anyone else a "secret" scrapper!!?? (family doesnt know u scrap!?)

Sorry if thread title is confusing..wasnt sure how to title! In my case what I mean by "secret" is my family (other than those I live with!), are only aware I recycle ali cans. They have no clue that I also break down metals and remove copper, etc to make the most I can at the yard.

Why am I a secret scrapper you ask? Well…the answer entails the general misconconceptions about scrappers, and no I dont agree with the misconceptions.
Simply put, if my immediate family knew I was scrapping they would tell me they didn t know things were "so bad" for me and offer money. Guess they feel scrapping is done only when one is "down and out" financially. The family takes care of each other and they would worry about me, I dont want to cause unecessary worry, so I quietly scrap away!!

True, I do it for the money, cant see throwing free money in the trash! Also, to save landfill space, environment and simply because I disagree with what I perceive as a generally wasteful society/mindset.



My scrapping is indoors with limited storage and an SUV. Most all my scrap is free, most I've spent (so far) on scrap is $3.00 from a yard sale.
Not ruling out paying in the future, you never know. I havent made a major scrapyard haul yet, have only taken shred for $16-$20. Working on stripping copper, taking apart ali, etc and will be taking in soon,,,hoping for soon!!~~~

Due to the fact that networking means more money, I am probably the only secret scrapper on the forum!

I do E-Waste, and only my immediate family knows (and a couple members who came to our house). This way, I don't have to supply everyone with parts. The rest of our family is on the other side of the country, so it's not hard to keep it a secret!

Of course, there isn't this issue with metals as much. You'll want to keep the good stuff anyways

I do E-Waste to get parts to rebuild computers. It's another part of my job. But, it's the part of the job that I love, so that makes it worthwhile. The money I make off E-Waste is a nice bonus!

I scrap because I want to, not because I'm broke. I don't get that misconception. Some people scrap out of need, but a lot of us do it for the love.

My immediate family knows that I scrap. I'm sure I'm missing out on leads from my extended family as none of them know what I do.

Can we use that in signatures? That's the most accurate description that I've seen in a long time!

Originally Posted by Mechanic688

Does that make you a closet scrapper,,,??



Also I use my Taurus for most, was borrowing a pickup when needed but just got new plates for my ole beater Ford Ranger pickup so I'm getting ready to take my first load in my own truck.

I actuially thought about using "closet scrapper" in the thread title!

Congrats on the truck!

My family knows I scrap but they dont know how much I make. That I try to keep to myself.

I have to keep my scrapping inside just because my local metal yard hires thieves who go around stealing stuff all over town. Have no idea how they have not been caught/charged. They were caught red handed last year taking metal from a field but somehow got out of it.

I used to worry about the stereotype a little bit, but now all my family, friends, and co-workers know. My father-in-law jokes around and calls me Fred sometimes (Fred Sanford). I''ve always done it on a pretty small scale. I probably average a few thousand dollars a year, but I do like most of you, when I see an aluminum can, I see 2 cents. A junk TV....$5-10.....and yes, I have pulled 3lbs of copper out of a TV. My wife puts up with it because I legitimize it by it paying for vacations, shopping trips, etc. It's almost an addiction, but definitely more of a hobby for me. Ever pass an aluminum fender on the interstate that broke off a trailer or big rig and raced to the next exit to come back to get it?....I know you guys have done that before with something! I see it like money beside the road....free pickins.

My immediate family knows, my dad however unknowingly, got me into it years ago when I helped him demolish old barns and sell the wood. I have several collegues that know and they give me their junk. I also do it to make ends meet. I was unemployed for two years and it paid for christmas for my family both years and will do the same this year.
I'm doing my part to help the environment. But above all else I can look myself in the mirror each morning and know that I'm doing honest work, as the song says; "I got it honest."