How to Make Money Buying, Selling, and Recycling Scrap Metal

Yes, you can still break into the scrap metalyour own "recycling center," providing a space
business on a shoestring. And, yes, you can stillwith separate bins for each of the different
turn other people's junk into gold. The best waymetals. Because people are so ecology-minded
to start out is by becoming a local "junk" dealer.these days, they will gladly bring their scrap metal
All you really need to get started is plenty ofto you.
empty boxes and a pickup truck. Pretty muchContact all of your local businesses and arrange to
ANY metal that you will find is worth good moneypick up their scrap metal on a regular basis.
these days.Thousands of fortunes have been built in exactly
Become friendly with your local contractors,this way, very simple, low-investment beginning.
plumbers, electricians, roofers, machine shopAfter you've gained enough experience buying
owners, anyone who deals with metals. If youand selling local scrap metal, you may want to
can work out a deal with them, contract withjump into the big time of scrap metal, the "junk
these local sources to remove their throw awayautomobile" business.
metals on a regular basis. Most of them will beThis is the very best source of scrap metals.
more than happy to just give it to you, it savesYour prime markets for used and no longer
them the time and expense of hauling it away.wanted reconditioned parts will be body shops,
Sort out the metal according to type...aluminum,garages, and service stations. Find and tow in
brass, copper, iron, steel, tin, etc. After beingwrecked and abandoned cars. Buy old cars for as
separated, it's worth at least $30 a ton or more.little as $25 each and strip them for usable parts,
Next, you need to search for scrap metalthen sell the rest as scrap metal. You will always
processors through your local yellow pages. Theysell the metal to metal processors or even
are more than anxious to buy all the scrap thatbrokers if you are fortunate enough to find them.
you can bring them at the going rates.Here are three excellent scrap metals publications
Be sure to let people know that you are in now inthat can help you get started in this highly
the business of "recycling" metals. Most people willprofitable business:
just give you what they have for free. Put upAmerican Metal Markets
signs in laundromats and any bulletin board you7 E. 12th Street
can find all over town. Maybe even hire some highNew York, NY
school kids to distribute flyers house-to-house. IfScrap Age
you are so motivated, you can even establish6311 Gross Pt.