How to Find Scrap Metal

Here are some ideas on how to find scrap metal. With many people struggling to make ends meet, there is more competition to find scrap metal these days. However this does not mean that there is not scrap metal out there to be found. Here are some ideas on how to find scrap metal to sell for cash.

An important first step to finding metal to sell for scrap is to let friends and family know that you are interested in collecting it. Many people don't want to send things to the landfill but may not have enough stuff to be worth selling. An odd hot water tank, broken washing machine and other items might be yours simply by asking those around you.

Trash day is still the most productive day in most areas to find scrap metal. People throw out all kinds of things that can be sold for scrap from large items such as refrigerators and dryers to small items such as aluminum cans and ac/dc converters from broken electronics (which generally have a salvageable amount of copper wire). Learn the trash routes around your city as well as the specific laws and regulations regarding the legality of picking up trash and recyclables in your area.

As winter gives way to spring keep an eye out for people who might be doing construction or remodeling work. These homes are likely places to have large appliances and other recyclable materials sitting on the curb outside of the normal trash schedule. As municipalities know that many people do large projects in the spring check out the local schedule for large item disposal day and see what you can find before the trash trucks pick it up.

The roadside is another area that is generally productive for picking up scrap metal. Out of the way areas (meaning little or no lights or homes) are often the repository of beer cans, car parts, and broken appliances. Look for areas with pull offs where people might pull off the road and throw out heavy items.

Keep an eye out in your daily life for scrap metal and you might well be surprised at what you can find nearby and you might also be surprised at how much money you can make.