Scrap metal was a bust for neighbor

[debodun]

The last time I talked with him, I mentioned his scrap metal enterprise (he told me before he was collecting it). He blew air and rolled his eyes and said that he never worked so hard for so little return in his life. He and his friend collected scrap for 2 years until they had a trailer full if it. They took it to a recycling place and only got $115. He added that unless is copper or brass, not worth the trouble.

When I had the chimney replaced at my old house, I had the contractor save the copper flashing around it. It probably weighed 10 pounds. I took it to a scrap place and they listed it as "insulated copper wire" and I got $2 for it.

 

[Oldeagle66]

People tried getting me to do that. Years ago when it was popular....... Nope, I saw right through that one.

 

[Babs2u]

We have a pile of stuff out for a bulk pickup. There were several TVs and microwaves and all have disappeared. I wondered if it was the metal or the potential for repair.

 

[Aunt Bea]

One of the guys at the flea market was working on the other end of the scrap business.

He worked taking in scrap and weighing it at a local scrap yard.

When something of antique value came in his boss allowed him to buy it for the scrap price plus a small markup, he made some great and very interesting buys.

The risk/danger was that in some cases the most interesting items had probably been stolen.

I suppose that we could find winners and losers in any enterprise that we care to name.