Chicago guy looking to chat up some scrappers

Hey guys,

Really new here, sorry if I don't quite get the etiquette or all the lingo. I'm actually doing some research on scrapping in Chicago, particularly wanting to talk to some people about what it's like to start out and make a living scrapping (or just doing business on the side.) I haven't really been able to figure out how to private message on here (could use some help with that too!) but I'd love to try to talk with some of you. I am on the north side of Chicago. Please let me know if you'd be interested in helping me out, I really want to learn more.

Welcome from south of Chicago. Anything that you need to know is here so read, read, read. Good luck, now go get ur hands dirty.

Welcome from the Dakota's. As Grey truck pointed out the information is here, you just need to do the research. First in the upper right hand corner is a search bar. Logging into the site and using the advanced search option provides the best results. Do not research "new scrapper" because you will probably only see new introductions. If you are interested in ewaste, search that topic, or curbco for getting scrap from the curb, auctions, garage sales, clean outs, etc.
Example, if you have an old microwave you want to scrap, search scrapping microwaves and you will find various sources of information and possibly a utube video demonstrating how to do it.

On the bottom of each thread is a list of similar threads. The more you read, the more you will understand the terminology and the personality of members. You will not be able to private message until you have several posts. If you find something that is really helpful to you, a thanks to the poster will go a long ways. When you log into the site you can hit the "what's new" button and keep up to date on the latest discussions. This might give you ideas of what to search. Good luck and we love pictures.

I think you should be able to PM someone after about 10 posts or so. There's quite a few life stories on here from all over the US and abroad. That's all back in the older threads. Welcome from your neighbor in Ind.

Thanks! I better get talking then.

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Originally Posted by scrapreporter

Thanks! I better get talking then.

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Don't get talking, get reading!!!

Even better go pick up some scrap and sell it. Read some then go get some more scrap and learn how to break it down to maximize your profits. This will bring far more probing and productive questions to ask others. Mike

Welcome to the forum. Correct me if I wrong, but it don't strike me that you are getting into the scrap market, you just want to do research for some other sort of venture. With a name like "scrap reporter" and your avatar, that guy probably hasn't worked an honest day in his life, but that's my opinion.

If you are only doing "research" on the field, have to agree with the others in saying "start reading" an you will find your research all over this forum. I would start with "day in the life" folder and work from there.

Chicago isn't the only scrap game in town.

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With a name like "scrap reporter" and your avatar, that guy probably hasn't worked an honest day in his life, but that's my opinion.

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He was very upfront on what he is wanting to do, I think this is an unfair assessment from you.

Welcome! And to reiterate what some other members have said, there’s a lot to learn on this forum. Poke around, read some threads (you’d likely be interested in the Day in the Life section).
But if you really want to learn about scrapping, go do it! Find a yard, find some scrap and bring it in.

This is interesting that someone is interested in our lifestyle and business. It might shine new light on our profession, our morals, and the value we provide society. Imagine instead of a headline, "Scrapper found dead in the sewer" we get one, "Scrappers Are the True Environmentalists"

Thanks for all the replies, all. Honestly, I didn't expect any. Tski72, you're right. I'm trying to be as honest as possible. I'm doing research for a potential story on Chicago scrappers, and this looked like a great place to start (aside from hanging out in alleys/yards.) Part of my job is speaking to people as sources, obviously, and as Mechanic688 pointed out, I'm really am trying to be upfront. Like Patriot76 said, I'm simply interested in the lifestyle, and potentially shattering stereotypes people have of scrapping, especially in Chicago.

So, with that, if anyone wants to PM me and potentially talk, I'd be more than happy to.

I would be happy to visit with you when you have the time and the ability. Love to dispel the myths. Private message me when you can and I will share another perspective about our profession. Only cost to you for this information is you have to post your story on this forum to help us advertise our choice of lifestyles. I agree with Mattynoneck, you would get a good handle on scrapping and another view by visiting a yard and interviewing them.

Well here we go.....

The first point i wish to make is...Don't be fooled by your past thoughts on 'Who are they, what are they like and what do they do'.You will be pleasantly supprised by the real facts and by REAL people who 'live' here.

Second - Read reed read read - We (can i please talk for everyone?) ...Please see that we are not.....The BAD side which people see or read about or think of us , we are a honest , hard working and fun bunch of 'normal' people who do more to help the environment more than (If not ALL) governments.

Third - If you wish to write any thing about anything then please try a 'life in the boots of'...You will then have a real idea of the ups , downs , highs , lows and realy fun/funny side of this 'game'.

I'm UK based so should have no input into this but here in the UK we have to same 'image' problems....... It maybe worth you while to fill 'Sirscrap's' cooler and ask him for advice!!!!!

British - proud of SMF and them there in - WHY ?

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Originally Posted by Mechanic688

He was very upfront on what he is wanting to do, I think this is an unfair assessment from you.

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This was not meant towards scrapreporter in any way, only towards the picture. I don't normally talk politics with anyone. Sorry I might offended you. If scrapreporter is looking to do a story on our lifestyle, great, we need it. There is a good side to every bad side of all stories. My wife hates that I shop curbico and going around to pick up ewaste that companies consider garbage, but she likes the cash.

I apologize again if I have offended anyone. Not my intention at all.

Mike Rowe, and I hope I spelled it right, spends his time filming "Dirty Jobs" and it looks like you want your own type of print article in that type of thing. I would love that but to get the most out of the story, I would think that you would have to spend some time doing a series of stories, to get your point and ours, about the hard work and honesty that goes into our days to provide for our families. I am really tossing the idea around to PM you, so thanks for the ability to have the option. Chicago is not the only game but its a start.

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Originally Posted by tski72

This was not meant towards scrapreporter in any way, only towards the picture. I don't normally talk politics with anyone. Sorry I might offended you. If scrapreporter is looking to do a story on our lifestyle, great, we need it. There is a good side to every bad side of all stories. My wife hates that I shop curbico and going around to pick up ewaste that companies consider garbage, but she likes the cash.

I apologize again if I have offended anyone. Not my intention at all.

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Accepted and no harm done,,, scrap on. Mike