Finding Scrap Metal
- You can find items to recycle pretty much everywhere with a little effort. Many scrappers check online bulletin boards such as Craigslist for people giving away free metal scrap. You can also collect unwanted objects from local businesses to recycle. For example, plumbers, home contractors and carpenters come across used appliances, old metal piping and other bits of metal they can recycle. A quick drive through the neighborhood on trash day is a good way to get unwanted metal to scrap.
- Electronic scrap is also another great avenue for any scrapper. Old computers and electronic equipment have circuit boards, wires, power supplies, memory and other components that may contain precious metals. In most cases, you will find people and businesses are willing to just give this away for the taking.
Making the Most Profit
- Separate your scrap! Do a little research to understand how to identify the different types of metals. Especially with computers, you can often make more money if you separate the components (memory, mother board, power supply, etc.) from the case than you will if you just bring in the complete computer. Wait until you have a good amount of scrap before going to the scrap yard to maximize your return.
- Urban areas may have several scrap metal recycling centers. You should shop around at all of their local centers before deciding on a facility to use for recycling. Some centers have web sites that tell you what they are paying for different types of metal. If they do not, most centers will tell you over the phone what they are currently paying. These prices can and often do fluctuate daily so it’s always a good idea to check before you haul all your scrap there.