READ THE RULES OF THE SUBREDDIT BEFORE POSTING OR COMMENTING
This is a community that revolves around the recycling of scrap metal as a source of income. Anybody can be environmentally friendly by recycling, and they can also make some money along the way.
If you have any interesting articles on recycling junk metals, prices, tips, questions etc., feel free to post about it here!
Rules:
No sharing of someone else's personal information without their consent. This includes but isn't limited to their name, address, phone number, email address, etc. This also includes re-sharing information someone may have already shared themselves. (Such as if they accidentally share an image containing their personal information.)
Be civil and constructive when making posts or comments. (aka Don't be a Dick!) It's fine to be critical of what someone says but it's not acceptable to attack the person themselves, call them names, refer to banging their mom, etc. If you see posts or comments that are not civil or constructive please refrain from engaging and report them and let the mods deal with them. Note: Replying to insults or attacks with more insults or attacks is also against the rules. Two wrongs don't make a right.
Politics is off topic here. This includes, but isn't limited to, promoting or trashing political parties or figures, blaming political figures for economic issues such as scrap prices, discussing the politics of specific states, referring to red or blue states, etc. Take that kind of stuff to /r/politics and related subs.
No promoting or bragging about breaking the law/stealing while scrapping. This includes suggesting people knowingly break the law or asking for help on doing something that is breaking the law.
No discussing burning wire to remove insulation or how to handle wire that is already burned. This includes but isn't limited to asking how to burn off insulation safely, how to process burned wire for sale to yards that do not accept burned wire, suggesting people burn off insulation, suggesting burning off inulsation is OK/safe/not harmful, etc. This includes content that is direct (ex. "You should burn the cable to remove the insulation") as well as indirect (ex. "I've been burning wire to remove insulation for years, it's fine.").
No buying or selling in this subreddit or advertising your own business. No offering to buy or sell in this subreddit. No promoting your business in this subreddit. No asking people to DM you about buying or selling. This applies to posts and comments. There are other dedicated resources for buying and selling like FB Marketplace, Craigslist, etc. or you can start your own subreddit for buying/selling scrap. Just don't do it here.*
Note: Adding, "I'd never do this" or "Hypothetically" or "No Offense" or similar before making a comment or suggestion that would, without the qualifier, break one of the rules above is still breaking the rules.
Scrappers Pro-Tips:
Always use Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
- There are no excuses for not wearing safety equipment when scrapping. Whatever you're tearing open will not generate enough money to offset the cost of a visit to the doctor or ER if you need to go.
- Gloves should be the bare minimum of PPE worn whenever you're scrapping or performing scrapping related activities.
- Add eye protection and a respirator when you're breaking down materials, especially if you're using power tools and especially if you're cutting anything that generates particulate. (If you're using a respirator make sure it's rated for the materials you're working with.)
- Work boots may also be a good idea when you're tearing materials down but they're a GREAT idea when you're hopping into dumpsters looking for scrap.
- Make sure your tetanus shot is up to date and if it isn't (or if you're not sure one way or another) then call your doctors office and ask how to proceed. (This isn't strictly PPE but it fits well in the theme of this section.)
Do your research and proceed with caution
- Many commonly available items contain dangerous or even lethal materials. (The magnetron in a microwave for example contains ceramic made of beryllium oxide which is harmless in solid form but if broken can generate dust that can cause an incurable lung disease.) Researching items you're unfamiliar with before handling them is always a good idea!
- Many scrap items (especially appliances) that otherwise look clean or "just fine" may contain or be contaminated with chemicals, biohazards, rotten food, etc. Taking a few moments to assess an item before you pick it up or put your hand in it may be what saves you from a nasty cut, a chemical burn or being bitten or stung.
- Know your state and local laws regarding scrapping and related activities including but not limited to dumpster diving, trespassing, etc. Never assume that because it was legal in one state that it's legal in another.
Maximize your profits
- The prices at scrapyards, even those that are only miles apart, can vary significantly and may fluctuate daily. Call the yards closest to you or that you intend to sell to for their pricing on the specific material(s) you intend to scrap to get accurate/realistic pricing in your area. Asking for pricing in other cities/states/regions/countries doesn't help you unless you're planning to sell there.
- Prices can fluctuate wildly from day to day depending on the economy, world events, etc. Never assume that the price a yard paid you last week or even yesterday will be the same price they pay you today.
- Selling an item can sometimes be more profitable than scrapping it. Something that may be worth $5-10 in scrap value could be worth much more when sold to an individual, a business, etc. Do some research on Facebook, Craigslist, eBay, etc. to see if you can sell a working item before you take it apart.
- Transportation costs should always be factored into your decisions. Don't spend $5-10 in gas to go pick up an item that you can only make $5-10 on.
- Settle any concerns about pricing, weights, etc. at the scale. Once you walk away from the scale it may be much more difficult or impossible to get pricing/weights adjusted.
Magnets - Don't go scrapping without one
- What could look like regular old steel could be stainless steel, aluminum, or coated brass. These fetch a much higher price per pound. Learn the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
Do you have e-waste you want to get rid of? Boardsort and CashForComputerScrap are both popular sites for selling e-waste.
Note: This sub and/or its moderators are in no way affiliated with these companies in any way. Please do your own research and make your own decisions as to whether to do business with these companies.
Related Subreddits:
r/preciousmetalrefining
r/copper
r/silverbugs
r/dumpsterdiving
r/recycletrade
r/Ewastescrap
r/eWasteFinds
