We have heard for years about scrappers never paying for their scrap and they only pick up things that are free…well, wouldn’t that be just peachy to know really quick! They say that there is more then one way to skin a cat, and there should be more then 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 Recycling Talk Facebook page in 2018 we have seen so many people talking about different ways that they are able to get scrap for free- so 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’s/Computer
We’ve all been driving down the road and have seen garbage piled from homes and 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 and those are always the best ones. Freebies they call them and are immediately profit.
Suggested: Check Your Local Scrap Laws
Idea #2 – Know 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 that it truly is about who you know not who you are. Many scrappers have made deals with their local electricians, HVAC contractors, machine shops, and other general contractors to be able to get all of their scrap from them. Some deals have been splitting the scrap 50/50 as long as the scrapper does the loading and hauling.
Suggested Reading: Top 7 Careers That Generate Scrap Metal
Another fun deal was that the scrapper gets 60% of the money but had to process and sort the materials before selling it to the local scrap yard. In this case it means that the contractor gets about the same amount of money, but gives the scrapper the chance to spend more of their time to make more money.
Idea #3 – Buy Scrap – Sell Scrap
Some people have been able to buy scrap off of contractors and resell it to scrap yards. While some scrappers may think that this goes against all of the unwritten “scrapper laws,” making money is making money. If you are able to 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 larger and you may be guessing as to what the price that you will receive is but there are always opportunities out there if you look for them. It’s also a good idea to check out some local junk shops or antique stores for some things they are looking to get rid of.
Suggested Reading: 4 Steps To Selling Your Scrap Online
Idea #4 – 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 of 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 that people can cash their scrap in.
Suggested Reading: 6 Ways To Market Your Scrap Services
