Results 1 to 6 of 6

Selling things as Dirty

| Scrap Metal Prices
  1. #1
    hobo finds started this thread.
    hobo finds's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor


    Member since
    Nov 2010
    Location
    tucson, az
    Posts
    4,746
    Thanks
    6,035
    Thanked 5,907 Times in 2,555 Posts

    Selling things as Dirty

    I have been big on breaking stuff down especially with the drop in prices but starting not to break down dirty aluminum. $.40 for clean aluminum vs. $.23 for dirty. Figure this dirty price is better than time breaking it down, sawzall blades, trash and more steel for the pile. I had 160 lbs. of broken lawn chairs (in the past I would have removed every vinyl strap and steel bolt) but got $36.80 for them as is...


  2. The Following User Says Thank You to hobo finds for This Post:



  3. #2
    MattInTheHat's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor


    Member since
    Sep 2012
    Location
    rock hill, sc
    Posts
    1,464
    Thanks
    1,142
    Thanked 1,396 Times in 703 Posts
    Talk to your buyer about how "clean" your aluminum needs to be. 90-95% clean is a growing trend.

    you may be able to cut off the straps/webbing and use a hammer to remove steel rods. and sell the chairs with rivets and such still attached.

    I have sold many aluminum storm/screen doors still screwed together with just the major stuff removed
    Currently looking for a job in or related to scrap/recycling. Relocation is possible for the right offer.

  4. The Following 3 Users say Thank You for This Post by MattInTheHat:


  5. #3
    nutpie's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor


    Member since
    Feb 2014
    Location
    maine
    Posts
    441
    Thanks
    379
    Thanked 404 Times in 227 Posts
    No I wouldn't break down lawn chairs. Way too much work. I do sometimes cut the aluminum tubes and other quick cuts to make clean aluminum. And the other parts go into the dirty pile. Iron attached with screws, flashing with nails in it, plastic attached, etc. I would remove to make clean. If the weight after breaking down is 50% clean and 50% dirty, it's not worth the time for a few more pennies.

  6. #4
    NHscrapman's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor


    Member since
    Jan 2013
    Location
    new hampshire
    Posts
    1,582
    Thanks
    4,076
    Thanked 2,176 Times in 941 Posts
    I try not to sell too much dirty metals until the springtime.. Then whatever is left gets hauled off.
    There ain't nothing wrong with an honest days work. Anyone who says otherwise is a fool.- Old Man

  7. The Following 2 Users say Thank You for This Post by NHscrapman:


  8. #5
    webuyselltradestuff's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor

    Member since
    May 2013
    Location
    Watkinsville, GA
    Posts
    950
    Thanks
    131
    Thanked 1,284 Times in 583 Posts
    simple math will tell you if it is worth it....at .17/lb how much can you process in an hour?? For me to make say $20/hr it would have to be almost 118 POUNDS to get that extra $20. I guess if you are a huge operation moving tons of the stuff, then ok...otherwise....send it on and work on more profitable stuff. your $$$ amount per hour might be different certianly...but that is how I look at ANY try of scrapping...can I make $X/hr...if not...move on as I have X amount of time to work...because I like to live more than work.
    PROFIT is made when you BUY/ACQUIRE NOT when you sell

  9. The Following User Says Thank You to webuyselltradestuff for This Post:


  10. #6
    ryanw's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor


    Member since
    Oct 2012
    Location
    TX
    Posts
    1,312
    Thanks
    526
    Thanked 1,290 Times in 648 Posts
    Quote Originally Posted by MattInTheHat View Post
    Talk to your buyer about how "clean" your aluminum needs to be. 90-95% clean is a growing trend.

    you may be able to cut off the straps/webbing and use a hammer to remove steel rods. and sell the chairs with rivets and such still attached.

    I have sold many aluminum storm/screen doors still screwed together with just the major stuff removed
    I take advantage of the 95% recovery a lot. Leave the clips on heatsinks, the steel on cast motor ends, etc.

  11. The Following 2 Users say Thank You for This Post by ryanw:



  12. Similar threads on the Scrap Metal Forum

    1. Dirty Brass or Not?
      By SirLostAlot in forum Scrap Metal Questions and Answers
      Replies: 7
      Last Post: 06-09-2015, 08:31 PM
    2. Dirty aluminum vs clean
      By scrappy888 in forum Dismantling, Breaking Down & Maximizing Scrap
      Replies: 9
      Last Post: 07-24-2013, 02:59 AM
    3. Dirty copper
      By mongo in forum General - Let's talk business
      Replies: 6
      Last Post: 09-01-2012, 07:22 PM
    4. Dirty Money
      By bcoop in forum Off Topic Discussions
      Replies: 5
      Last Post: 08-17-2011, 10:36 PM
    5. Price for Dirty Alum
      By hobo finds in forum Scrap Metal Questions and Answers
      Replies: 1
      Last Post: 05-14-2011, 11:39 AM

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

 
Browse the Most Recent Threads
On SMF In THIS CATEGORY.





OR

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

The Scrap Metal Forum

    The Scrap Metal Forum is the #1 scrap metal recycling community in the world. Here we talk about the scrap metal business, making money, where we connect with other scrappers, scrap yards and more.

SMF on Facebook and Twitter

Twitter Facebook