Is there a "How To" on scrap metal?

[DirkSears]

Is there a "How To" on scrap metal?

I'm really interested in learning the in's and out's of the scrap metal gold mine but I'm not sure how. I guess what I'm looking for is some advice on how you guys and gals make extra cash scrapping stuff. The more detailed info you can provide the better. I'm looking for someone to be kind enough to give some really detailed info instead of saying "take cans to recycling" or "find some copper and cash it in".

What do you scrap
when do you scrap
where do you scrap
Why do you scrap
who do you scrap (sell to / buy from)

Please help and give an eager scrapper to be some good info!

Thanks!

 

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[DirkSears]

Re: Is there a "How To" on scrap metal?

OK, due to the lack of replies let me rephrase my question...

Can you guys point me in the right direction of things to try? Do you go to appliance shops and try to get refrigerator coils? Do you go to car lots and try to get old batteries? Do you look in the paper for used AC units for sale?

What are the a few things that I might try to get started in the scrap business? I'm just looking for a little insight and help not your entire process on exactly how you make money selling scrap metal.

 

[aa battery]

Re: Is there a "How To" on scrap metal?

The scrap i find is due to metal detecting like copper, brass or anything i dig up that you can take in except iron. If i stuck iron in my pockets my pants would fall down . ...aa

 

[mnplumberman]

Re: Is there a "How To" on scrap metal?

I am just a beginner at this myself, but maybe I can give you ideas on some easy ways to
get started.

Craigslist - look under the "Free" section. You will find people giving away
all sorts of scrapable materials..... Washers, Dryers, Water Heaters, Furnaces,
Cast Iron sinks and tubs, aluminum siding. Like anything else you have to decide if it is worth your time and money (gas) to pick these things up.
Dumpster Diving – Going out on garbage nights and picking up anything metal. Appliances are always good. If you don’t have the room or can’t take an appliance that you find, I always cut off the power cord. Jobsite dumpsters are some of the best to hit. Apartment complexes are good, because people are moving in and out a lot.
Buisnesses- You can contact businesses, (it is best to stop by in person), Plumbing, Heating, Hardware, Appliance, Automotive, etc. It never hurts to stop by and see what they do with their scrap.
People – It doesn’t hurt to tell people, especially people you trust, what you are up to. If you let your friends, neighbors, coworkers know that you are recycling scrap, they often will let you know when someone is remodeling their home, or buying new appliances. It is a pain for people to get rid of large amounts of metal scrap (aluminum siding, cast iron sinks, etc…), or large appliances. People will be happy to get rid of them, and some people even offer you gas money.

I have only been at this for a month or so, but I have had success using all the above items. Hopefully this helped a little.
-MNPlumberman

 

[DirkSears]

Re: Is there a "How To" on scrap metal?

Thank you MNplumberman! That is very helpful!

 

[allen_idaho]

Re: Is there a "How To" on scrap metal?

As for where you should take the scrap you collect, you should look for Metal Recycling facilities. This is usually the place people drop off their aluminum cans. But in most cases, they are full service facilities that recycle all types of metal.

For example, here in Northern Idaho is a place called Pacific Steel and Recycling. They have a website which lists exactly what they take and what you have to do to certain items (i.e. motors) before they can be accepted. So I would suggest looking in the yellow pages for metal recyclers in your area.