How can you upcycle discarded copper pipes?

Where to find copper pipes in your house

Copper pipes are commonly used in houses for plumbing purposes. Copper pipes are non-toxic and safer than lead and hence most new households install copper pipes for their hot and cold water supply.

If you are upgrading the plumbing of your home, there is a lot you can do with copper pipes.

How to upcycle copper pipes?

This is the age of DIY. Upcycle is the recycling of old objects in such a way so as to create something of value. Here are some ways to upcycle discarded copper pipes.

If you have lots of copper piping, consider building an open copper bookshelf.
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Copper can also be re-used as a curtain road. It looks gleaming and great and goes well with any type of curtain.

Here are a few ways where copper pipes can be  upcycled as lamps. We think there is something amazingly beautiful about copper gleaming in light.

 

Selling copper as scrap

If you do not feel like experimenting with copper fixtures, there is another way you can help upcycle the metal.

Simply sell copper at the scrap yard to make some money. Copper is very highly valued at the scrap yard. The average return value is generally between $2-4 per pound of copper. Every time copper is recycled, 100% of the metal is recovered. So by selling copper at the scrap yard you are definitely doing your bit for the environment.

If you want to know about other metals you can sell to make money, read this blogpost.