Tinned copper wires, distinguished by their silvery coating, are primarily used in electrical and electronic applications to resist corrosion. This tin coating can complicate recycling compared to regular copper wires, but with the correct method, the process is both manageable and environmentally advantageous. To differentiate between materials, cut the wire: tinned copper appears pink or red at the cross-section, while aluminum remains silver throughout. Understanding these distinctions ensures proper recycling and maximizes the benefits for both resource conservation and environmental health.

Thinned coated copper wires should always be without attachments.

• Thinned coated copper wires (Insulated) – Recyclable but often valued lower due to the additional effort required to remove the insulation.
• Thinned coated copper wires (Insulation removed) – Recyclable and generally more valuable due to less processing required.

• Sort and Separate
  Before recycling, ensure that tinned copper wires are separated from other types of wires and metals.
• Remove Insulation
  If possible, strip the insulation from the copper wire. While many recycling facilities can handle insulated wires, removing the insulation beforehand can increase the value of the copper.
• Avoid Contamination
  Ensure that the tinned copper wire is free from contaminants like oil, grease, or other residues. Contaminated wires can lower the quality of the recycled material and may even render it unusable.