California Scrappin'

Hello all,

My name is Brian and I am from California.
I became interested in the scrapping about 9 years ago, specifically in e-waste. The reason for this focus was due to the limited recycle facilities in my neck of the woods, as well with the little care/knowledge folks have around here. Since I began, I have opened a free e-waste drop site and I collect quite a bit from this weekly. I would consider myself a 'home' scrap recycler since there isn't always a huge supply of random tech/e-waste. As for the type of work I do with these pieces of equipment, I do what I call the 'basics' which consists of various tasks upon each piece of e-waste. I will separate motherboards, processors, memory, slot cards, heatsinks, etc. etc. depending on the type of tech that was dropped. However with the separation of tech, I don't go too extreme as to remove flatpacks from mobo's or IC chips and so on. That requires far too much time which I don't have.

Anyhow, I can go on with it but I believe most will get the gist of what I do from this brief introduction.
I currently have zero experience with selling scrap though (other than large steel/aluminum/copper turn-ins at my local yard). I have collected a LOT of weight in various parts and pieces and trying to find the right path to scrap it. Not looking to get wealthy, but it is a hobby and I guess I might as well gain some profit for the time I have put in!

Well, hello again! Please feel free to ask me anything and I will answer to the best of my ability.

Thanks all,

Individual parts can be worth far more than scrap. Research everything before destroying it !

Originally Posted by RLS0812

Individual parts can be worth far more than scrap. Research everything before destroying it !

Exactly! This is why I have a LOT of 44 gallon trash cans filled with specific parts! Separation and organization seems to (from what I read) pay out the best.

Welcome Tierzul, to SMF from Indiana...

Originally Posted by DiamondN

Welcome Tierzul, to SMF from Indiana...

Hey, thank you!

Originally Posted by tski72

Hey Brian, welcome to the forum from the Chicago area. You sound like me about 6 years ago. Best advise is to read the old post here, and then read the old post here, and then read. I think you get the picture. Always look at ways to expand the mind, it will help you tremendously. There is a wealth of information right here for the taking, just have to find it.

Also look in the buyers section for somewhere close to you to start shipping to, it will be your best bet. There are some of the best people right here to work with. I know there is a gentleman in Colorado that buys certain things which isn't to far from you. I sell a lot to guys right here on the forum.

Happy scrapping.

That's what I have been doing and will continue to do!

Thanks for the welcome and support.

Hi there! I'm in California too! Where abouts are you at?

Originally Posted by miked

Welcome to the forum. Do what you have been doing and keep reading. We have the best buyers here on the forum. While you are reading the threads don't pass up the "Buyers/Sellers" section(there is a 'button' at the top of each page).

Testing computer parts is easiest while the computer is still assembled. If you want to do testing read up on the Ubuntu operating system. A bootable version of Ubuntu can be put on a thumb drive or dvd/cd so you can do the testing needed. 73, Mike

Thanks, and thankfully I am very well skilled in the computer/tech industry as it is. Of course I test parts/products prior to scrapping and then check other forums/ebay if it's worth selling vs scrapping. Been doing the eBay game since 2003 and recently it's picked up like crazy (due to several hundred reviews at 100% positive feedback).

Again, thank you for the info and I am glad I have done so much reading to be on the right track. I really do appreciate it.

Originally Posted by Julie

Hi there! I'm in California too! Where abouts are you at?

Hi Julie, I am from the central coast of California towards San Luis Obispo.
How about you?

Crescent City Ca. here. Welcome.
I ship the stuff I don't sell on E-Bay to E-wasted, I wish I had enough pounds to utilize Gorven.

Originally Posted by CapitalRecovery

Crescent City Ca. here. Welcome.
I ship the stuff I don't sell on E-Bay to E-wasted, I wish I had enough pounds to utilize Gorven.

I just looked the user up and saw the prices. Amazing information, thank you. I typically can pump out that kind of waste in a month time. Would be worth my time!
Thanks again!