Why I Don't Accept Certain Things

**recyclersteve** · 09-08-2018, 12:41 AM

People ask sometimes why certain things aren't quickly snatched from the curb to go to the scrap yard. I mention that a 20# 2-drawer file cabinet takes up a fair amount of room in my SUV and pays less than $1. I have to load it, unload it at home, load it again the day I go to the scrap yard and unload it again when I get there. So I handle it four times and pay for gas- not worth it...at least when steel is paying 4 cents a pound.

**msmoorad** · 09-08-2018, 04:59 AM

many of these file cabinets have brass or zinc handles on the drawers...may be a good idea to quickly knock them off with a hammer or unscrew them if u have more time.

**hobo finds** · 09-08-2018, 06:12 AM

Yep remove the handle and fill up the rest with small stuff, And yes handling a item 4 times is the norm

**SKWrapper** · 09-08-2018, 06:18 PM

Yep - since metal prices keep going down, I focus more on non-ferrous and actually take some less heavy things now ex. bbq grill for the cast aluminum (if it has any), yes it takes up space for the trip home, dirty, and I have to tear it down, but it pays 5x's more than just throwing it in the yard as is.

**Repurposer** · 09-12-2018, 03:33 PM

I won't pick up dishwashers of water heaters unless they are literally next door. If I have a large load and people want to bring them to me I take them.