How To

Most people who scrap for metal go into it as a hobby. They’re handy and looking for something to do in their spare time that will earn a little cash. They love to see how things are built and break them down. Smashing things apart can be a great stress reliever after work, and the hunt for scrap can be a lot of fun. A lot of scrappers may not be in it for the money, but no one wants to leave money on the table, right? Hobbyists and professionals alike are drawn to metal scrapping because there’s always the chance you can have fun doing something you enjoy and make some money at the same time. But you need to know how the money is made first. Understanding how scrapyard scales can maximize your effort and save you from unnecessary tasks.

So many people these days are looking for ways to earn a little extra cash. The gig economy in America is booming, but it’s not all roses. Folks driving for ride sharing companies, delivering food, or charging electric scooters put in a lot of work for small returns. They end up feeling like they’ve wasted a lot of time and effort making large companies richer. It’s led a lot of people to reassess what they want out of a side job. More and more they’re searching for how to turn a hobby or something fun into a small money-making venture. Metal scrapping is a great way people who love working with their hands can learn a skill and make some cash.

Everything you take into your local scrap yard should be cleaned and sorted to the best of your abilities: it helps you make the most money, and also ensures the safety of the employees at the scrap yard. It might just impress your local scrap yard (and your scrapping friends), too. However, sometimes you'll come across items that are quite challenging—and in some cases even dangerous—to properly take apart. In these situations, you have to ask yourself about your expertise, the tools you have on hand, and your willingness to put in the work. Of course, you'll also have to consider the additional profits you'll make from taking an item apart before scrapping it.

Getting the most out of your recyclable scrap metal often means simply knowing what you have—and part of knowing what you have is knowing your weights and measures, and how they affect your bottom line. We all know what a pound is, and most of the time when you see scrap metal prices displayed, they'll be in dollars per pound. However, there's a lot more that goes into truly understanding scrap metal recycling weights and measures.