Maximizing Your Scrap Metal Earnings

Getting the most money from your scrap metal is one of the most important goals when you begin scrapping. Find the right resources and ways to maximize your scrap profits and you will be rolling in the scrap cash. If you are looking to become a full- or part-time scrapper, it is important to do your homework, otherwise you could lose a lot of money. Below are some good things to keep in mind when you are looking to make more money with your scrap metal.

When you begin scrapping, two important things to know are: where the closest scrap yard is and what materials they accept. If you are new, finding a scrap yard can be a bit difficult because you don’t notice them like you would notice a restaurant or grocery store. Instead they are often tucked away in industrial spaces or down smaller, less-traveled roads. If you need to find a scrap yard, you can use the iScrap App online, on your mobile phone, iPhone or Android for free. We list thousands of scrap yards and auto wreckers through the US & Canada.

That brings us to another point, finding the best scrap prices in your area. When you are searching for a scrap yard, it is easy to find a close one, but that doesn’t mean it is the right one. Scrap Yard #1 may not pay top dollar for your copper wire, but Scrap Yard #2 that is 5 miles down the road may. On the other hand, Scrap Yard #2 may not pay the best price for steel and iron, but Scrap Yard #1 does, so you bring your steel there. It is important to know what materials your local yards accept and also what their pricing trends are compared to those around you. Keep in mind it may take time for you to establish the best options, but trial and error are always good when you are looking to make the most money. Don’t forget to ask others where they sell their scrap metal as well.

When you finally figured out the best scenario of where to bring your scrap, it is a good idea to call the scrap yard before you go. If it is your first time going to this yard, call ahead to get their current prices over the phone and also ask them any questions you may have. One of the most important things to know is the procedure at that particular yard. Most yards have their own way of doing things, whether you have to unload or if they unload. Another option is if they have a drive up scale or a small scale. Knowing how to prepare your material for their yard and what to expect will get you in a out of their facility quicker. For more advice on preparing for the scrap yard check out this article.

One way to maximize your scrap earnings, is to get your schedule organized and know what the best options to collect more scrap. If you are looking to make some extra money from scrapping, it is a good idea to take out your calendar. If you have your community calendar, there should be a garbage schedule on there. With that information, you will be able to schedule your scrap run routes in the area to look for bulk material.

Using your community’s schedule you can plan your days of picking, separating, and unloading at the scrap yard. Keep a look out for the bulk garbage days especially, these are the best days to find some good items like appliances (fridges, dryer, washer, dishwasher, etc.) and electronics (TV’s, workout equipment, etc.). Take a look at some more details and ideas when you are scheduling your scrap pickups.

An easy way to make more money on your scrap, is to collect more! It can be hard to get more scrap when you seem to be doing the same pickups over and over again. Instead take time to expand your connections and get more clients for pickups and cleanouts. If you are looking to make more money, letting more people know about what you do will increase your chances of getting a phone call. If you have flyers or business cards created, hand them out to friends and family. They may have some scrap for pickup or may know someone that does. Marketing services will increase your chances of getting more scrap. Use some of these tips to market your scrap metal services.

We say it a lot, SEPARATE. When you are dealing with multiple types of materials and scrap items, the most important tip we give out is to separate. When you take the time to separate your bare bright copper wire from your Insulated Copper Wire or your steel from your aluminum, you are always bound to make more money. It goes back to my previous point about calling your scrap yard for their procedures. The more organized and separate your scrap is, the easier it is for everyone. For you, you will have a better idea of what materials you have and how much you have. For your scrap yard, it will be easy for them to weigh your materials up properly and pay you the right price knowing that the materials are separated. Take the extra time to look into the particular materials you should be separating here.

Now that you have a good idea of ways to prepare your materials and do some homework to make more money on you scrap, it’s time to get started. Download the iScrap App and start finding the best scrap yard options out there for you. You can begin to organize your scrap metal and your connections to start collecting more scrap. Good luck and happy scrapping!