Collecting and recycling scrap metal is a great side-hustle to earn big money simply from recycling discarded cars, appliances, electrical equipment, and other forms of scrap metal. Collecting old scrap metal can be somewhat lucrative, but you have to know the best types of base metals to collect and which types pay the most.
Copper is King
For most scrappers, copper is the king of scrap metal because it gains as much as $2 to $4 per pound. When it comes to scrap metal, that's a pretty high amount, especially compared to other metals like aluminum or brass. Copper is also much lighter in weight than steel or iron, which makes it much easier to lift, carry, and haul.
Why Copper is so Valuable
Copper is valuable because of its versatility and because it's used in a variety of applications like plumbing and electrical systems. It's important to keep in mind that not all copper commands the same price. There are grades of copper that vary in price. For instance, #1 bare bright copper commands the highest price, while #2 insulated copper wire will get a much lower price, so it's crucial to understand the different types of copper.
Copper pipes and tubes used for plumbing are very valuable and can be easily recycled. If you want to earn more money for your copper wiring, remove the insulation from the wiring before you take your copper to be recycled.
Where to Find Copper to Recycle
You can find copper in electrical motors, compressors, copper transformers, electrical wiring, and plumbing systems in commercial buildings and houses. If you have access to demolition sites, you can gather discarded copper pipes and electrical wiring for recycling.
Other Base Metals to Recycle
While copper is the highest paying scrap metal, there are other base metals that are worth your time to have recycled. Brass and aluminum are two scrap metals that people often discard. Brass can be more difficult to find than aluminum, but if you know where to look, you can find brass in several household products, such as doorknobs and handles, bed frames, faucets, and serving trays.
Aluminum is almost everywhere. You can find aluminum in cans, car parts, household appliances, bicycles, and other products. While aluminum doesn't pay much per pound like brass and copper, the sheer abundance of the metal makes it worthwhile to collect and recycle.
Recycling is good for the environment and is an excellent way to put some extra cash in your pocket. Separate all your metals by type to ensure you get the best prices for all your scrap metals before you head to the recycling plant.
