Curb Co - Everything You Need To Know.
Being a scrapper for almost 5 years, I mostly dedicate my scrapping time in the "Curb Co" department. Curb Co is a great scrapping category for those who are beginning to scrap because it entitles most forms of other categories such as e-waste and resale. It can be very profitable as well, if you know what you're doing.
First off, what is "Curb Co"? - Curb Co is scrapping metal from trash night and turning that metal in for $$$. In the process, you drive your vehicle around the neighborhood on trash night, stop and grab metal, and tear it down at home and turn it in. Curb Co is slightly different than dumpster diving, but has the same overall concept - getting somewhat free metal from a source of trash.
Curb Co is not a totally free scrapping service. You have to consider different aspects such as gas costs, insurance costs, wear & tear on your vehicle, and the average profit margin between trash weeks. Curb Co can be done in any vehicle however an SUV, van, or truck is highly recommended especially when you see a washer or fridge on the curb, you cant fit either in a car or Prius. The profits from Curb Co are different every week, you have your great days and you have your really bad days. If you continue with Curb Co, sometimes you have to deal with it and anticipate on the next week, or post a wanted add on craigslist.
Now, lets get into more specifics about Curb Co. If you want to learn how to Curb Co correctly, continue reading this thread.
First off, know your areas on trash night. In my city, there is trash night Sunday - Thursday all over my town. This is very crucial to know first otherwise, you wont find squat. You also have to check your local town/state law about Curb Co. Some areas make it illegal for Curb Co to happen. Most towns do this because scrappers are "stealing" profits from the city when they recycle all the recyclables they collect. Some can have small fines as well so be careful, always check your laws.
Second, stalk your competition. Unfortunately, there are others who Curb Co as well so you need to stay watch of the times they drive around certain areas. That way next time your around, you can be at that spot earlier and collect all that rusty gold before they do. If you are new to the area, take a day to just drive around and watch and identify your competition before you even start to Curb Co. I have 2 regular competition guys, one comes early, one comes late. If your good at keeping low, follow their route, and then create one of your own opposite of their route so you can get more before they do.
Third, cruising speed. Don't go as slow as a turtle, but not as fast as a cheetah. I tend to stay 5 mph below the regular speed limit in neighborhoods. Too slow will make you look suspicious, but too fast and you might miss your target or brake quick and get your butt hit by the car behind you. Better safe than sorry. If driving a manual, I try to save gas, I keep the gears in 1-2-4-6. Down hills cruise in neutral. With an automatic, cruise as well. If on a busy road with constant traffic, use your emergency lights, in a neighborhood you can get away just braking with a turn signal.
Fourth, Organization. Keep small items close to the cab such as folding chairs, aluminum screens, misc household items. I always keep a bucket by the cab side of the bed for misc items. You never know when you get close to a fridge or stove nearing the end of your trip. Always good to push small items closer to the cab that way you have room for more. Tie straps or chains are always a plus. I bought heavy straps from HF (harbor freight) for less than 5 bucks a strap. Some states have laws and issue fines for "unsecured loads" so make sure your strapped down good.
Now, ill explain some important tips of Curb Co. Its always best to be nice and friendly to everyone you meet while you are on Curb Co. Of course you dont need to stay and chat and be their new bestfriend, unless you want to thats fine, but anyways, being nice pays off for future clients and further spreads the word you collect metal. Yes sometimes you get that wtf and mean looks from people, ignore it. They're just jealous were making good money and they're not.
Another thing to consider is weather. If it's 70 and sunny out, there is a good chance people will be outside throwing away their metals. If its raining and cold, forget about it. If its warm and rain, you might find some stuff. Weather is definitely a factor with Curb Co. Ive had the best days when the weather is the nicest out. Curb Co dies right when snow hits, unless the house is for sale and there is a mega pile on the curb.
Mega Piles are awesome, and you might know what i'm talking about. Im talking a massive mound of misc and scrap metal on the curb a.k.a the jackpot. Its a bonus if the house is for sale because they dont want to take stuff with them when they move. Sometimes they offered me to check the garage out and gave me more metal than they had on the curb! Even mega piles have mega profits in resale items that are not necessarily scrap!
Resale items are very common on Curb Co nights. I've found complete bikes, working fans, vacuum cleaners, and chairs that are still good. Bikes and vacuum cleaners sell the best for resale. Always consider resale before scrap. I give it 2 weeks per item on CL before I scrap it.
Thats it, you now have all you need to know about Curb Co. Happy Hunting!
