This tip may not have to do with sorting or separating metal, but it does have to do with making money. One great idea is ALWAYS to ask questions and take pictures or videos.
When you go to your local scrap yard, or a new scrap yard that you find through the iScrap App, ask them if you can have a small tour around to see the different ways to sort and separate your metals. You might see a metal that you have ignored or not cleaned in the past, and snapping a quick picture will help you remember it later on.
Always ask to take a picture before just taking it. Some scrap yards have specific rules against picture or videos being taken at their yard both for privacy and personal reasons so make sure to ask ahead of time. Some people have posted pictures that they are not allowed to take and that could Lead to a legal problem.
Taking pictures and making notes is a great way to remember and organize yourself for all future scrapping as well as learning and growing your scrap metal knowledge.
Some examples of when you may want to take some photos of your scrap metal are:
- When you are trying to get a quote of your copper cable or wire from your scrap yard, it can help identify the type of copper wire scrap you are in possession of.
- If you are going to a job site, be sure to take a photo of the before and after clean out area. It can be helpful for your scrapping business and showing off your work.
- Sometimes you can come across items that can be resold or auctioned off, instead go into the scrap pile. Taking a photo to do some research can help.
- Show off your latest load of copper pipe or aluminum gutters. It doesn’t hurt to be a “know it all” scrapper sometimes.
Some tips when taking photos of your scrap metal:
- Be sure to keep you lens on your camera or smartphone protected when you are around scrap metal.
- When taking photos, try to take a horizontal photo that way you can capture the bigger picture of the scrap you are looking at.
- Zoom into the details of wires or parts when you are looking for specific information. It will be easier to identify what you are scrapping.
- Be sure to set the lens to focus so you can see details on equipment, appliances, computers, and other items that you may be able to sell later online.
