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Scrap metal recycling is a lucrative side hustle, hiding in plain sight. Every old appliance, broken chair, or leftover bit of wiring has value if you know how to sort it, price it, and sell it. M&M Recycling has worked with everyday sellers and serious haulers alike. We can help you turn trash into real money. Whether you’re cleaning up a job site or decluttering your property, keep reading to find out what to look for and how to organize it without wasting your time.
The biggest beginner mistake in scrap metal recycling is assuming all metal is worth the same. It’s not. Ferrous metals contain iron, so they’re magnetic and usually lower in value. Steel beams, cast iron sinks, or old refrigerators fit in this category. Non-ferrous metals don’t contain iron and are worth a lot more. These include copper, brass, aluminum, and stainless steel. Copper is really valuable, and it shows up in everyday items like wiring, plumbing pipes, and motors inside old appliances. Clean copper that’s free of plastic or attachments gets a better price. Brass usually hides in light fixtures, keys, and bathroom fittings. Aluminum is everywhere, including cans, siding, and car parts, but it’s lightweight, so you’ll need more of it to turn a profit. Stainless steel is common in kitchen equipment and tools. Before tossing everything into one bin, take time to separate your materials. You’ll get a much better price. Most scrap yards won’t do that work for you, and they pay based on category. A little sorting at home can double your return.
Starting out, you don’t need much, but the right tools can save time and make your load more valuable.
Later, if you get serious, you might add a power drill to take apart appliances or a small truck or trailer. But you don’t need all that on day one. Just start with what you have and build from there.
Scrap metal adds up fast once you know where to find it. Start with your own home with old extension cords, broken tools, metal shelves, outdated electronics, and lawn furniture. If you want to scale up, consider:
Be honest and upfront when collecting. Don’t trespass. Always get permission before taking scrap, especially from active job sites. A good relationship with local workers or homeowners can lead to steady sources.
Once you’ve gathered and sorted your scrap, it’s time to find a scrap metal company that pays fair market value. Start by searching local yards. Don’t just go to the closest one. Compare prices, hours, and service. When visiting a scrap metal buyer in Conyers, be prepared:
Many yards update their prices daily based on market trends. You can usually check online or call ahead to ask. When you’re ready to sell, bring your ID. Most states require a license or ID to prevent theft. Some yards pay cash, and others issue checks or electronic payments. Make sure you understand their process before unloading. Get a receipt, too. It helps you track what materials brought in the most money and gives you a baseline for future hauls.
Once you know what’s worth collecting, how to process it, and where to sell it, scrap metal recycling can become a weekend hobby that helps pay your bills. Eventually, it could grow into a side business. You might find that neighbors start calling you first when they need something hauled or that you can pick up castoffs after work. Scrapping rewards consistency and effort. Most people don’t want to touch this kind of work, which is why those who do can actually make money. If you’ve got a truck, some storage space, and a willingness to get your hands dirty, you can make a meaningful side income.
Are you ready to turn overlooked items into usable income? You don’t need to be a contractor or full-time hauler. M&M Recycling works with everyone from first-timers to experienced sellers. Whether you're cleaning out your garage or picking up some scrap on weekends, we're here to help you get the most from every pound.
