What to know when starting out?

Well I'll go ahead and ditch the hostility...and give you some honest answers...at least from my experience here in the US.

As far as what to wear...#1 is always a good pair of work gloves. Don't cheap out! Busting up your hands could make you unable to work down the road...and that'll cost you more than a decent set of gloves. Next a pair of safety glasses for when you're busting things apart is a good idea. If you really want to get serious...steel toe boots are a decent investment. As far as clothes go...obviously long sleeves will help you from scraping up your arms...but you'll also be outside all day. So most people tend to dress to the weather. My idea is always safety first, but clothes are sort of a personal choice.

Next in regards to tools...some MUST haves are:

1.) a magnet. Touching metals with a magnet easily identify what's steel and what isn't. Keeping these segregated make for an easier day, and a higher pay out at the end.
2.) a hammer. A lot of items can yield higher returns if they're broken apart and have things stripped out of them. Exactly what can be broken apart, you can learn a lot more just browsing YouTube for an hour.
3.) wire cutters. You can get paid more on all wires (cords, too) if you cut off all the plastic ends and attachments. It's the easiest possible upgrade you could do. Also use these to cut out screen doors/windows.

I'm sure by the time you get more into it, you'll develop a more sophisticated set of tools...but a lot of it just depends on what works for you and you find to be most helpful. Some guys smash stuff with sledge hammers, others use axes. It's all kind of just getting your own groove and developing your own approach. The best knowledge is definitely gained through experience...just always keep SAFETY #1!

In regards to the mechanics, a lot of smaller mechanic shops don't spend the time recycling their few pieces here and there...and a lot of scrappers do make the rounds to them. Just always remember when approaching them, be courteous and kind...and keep in mind YOU are asking THEM for something. A smile and kind words definitely go a long way. Also keep in mind every one of these guys have had scrap stolen from them from guys they view exactly like they view you...so approach with caution and with the mindset that you are trying to convince them you are going about handling things the correct way. Also, when you have a better idea of pay outs and value in mind, offering to grease their hands a little bit with a few bucks could help out a lot. The decision makers on this aren't always the owners...and offering to buy a pack of smokes or some lunch money could work wonders in getting their scraps.

It's a hustle. No doubt about it. And it's not for the lazy or weak-willed. But there is good money out there, and a lot of opportunity to be your own boss and work a completely different kind of job than a typical one. It just takes time and experience. Another good thing to do is get a map of your area, and determine the garbage schedule. Get out there and cruise the streets looking for the few odds and ends items being thrown out worth scrap. These will add up to full loads in NO time.


Good luck!