Scrapping e-waste can be both rewarding and challenging. As electronic waste (e-waste) continues to grow as a hot commodity for scrappers, knowing how to find it can save you time and maximize your profits. Whether you’re scrapping computers, circuit boards, or appliances, having a strategy is key.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to find e-waste in your community and share tips for making the most of your finds. Plus, we’ll show you how the iScrap App can help you locate scrap yards that accept e-waste near you.
Searching high and low, finding e-waste is a GO!
Scrappers are always hunting for new material, and finding e-waste for scrap can be difficult for some. As long as you have the right tools for the job, they are relatively simple to pull apart once you find them.
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Common Types of E-Waste to Look For
Before you start hunting for e-waste, familiarize yourself with these common materials:
- Computers Towers: Scrap them whole or dismantle them for the valuable parts listed below:
- Motherboards, memory boards, CPUs, and hard drives.
- Circuit boards: Found in TVs, appliances, and laptops, circuit boards are full of precious metals and high-value components.
- Insulated Wires & Cell Phones: Often overlooked, these items can contain copper and other valuable materials.
- Laptops and Computer Servers: Compact but packed with high-value scrap materials similar to towers.
How to Find E-Waste in Your Area
- Start at home: Do you have broken or old electronics? Everyday items like computers, video games, DVD/CD players, cell phones, and more could be around your house. If they don’t work, you can take them apart and get the scrap out of them, but more importantly, add any computer boards to your e-waste pile.
- Craigslist/eBay: We know we may say it a lot, but online listings on sites like Craigslist are great places to find people looking to get rid of their scrap and maybe even some e-waste. Look for things like TVs, Computers, and other electronic systems. eBay could also be an excellent place to look for cheap e-waste parts. Things like broken computers or other broken electronics can often be listed there for parts. Sometimes, you can spend a few bucks to get a bulk load of e-waste.
- Local Businesses: Check with stores in your area that may have many computers or are going out of business. If they update their computers, they may look for a place to eliminate them. If they are going out of business, why not offer your services to them to help them get rid of their electronics?
- Keep an Eye Out While Driving: Always be aware of the items lying on the side of the road, like any other scrap. A computer, DVD player, or other electronics may have some circuit boards inside.
Pro Tip: Use the iScrap App
Remember that any item with computerized features most likely has a circuit board inside. Also, most electronics have wires attached, so cut them off and throw them in your insulated wire pile. Don’t forget to use the iScrap App to find a scrap yard near you that takes e-waste.
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