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Understanding the Scales at a Scrapyard
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.
How to Set up a Scrapping Workshop in Your Garage
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.
How Do Tariffs Affect Scrap Metal Recycling?
For the past few years, news outlets have focused intensely on the US government’s proposals for increased tariffs on steel and aluminum. The tariffs are part of his administration’s plan to lower trade deficits with other countries. Government officials hope that implementing tariffs on certain strategic goods will also support domestic industries. A particular focus of the government has been metal tariffs. The United States uses tariffs to charge a premium on imported steel, essentially creating a barrier to entry for foreign steelmakers. Over the course of 2018, US steelmakers saw high demand for domestic steel, that resulted in higher prices in new steel, as well as scrap metal. Scrapyards, professional recyclers and hobbyist scrappers are all watching the tariff situation closely. It’s uncertain what the future holds but understanding the effects of tariffs can help scrap metal recycling industry plan ahead.
Getting Discouraged by Scrapping?
A lot of people make their way into the metal scrapping world thinking they’re going to make it rich and quit their day jobs. Soon they’re facing some of the hard realities of metal scrapping and how hard things can be. They make one mistake, or have a couple bad months and they pack it in. Quitting after a short dry spell isn’t the right approach. Think about all the time you’ve put into getting good at your current career. It’s very rare for someone to find immediate success after starting a new venture. Scrapping’s the same. Good money is made by learning the trade and how to maximize time and earnings. That takes time. Having a realistic attitude about scrapping will help you through the ups and downs as you learn the industry.
Fun Facts About Scrap Recycling
Want to learn more about scrap recycling? Whether you're just interested in the process in general or you want to start scrapping for yourself, here are a couple fun facts and tips that a lot of people outside the industry simply don't know.
Should You Take It Apart?
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.
Sell It or Scrap It: An Age-Old Conundrum
If you get a scrappable item that's in good working order—or close enough to it that you feel you could polish it up—it's often hard to decide whether you should take it down to your local scrap yard or put a little work in and try to sell it yourself. A lot of items that are still perfectly usable end up in recycling and trash facilities over time, and we all know that reusing is just as good for the environment as recycling. How to decide whether or not an item is good for resale?
Recycling Auto Parts
Whether you need to get rid of an old part you replaced yourself, you own an auto shop, or you simply want to know what happens after you take an entire car to your local scrap yard, here's a bit of information about what auto parts can be recycled and what can't.