obscure roadside scrap

not exactly obscure, kind of obvious to most on this forum, broom/shovel handles & metal poles sticking up out of garbage cans. I have seen scrappers drive by these, because most of the time they end up being swiffers with about three cents worth of metal. Guy who got me into this says he never stops for broom handle looking things. Well I always do, and every now and then one turns out to be something motorized, or there's a brass fitting somewhere...and a couple weeks ago I pulled out what appeared to be one of those bent snow shovel handles, turned out to be a fully functioning metal detector. another metal pole turned out to be a crank for a set of aluminum blinds below eye level. Have also found that people put heavy items in very bottom of open can, to prevent the poles/handles from tipping it over.

Rainy days in the suburbs people pack stuff in plastic bags that they would otherwise put out open. I guess they don't want their stuff to get wet, even though it's now garbage. Anyway, a lot of them pack like items together in trash bags. When it's raining and slim pickings and I see a pole sticking out of a black trash bag, I'll give the bag a poke, and if shows potential and I don't feel anything mushy, it becomes my bonus surprise grab bag.

Originally Posted by volvoscrapper

not exactly obscure, kind of obvious to most on this forum, broom/shovel handles & metal poles sticking up out of garbage cans. I have seen scrappers drive by these, because most of the time they end up being swiffers with about three cents worth of metal.

Way I see this, is that it is being thrown away likely because they were in the process of cleaning and it broke... What do you do while you clean? ..Throw your other junk away... 9 outta 10 times there's other goodies sitting inside that aren't seen when driving by.

Just another excuse to pick up those 3 cent poles.

Originally Posted by Russell

In an unending search for things scrap able or re usable, I've found two more things. First - light bulbs. I find an incredible amount of lamps being thrown out. Some are scrap able some are not, most still have light bulbs. This isn't life changing but, its a good way to save a buck, especially for those living on a shoestring budget.

Secondly- luggage. I don't see any scrappers breaking off the aluminum retractable handles. I've heard of folks taking luggage or checking it out. I believe that's a longshot to find a ring or envelope full of money. It's unlikely and they are bulky and can harbor bed bugs from hotels. However I found that a few good twists on the retractable towing handles will usually break em off.

Light bulbs are great. Haven't bought them in years and have plenty to last years more.. A side note, the bottom part of the bulb is aluminum, and sometimes brass if colored differently. Cleans up nicely with a few crunches of a 4lb hammer.

Luggage also has aluminum zipper pulls (sometimes brass or steel), and a steel support frame. The outter edge seams are also magnetic. All you gotta do is zip through the fabric with an angle grinder.
The button snaps from what I have seen are usually brass or steel.

Luggage, purses, handbags, laptop briefcases, duffels, backpacks...Any of the sort always get picked up by me. If you check the inside of the bag for tears in the corners of the inner lining, there's a good chance SOMETHING has gotten stuck in there before it was cleaned out and trashed. I have found gold and silver jewelry in these pockets...Usually just spare change or make-up doodads, though.

And household batteries... Many electronics use them, and found very often. I have some little electronic games that I keep to specifically check battery life. I haven't bought batteries in years either.

Like said, not a life changer money maker, but could save you a tall boy or two.

Originally Posted by Bear

That's true rca, I've had a battery tester so long I can't recall just how long it's been. It doesn't even need a battery! Except the one you're testing ; ) Micronta 22-032A, must have got it at a yard sale somewhere or something. It does button cell 1.5V lithium 3v AAA AA photo 6V 9V 12V(even auto ones) 15V and 22.5 impossible to even guess how many times I've used that thing. In the red, it's pretty well dead, in the green, it's got a charge, and the higher the needle goes, the better charge it has. Haha! WARNING This instrument has no user serviceable parts DO NOT Remove this cover. ( I wonder what kind of board it's got in there? ; )

Brown board, low grade.

Classic example today of this broom stick theory. I was cruising through a neighborhood on my way to pick up some stuff a lady had called me about, and I see a few of those little metal H frames that political signs are usually on sticking out of a trash can. Well I stopped, figuring at worst I am atleast picking something up for stopping.. Turns out there was two sets of oxy/acetlyene pressure gauges just below surface level. As well as some steel housing for fans.

The bonus for me was the camo hunting vest and jacket that was underneath it all.