How to Earn Extra Income Recycling Scrap Metal

Collecting and recycling valuable metal scraps can provide an additional income. Once you collect a load, recycling centers pay by the pound for certain metals. Know what is valuable and where you can get your best price on each item you scrap. Work at your own pace and make as much or as little as you wish. The tools you need are minimal. According to the Learn Scrap Metal website, you can add $500 or more to your monthly income by scrapping metals. Metals can be found all around you. You simply collect, clean and sort it before scrapping.

Magnet
Small file (tool)
Transportation

Instructions

- 1
  Learn about scrap metal prices. The type and grade of metal determines the price you get for scrap metal. Alloys, carbide, copper, iron, nickel and zinc are commonly scrapped. But prices change -- sometimes on a daily basis.
- 2
  Scrap metal from your own home. Collect used aluminum cans, for instance. Tell family and friends you are scrapping metal. Find out if they having anything you can scrap for cleaning out a garage or barn, for instance.
- 3
  Search newspaper classifieds for items people are trying to give away. If the items mentioned include motors, plumbing fixtures, tubing or wiring, contact the advertiser and offer to pick it up. Also scan online free classifieds for free items or curb alerts.
- 4
  Visit local thrift shops and offer to haul away excess donations for them.
- 5
  Advertise in newspaper classifieds -- in print and online. State that you are willing to remove peoples' junk for free. Haul any nonrecyclables to the dump.
- 6
  Buy a magnet and a file to help you determine what kinds of metals you have found. Use it to sort metals by type. Ferrous metals are magnetic and include cast iron, iron and steel. Nonferrous metals are not magnetic and include some of the better-paying metals such as aluminum, brass, copper, stainless steel and zinc. Sorting by type gets you the highest possible price when you visit the recycling center.
- 7
  Call ahead to find out what the recycling centers in your area are accepting and the current prices being offered. Take your scrap metal to whichever site offers the best prices.

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