Working at a scrap yard is a tough job. It’s dirty, noisy, and requires a lot of manual labor. However, what gets under the skin of scrap yard employees are the common annoyances that come with the territory. Our Facebook Group banded together and shared a list of their worst annoyances when dealing with scrap.
If you want to get on a scrapper’s (or your local yard employees’) good side, here are some things to remember and avoid.
Keep Your Scrap Sorted!
One of the biggest pet peeves for any scrapper is people who slow down the line in the scrap yard.
After all the work to find scrap metal, load it in your truck, and head to the yard, the last thing people want to see is someone holding up the line with a huge load of unsorted metals. It’s a massive time-waster and creates unnecessary headaches for both the yard workers and other scrappers behind you in line.
Cleaning Dirty and Unsanitary Scrap
Bringing in dirty, unsanitary appliances, like refrigerators, is another major annoyance. These items often contain leftover food, mold, and other unpleasant surprises. Not only is it gross, but it also poses health risks to the workers.
Making Sure To Clean Aluminum Cans!
Much like larger appliances, no one wants to deal with unsanitary smaller scrap. They attract bugs, create a mess, and often smell bad. Plus, because aluminum has a lower value, you often need larger quantities to make up for the profit. When in doubt, rinse out your aluminum cans before recycling. It keeps the yard cleaner and makes the process more pleasant for everyone involved.
Last-Minute Large Loads
Coming in with a massive load of scrap just before closing time is a surefire way to get on the bad side of any scrapper. It delays closing procedures and often requires workers to stay late to process everything. Plan your visits ahead of time and try to arrive well before closing. If you have a large load, call the yard in advance to see if they can accommodate you.
Misinformed Junk Removal Clients
Another significant pet peeve for scrappers is dealing with misinformed junk removal clients. Often, these clients have unrealistic expectations about the ease of removing scrap metal from their property. Large, heavy pieces of steel, appliances, or hazardous items like barbed wire fences can be difficult and dangerous to handle. Additionally, many clients are surprised when scrappers demand compensation for their services, mistakenly assuming that the value of the scrap metal covers the labor costs. This misunderstanding can lead to frustration when clients try to offload non-metal junk or expect immediate removal of items placed at the curb without guaranteeing they’ll still be there when the scrapper arrives.
Respecting Scrappers and Their Work
By considering these common pet peeves and making a few simple adjustments, you can make life easier for the hardworking employees at your local scrap yard and other scrappers in your area. Not only will you get on their good side, but you’ll also help create a more efficient and pleasant environment for everyone involved.
