Believe it or not, there's at least one way to make enough money to live on by recycling. Better known as "scrapping," the activity involves sourcing valuable metals and sometimes other substances, then recycling them in exchange for money at recycling centers. The only problem with scrapping for a living is not being able to source unlimited scrap metal!
The Basics of Scrapping
Sourcing recycled copper, steel, aluminum, and other metals is generally cheaper than mining them. Construction supply and automobile manufacturers are two examples of companies that act as major purchasers of metals. Prices paid for scrap metals depend on global supply, government regulations, and other market factors. As such, you should be prepared to store your metals somewhere safe until their prices rebound. Timing your sales of scrap is one of the most important money-making moves that scrap metal collectors carry out.
You Need a Reliable Ride to Haul Bulk Metals
If you don't have access to your own heavy-duty truck, consider holding off from becoming a scrapper until you can source that vehicle. Scrap metal recycling isn't a gold rush and doesn't pay exceptionally well. Further, relying on someone else can tarnish connections with potential scrap metal sources.
Look for the Best-Paying Scrapyards!
Typically, rural-based scrapyards don't pay regionally-competitive wages due to smaller intake volumes of scrap metal and having to haul their recycling material so far when unloading their stores. Consider researching areas with scrapyards that pay objectively well.
If you see metal going unused, you have found a potential source for scrap metal. Most people want to get rid of their unsightly junk anyway. Whether you're buying and recycling copper wires or junk cars sussex county nj, research will be your best friend in determining which scrapping moves to make.