Hi there,
New here - wishing everyone well.
Anyways, I've been getting into scrapping recently and I've been wondering does it make sense to travel across state lines for scrap? I mean - would it be economically viable?
Anyone else do this sort of thing?
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks
Bashkim
For ewaste i might hit bordering states if it is either cheap enough or enough of it to justify the trip
State lines mean little to me. There may be laws in other states that could affect your scrap business. Outside of that the only concern I have to determine is the distance/time to travel for the value of the scrap. If I travel to Asheville,NC from my house in coastal NC that would be 5 1/2 hrs without breaks. In Connecticut I suspect state lines are a lot closer. 73, Mike
I regularly travel to Arizona, Utah and California to buy and haul scrap. Whether it makes sense to you depends mostly on the volume you can haul probably as well as price differences
Not a legal advice, but it can give you a more detailed idea on how each state does it. https://scrapmetalforum.com/scrap-laws/
From Massachusetts. Have bought and sold in Connecticut. All depends on the economics and if it makes sense for you.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bashkim
I'm talking about for an appliance or two. I'm limited right now in what I can gather...I only have a smallish SUV...a Ford Escape...it packs a punch but still. Anyways, do you all think it's worth it...you know for an appliance or two? I'm thinking it might be if I monitor my gas and do more than one pick up....
I don't know. Who knows. I may end up deciding to stay relatively local lol
I charge people a small service fee if I just have to go across town to pick up an appliance....please guys don't underestimate your value as most people do not want to have to dispose of their own stuff
That's a great idea. I didn't even think of that. Do most people pay? What do you charge?
$30-$50 service charge
I usually figure the real cost of traveling is is about fifty cents a mile. A hundred miles round trip would be about fifty bucks. Then figure the value of your time. Half a day's work between driving, loading & unloading if you hustle ? Maybe a day's work if you run into delays ? Then there's the cost of the scrap itself. The costs add up pretty quickly.
You have to ask yourself if the juice is worth the squeeze. Sometimes it is. Sometimes it isn't.