Copper scrap and copper alloys production from recycled used objects is 10 or 15% of mine production. In addition, there is considerable re-melting/re-refining of scrap generated during fabrication and manufacture.

The treatment given to copper scrap depends on its purity. The lowest grade scrap is smelted and refined like concentrate in a primary or secondary (scrap) smelter/refinery. Higher-grade scrap is fire-refined, then electro-refined. The highest-grade scrap (mainly manufacturing waste) is often melted and cast without refining. Its copper is used for non-electrical products, including tube, sheet, and alloys. Alloy scrap (brass, bronze) is melted and cast as alloy. (Excerpt from Extractive Metallurgy of Copper)