Copper In-Use Stock and Copper Scrap in the State of Connecticut, USA by J. Rauch, M. Eckelman, R. Gordon (2007)

Copper In-Use Stock and Copper Scrap in the State of Connecticut, USA

Title

Copper In-Use Stock and Copper Scrap in the State of Connecticut, USA

Author(s)

Jason Rauch

Matthew J Eckelman

R.B. Gordon

Year

2007

Type

Journal Article

Source

Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, Publication Series, Report Number 10

Abstract

During the summer of 2006, the standing in-use stocks and associated discards of
copper, centered about the year 2000, were quantified for the State of Connecticut.
The methodology, results, and discussion are published here in three parts:
Part A. In-Use Stocks of Copper in the State of Connecticut
Part B. Discard Flows from In-Use Stocks of Copper in the State of Connecticut
Part C. Recycling Rate of Old Scrap Copper in the State of Connecticut
Among the most important and interesting results are as follows:
1) A 'bottom-up' assessment of the in-use stocks of copper in the State of Connecticut,
circa 2000, yields an overall result of approximately 540 Gg (thousand metric tons) of
copper, or 157 kg for every person in the State. Buildings make up the largest category
with 53% of the total, with residential buildings as the largest sub-category.
2) The discard flows of copper from in-use stocks were quantified by applying a lifetime
analysis to the in-use stock estimates of copper in Connecticut. A total copper mass of
17 Gg/yr (thousand metric tons per year), or 5.1 kg/(capita*year),was discarded from inuse
stocks at the beginning of the 21st century. Renovation and demolition debris
make up the largest category with 36% of the total, followed by waste from electronic
and electrical equipment (26%), transportation (23%), and infrastructure (14%).
3) The recovery rate, recycling efficiency, and recycling rate for copper from in-use stock
discards were quantified for the State of Connecticut for the year 2000. With a
recovery rate of 84%, and recycling efficiency of 75%, the overall recycling rate was
found to be 63%. Neglecting sewage sludge, the lowest recycling rate occurred in endof-
life vehicles and waste from electronic and electrical equipment (45%). A rough
estimate combining this old scrap recycling rate with that of new scrap puts the overall
recycling rate of copper in Connecticut at approximately 70%.

Copper In-Use Stock and Copper Scrap in the State of Connecticut, USA

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