One of the more lucrative and eco-friendly side gigs you can participate in is scrapping metal and flipping them for profit.
Several tons of scrap metal is sitting in basements, garages, backyards, and trash bins, all waiting for an entrepreneur with enough grit and dedication to turn them into profit.
Of course, you may have to invest a sizable area in your property for the operation and learn a few things about ferrous and non-ferrous metals and local regulations, but it will be worth it in the long run.
If you pursue a scrap metal side gig, you can focus on aluminum recycling because it is one of the more sought-after metals.
It is also one of the more profitable ones next to copper and other ferrous metals. While you can pursue collecting cast iron, stainless steel, and wrought iron, they are a bit cheaper but can still add to the bottom line.
It would help if you worked with a reputable local facility dealing in aluminum recycling and other similar processes.
Depending on different factors, you can check out your local companies and determine which one you would like to work with. It will be better to work with a local enterprise that can pick up your stash and help you keep your neighborhood tidy.
Here are the best places to source scrap metal for your business.
Your house – One of the best sources of scrap material will be your backyard. You can conduct a cleanup drive and find different types of metals you can collect and sort. This can be the start of your stash.
Friends’ houses and garages – You can also coordinate with your friends and people in the neighborhood to clean up their homes and garages. Finally, you can make a deal to buy or keep the scrap metals you find.
You can do this every weekend, and pretty soon, you’ll have a decent pile of scrap metals for processing.
Garage sales – If you frequent garage sales, look for equipment that can be more valuable when scrapped. Look for electronics, old workout and gym equipment, trophies, and other similar metals that you can scrap for profit.
Local businesses and enterprises – You can also partner with local businesses and enterprises to collect aluminum cans and other recyclable materials. You can either buy it from them or pay them a percentage of what you make.
As a result, you can have a steady stream of scrap metals, make and share good profits and keep your neighborhood safe and clean.
Junkyards and dumpsites – If you’re not fussy about getting down and dirty, you can cut a deal with junkyards and dumpsites so that they can supply you with scrap metals.
Of course, you may have to offer them a good chunk of change, but if you play your cards right, you can still profit from it.
Endnote – A scrap metal side hustle will provide a steady income stream and help keep your neighborhood clean. You can collect scrap metal from different local sources and enterprises.