If you have any interesting articles on recycling junk metals, prices, tips, questions etc., feel free to post about it here!

Rules:

- No self promotion, or asking for business. This is not Facebook or Craigslist; people here are from all over the world, likely not your area. Use those platforms for those kinds of things, please.

- Be civil and constructive when making posts or comments. If you see posts or comments that are not civil or constructive please refrain from engaging and report them and let the mods deal with them.

- Politics is off topic here. This includes, but isn't limited to, promoting or trashing political parties or figures, blaming political figures for economic issues such as scrap prices, etc. Take that kind of stuff to /r/politics and related subs.

Scrappers Pro-Tips:

Always use Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)

• There are no excuses for not wearing safety equipment when scrapping. Whatever you're tearing open will not generate enough money to offset the cost of a visit to the doctor or ER if you need to go.
• Gloves should be the bare minimum of PPE worn whenever you're scrapping or performing scrapping related activities.
• Add eye protection and a respirator when you're breaking down materials, especially if you're using power tools and especially if you're cutting anything that generates particulate. (If you're using a respirator make sure it's rated for the materials you're working with.)
• Work boots may also be a good idea when you're tearing materials down but they're a GREAT idea when you're hopping into dumpsters looking for scrap.
• Make sure your tetanus shot is up to date and if it isn't (or if you're not sure one way or another) then call your doctors office and ask how to proceed. (This isn't strictly PPE but it fits well in the theme of this section.)

Do your research and proceed with caution

• Many commonly available items contain dangerous or even lethal materials. (The magnetron in a microwave for example contains ceramic made of beryllium oxide which is harmless in solid form but if broken can generate dust that can cause an incurable lung disease.) Researching items you're unfamiliar with before handling them is always a good idea!
• Many scrap items (especially appliances) that otherwise look clean or "just fine" may contain or be contaminated with chemicals, biohazards, rotten food, etc. Taking a few moments to assess an item before you pick it up or put your hand in it may be what saves you from a nasty cut, a chemical burn or being bitten or stung.
• Know your state and local laws regarding scrapping and related activities including but not limited to dumpster diving, trespassing, etc. Never assume that because it was legal in one state that it's legal in another.

Maximize your profits

• The prices at scrapyards, even those that are only miles apart, can vary significantly and may fluctuate daily. Call the yards closest to you for their pricing on the specific material(s) you intend to scrap.
• Prices can fluctuate wildly from day to day depending on the economy, world events, etc. Never assume that the price a yard paid you last week or even yesterday will be the same price they pay you today.
• Selling an item can sometimes be more profitable than scrapping it. Something that may be worth $5-10 in scrap value could be worth much more when sold to an individual, a business, etc. Do some research on Facebook, Craigslist, eBay, etc. to see if you can sell a working item before you take it apart.
• Transportation costs should always be factored into your decisions. Don't spend $5-10 in gas to go pick up an item that you can only make $5-10 on.

Magnets - Don't go scrapping without one

• What could look like regular old steel could be stainless steel, aluminum, or coated brass. These fetch a much higher price per pound. Learn the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

Do you have e-waste you want to get rid of? Boardsort and CashForComputerScrap are both popular sites for selling e-waste.

Related Subreddits:

r/preciousmetalrefining

r/copper

r/silverbugs

r/dumpsterdiving