An unlimited source of e-scrap!

Hi guys,

My name is James. I'm 26 years old, from Maine, and a fairly new scrapper. I created an intro thread here: http://www.scrapmetalforum.com/intro...rom-maine.html and a couple other threads including http://www.scrapmetalforum.com/day-l...blem-have.html.

I have been going over all the different options I have for my scrapping operation. Due to my specific situation (3rd floor apartment, not a lot of storage space, no trailer, etc) I have decided to mostly focus with e-waste. I think it'll offer similar rewards as your standard metal scrapping, but just over time instead of immediately.

Well, I have been researching storage lockers in the area. There's one that's literally 30 seconds from my apartment, so that is my best shot. Prices are comparable, too. I can set up a small work bench, not need to lug everything up to my apartment, have an area for storage, and have the 24 hour access to smashing things up when I need to, on my watch.



On Saturday I went for a visit to get a locker, but the owner was out for the day. I saw a guy in a big open locker with about 20 small fridges and 20 TVs. I created some small talk with him and told him I'd take the TVs off his hands if he needed to dispose of them. We got to talking and he said he has a friend with a bunch of TVs he may be able to give me. Pretty sweet start up. But that's not even the best part.

I go this morning to meet the owner and to get my locker. After finishing, he, and two other guys that work for him (trash removal, locker salvage type guys) and I are having a conversation. I told them of my intentions with e-scrap and told him I'd take any of the "crap" they find. He asked me how big my locker was, so I replied "10x10". He laughed really hard, and told me the stuff he has for me RIGHT NOW would completely fill the entire thing. Needless to say, we continued to talk.

The owner then noticed my last name on the paperwork I signed, and said to the other two guys "See what his last name is? Ayotte." So they asked me if I was related to any of the Ayotte's down in Oxford. Asked me if I knew Vince. Well, it's a small world, because Vince is my father (and the owner of Ayotte's junk yard that I was talking about in the dilemma thread). These guys have known my dad for 20-30+ years. The operator AND the 'trash guy'. They start sharing stories of my father and my late grandfather. They keep peppering into the conversation that they have so much consistent e-scrap that I will NOT be able to keep up with it. He just kept laughing almost maniacally saying how he could bury me every day of the week. Apparently the owner of this self storage actually has several other ones in different parts of Maine. These guys work for him for removal for all of them.

So not only does the owner and the 'trash guy' know my father extremely well (which is always a nice in to have - you guys know this is all about connections more than anything else) but they are literally going to supply me with e-scrap as much as I can take it. I have his phone number, and I'm literally going to call him when I need more. This is in addition to working on the project from the dilemma thread when I can.

Sometimes life is good!

Thanks for the kind words.

Originally Posted by CFoote

Tell us more about the system the owner of the storage unit has for collecting e-scrap? Ther may be an opportunity for all of us, if we can
find his doppelganger in our own locations!!!
Chris

I can't 100% confirm, but my assumption was that they are from abandoned lockers. People just putting them into storage, and then forgetting about them and not paying their bill. It's also another assumption, but for whatever reason, I believe it'd be in their interest just to give them to me.

To bridge that with what you were asking - perhaps that's a good idea? To go to any and all self storage companies and tell them you'll remove any of this stuff? (I'm not sure if they NEED to hold auctions by law or if that's just a method that they use to try to get the most for their money. I'm ignorant to this subject, for sure.

Originally Posted by CFoote

However, it seems you are good when it comes to networking, and talking/offering your services...And that will serve you well in life in general and your endeavors in particular!!!
Chris

I would say that is one of my strongest overall abilities in life. I'm very good at quickly building rapport, connecting with people and getting them emotionally invested.

i believe if you'll check prices on larger lockers, you'll find the larger ones to be much more cost effective at price per foot, and as long as it pays for itself in accommodating larger payloads, why not. If you get good at separating and disposing of the tin/shred/larger stuff quickly, you should find it to be even more effective. Good luck!

Originally Posted by Bear

i believe if you'll check prices on larger lockers, you'll find the larger ones to be much more cost effective at price per foot, and as long as it pays for itself in accommodating larger payloads, why not. If you get good at separating and disposing of the tin/shred/larger stuff quickly, you should find it to be even more effective. Good luck!

Interesting..


I checked on the prices, and I think you're right. I'm going to get a 10x15 for only 10$ more. The value does continue to go up the higher I go, but I think that this value is the best and most appropriate for me. Thanks for the idea.

I'll be able to get a whole bunch of extra in there - which may make the difference, for just 10$ more.

Do these gentlemen have an unlimited supply of electronics/appliances or do they have computers? The type of e-scrap they have to unload will help guide you in your decision as to what to invest. My point is that not all escrap is created equal. Some of it is highly profitable, while other types of escrap...not so much.

Before you plunk down a lot of money on storage, it might be wise to have them specifically define what it is they have so much of that they're willing to give it all to you.

you might even find a 10x20 with a door on both ends