to build wind turbines and solar panels by 2030.
As a result, Recycle Your Electricals is launching The Great Cable Challenge to mark International E-Waste Day, and is encouraging people to recycle one million cables to…
