Noob Looking to Learn

Hello all,

My name is Travis, and recently I've developed an interest for scrapping. I have recycled Al cans for over a decade, but never really go into anything else. Lat year I bought a rental property which needed alot of work. One thing that needed done was the removal of an old washer, dryer, and fridge. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I actually made money hauling them to the scrap yard. This got me to start looking more into scrapping. I quickly found out that I had thrown away lots of materials that could have been scrapped (wire, pipes, door knobs, ceiling fans). I realized that scrap is all around me, and by recycling it rather than throwing it away, I can kill two birds with one stone. I can help keep the planet a better place for my kids to grow up, and I can make some extra cash on the side.

I have not yet really started scrapping. I decided that I would spend some time learning about it first. My biggest area of concern is identifying and separating the different types of metal. I figured once I had a handle on that, I would slowly start gathering and processing scrap for recycling.

I look forward to learning from everyone here!

Thanks,
Travis

you should be able to go to any scrap yard and look and ask questions. If you stand by the scales you will hear what they call what and how they want it. We also have alot of info on here on metal id and I bet people will start flooding you with there "test" as there are many ways to find out what is what.

Two basic tools for testing metal types - magnet and grinder. Four most basic metal types - Iron, Stainless steel, Aluminum and Copper.

http://www.scrapmetalforum.com/showt...ght=#post45362

welcome to the forum. i too started with cans, but just recently got into whatever has metal. i mostly grab tvs off of craigslist and freecycle.

remember to search for an answer before asking, and enjoy.

A few pictures, http://www.877ironmike.com/grades-we-purchase
This looks to have some good beginner info; http://recycling.about.com/od/Recycl...-Collector.htm

Thanks for the tip easyrecycle. I'll call ahead and let them know what I want to do - see if they recommend a time/day. I think actually going to the yard is my best bet for learning how it all works.

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Originally Posted by Mick

Two basic tools for testing metal types - magnet and grinder. Four most basic metal types - Iron, Stainless steel, Aluminum and Copper.

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Thanks for your reply. I started cleaning out the house and instead of just throwing away the junk electronics, I've been tearing them apart. I've been using the magnet, but I guess I'll need to get a grinder. I have four small piles started - ferrous, aluminum, copper, and brass. I also have a growing pile of items I'm not yet sure about (small gauge wire, mixed components, circuit boards). I'm sure that with some practice, I'll get it all figured out.

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Originally Posted by hobo finds

http://www.scrapmetalforum.com/showt...ght=#post45362

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This is exactly what I needed to get started. Thanks!