Starting out as a scrapper
"Scrapping for metal" — collecting scrap from job sites, demolition, curbside, and side hustles for resale at a yard — has become a meaningful supplemental income stream for plenty of people. The barrier to entry is low: a pickup truck, a tarp, gloves, and a willingness to drive.
Where to source
The most-productive scrappers run a rotation across:
- Construction job sites — talk to the GC; many will let you haul off cutoffs in exchange for site cleanup
- Demolition sites — same conversation, larger volumes
- HVAC and plumbing contractors — copper from old jobs is gold, literally
- Appliance recyclers — old appliances are a steady source of mixed ferrous and non-ferrous
- Curbside (legal) bulk pickup — varies by city; check local ordinances first
Important: pulling scrap from a curb in jurisdictions where recycling is municipally claimed is illegal. Know your local rules.
What to focus on
Not all scrap is created equal:
- Copper — highest per-pound value; small volumes still pay
- Aluminum (sheet, extrusion, cast) — the bread and butter of consistent scrapping
- Brass — plumbing fittings, decorative items
- Stainless — overlooked; pays multiples of carbon steel
- Catalytic converters — high value but tightly regulated; documentation required
Tools that pay for themselves quickly
- Magnet — instantly distinguishes ferrous from non-ferrous
- Wire stripper — manual or motorized, depending on volume
- Bolt cutters and reciprocating saw — for breaking down loads
- Bin or tarp setup — keeps loads sorted
Where to sell
Start with the closest 2–3 yards, sell to all of them at least once, then settle on whichever combination of pricing and service works for you. See Scrap Yards Near Me.