Where Can You Find Free Scrap?

We have heard for years about scrappers never paying for their scrap and only pick-up things that are free…well, wouldn’t it be just peachy to know really quick? They say there is more than one way to skin a cat, and there should be more than one way to scrap some metal, and there certainly seems to be after talking and listening to so many scrappers over the years.

Top Ways To Find Free Scrap Metal:

  • Search The Streets
  • Check Antique or Junk Stores
  • Know Contractors That Deal With Metals
  • Buying Scrap & Selling It For More Money
  • Have A Drop Off Spot At Your House

Since we launched the Scrap Metal Talk Facebook page in 2018, we have seen so many people talking about different ways to get scrap for free- that got us wondering. How do people get “free” scrap? Below, we list a few ways and places you can find scrap metal to recycle.

Idea #1 – Search the Streets

What To Look For:

  • Appliances
  • Racks
  • Tables/Chairs
  • TV/Computer

Drive around the neighborhood with your truck and a set of straps to tie down anything you see that looks to be of value. Once in a while, there is something good buried and maybe sticking out. That’s the best case and always is a welcome thing. We read and see pictures through emails and social media of finds that different scrappers have found, which are always the best. Freebies, they call them, and are immediately profitable.

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Suggested: Check Your Local Scrap Laws

Idea #2 – Know The Right Contractors

What Kind Of Contractors:

  • Electricians
  • Plumbers
  • Roofers
  • Siding Contractors

We have seen that if you are not a contractor yourself but a part-time or even a full-time scrapper, it truly is about who you know, not who you are. Many scrappers have made deals with local electricians, HVAC contractors, machine shops, and other general contractors to get their scrap. Some deals have been splitting the scrap 50/50 as long as the scrapper loads and hauling. 

Suggested Reading: Top 7 Careers That Generate Scrap Metal

Another fun deal was that the scrapper got 60% of the money but had to process and sort the materials before selling them to the local scrap yard. In this case, the contractor receives about the same amount of money but allows the scrapper to spend more of their time to make more money. 

Idea #3 – Buy Scrap – Sell Scrap

Some people have been able to buy scrap from contractors and resell it to scrap yards. While some scrappers may think this goes against all unwritten “scrapper laws,” making money is making money. If you can find a way to buy something for $70 and sell it for $100, wouldn’t you want to do that? Sometimes, the dollar amounts are much more significant, and you may be guessing the price you will receive, but there are always opportunities if you look for them. It’s also a good idea to check out local junk shops or antique stores for things they want to get rid of.

Suggested Reading: 4 Steps To Selling Your Scrap Online

Idea #4 – Scrap Drop Off

Some scrappers have told their local contractors that they are welcome to drop whatever they want off to their houses or small businesses, and they will take it off their hands. From stories about HVAC units to computer towers and even just old flatscreens, these stories never get old, and we love hearing about different ways people can cash their scrap in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLVZOTu06NI&ab_channel=iScrapApp

Suggested Reading: 6 Ways To Market Your Scrap Services