This study presents a novel superhydrophobic copper mesh (SCM) based centrifugal device for efficient separation of edible oil from oily wastewater. The SCM was prepared through chemical etching, exhibiting a water contact angle (WCA) of 155.1 ± 1.8° and an oil contact angle (OCA) of 0°, indicating superhydrophobic and superoleophilic properties. The device demonstrated high oil–water separation efficiency, achieving 96.7% for sunflower seed oil–water, 93.3% for corn oil–water, and 98.3% for peanut oil–water mixtures. The separation efficiency remained above 90% after 18 cycles, highlighting the device's stability and reusability. A model was established to analyze the separation mechanism via centrifugation, showing that the SCM's surface properties and centrifugal force effectively separate oil from water. The device has potential for large-scale applications in oil–water separation processes.This study presents a novel superhydrophobic copper mesh (SCM) based centrifugal device for efficient separation of edible oil from oily wastewater. The SCM was prepared through chemical etching, exhibiting a water contact angle (WCA) of 155.1 ± 1.8° and an oil contact angle (OCA) of 0°, indicating superhydrophobic and superoleophilic properties. The device demonstrated high oil–water separation efficiency, achieving 96.7% for sunflower seed oil–water, 93.3% for corn oil–water, and 98.3% for peanut oil–water mixtures. The separation efficiency remained above 90% after 18 cycles, highlighting the device's stability and reusability. A model was established to analyze the separation mechanism via centrifugation, showing that the SCM's surface properties and centrifugal force effectively separate oil from water. The device has potential for large-scale applications in oil–water separation processes.