Why I Don't Like to Start Scrapping w/ a Totally Empty Vehicle

**recyclersteve** · 09-08-2018, 05:38 AM

When I do scrapping (especially Curb Co. stuff) there is always the chance that someone will ask me what I'm doing. When I mention recycling/scrapping and finding stuff for Goodwill, there is always the chance they will ask to see some of the scraps I have to prove that I'm legit. So I always keep a few small pieces of insulated wire, bare bright, flexible conduit, etc. in the car with me. I know that many on this site will likely carry business cards with them- all the better. But I don't want to be caught empty handed, so to speak.

Some might just carry tools, but that could mean you are a mechanic, carpenter or something else.

Does anyone else carry stuff in the car like this?

**greytruck** · 09-08-2018, 07:25 AM

I keep the truck bed empty so i can fit everything i find. Noone ever asks for proof except the police if your up to no good or looking at empty houses. (got pulled over once cause someone reported a truck scoping out a vacant property. wasnt me) I also have side walls on my truck so people know whats up

**mikeinreco** · 09-08-2018, 11:16 AM

Personally I could care less what someone thinks about what I'm doing........If you obey the law and only scrap what is trash or left out for you then you won't have a problem

**EDC76** · 09-08-2018, 08:16 PM

Originally Posted by recyclersteve

Does anyone else carry stuff in the car like this?

No, and I can't imagine how keeping a few small pieces of scrap in your vehicle is going to make a bit of difference if someone asks what you're doing.

**Junker** · 09-17-2018, 08:53 PM

Taking up space with last weeks picks is not a good business plan in my opinion!

**recyclersteve** · 09-18-2018, 03:24 AM

The items I carry take up less space than half a dozen eggs. Yet I have things that clearly the average person just doesn't carry in their car. That, to me, would be more convincing to a police officer or some other suspicious person than, say, a toolbox (which lots of people carry, even thieves). Another thing I carry in my glove compartment is a map of the city showing the different brush pickup zones and dates (from the city website). That, too, is something the average person would never have with them.

**jimicrk** · 09-08-2018, 08:41 PM

All of my pick ups are from businesses so I try to keep the truck as empty as possible.

**JJinLV** · 09-08-2018, 11:19 PM

When somebody asks me what I'm doing I tell them. And then ask them if they're looking to get rid of what I'm looking for. In no circumstances can I imagine the utility of pre-filling the space I intend to go out and fill.

**SKWrapper** · 09-09-2018, 04:06 PM

I feel pretty much the same as everyone else here. I try to make sure my truck is as clean and empty as possible, with only hand tools on board for gas station cleaning - if I go stright to the scrapyard and can't remove wires and aluminum etc... I have several places that I have verified with the owner that it's OK to do that on their property.

**SKWrapper** · 09-13-2018, 10:32 AM

Thinking about this a little further, in my limited experience it does help "advertise" that you are a scrapper if you have stuff on your vehicle.

Example - earlier this summer while driving away from a curbside pickup I drive by someone's home and a guy is out in his yard "hey - are you metal scrapping?" then he asks if I can take a bunch of stuff. I did.

Recently my neighbor figured out I collect scrap metal and I just recycled over 1700lbs of ferrous, one 1060 lb. load and one 660 lb load, and another full load tonight planned all from his place of work perfectly in-between my house and the scrapyard, 2 miles away.

Still, I don't see this as a reason to always keep items on the back of my truck, I try to keep that thing 100% empty when I am not collecting. One full heavy load @ one stop then maybe home first if there's a bunch of non-ferrous to strip off, then the scrapyard - that's the goal anyway.

**Stargate1** · 09-13-2018, 11:42 AM

I'm going to jump on the bandwagon here and say that I also try to keep my vehicle relatively clean. I keep a large tote in the back with the seats laid down for more room, and to protect the carpeting. I also keep a 5-gallon bucket of ink cartridges so I can go by Office Depot once per month like clockwork and get my $10 recycling credit. Other than that, I keep a utility knife on the dash in plain view, and maybe a #2 Philips and flathead screwdriver in case I run across something that I only want to take pieces of. That's all I do. As far as advertising, I primarily do word of mouth. It has gotten me a fair bit of business, and I expect it will continue to do so. I have only been pulled over once, if you call walking a wheels-bin down the sidewalk in my neighborhood getting pulled over. Apparently a neighbor thought I was breaking and entering and stealing stuff. Once I told the cop what I was doing and showed him what I had, he was all cool. Didn't even check my ID.
That's my 2 cents on the matter.

**SKWrapper** · 09-13-2018, 02:41 PM

Originally Posted by Stargate1

Apparently a neighbor thought I was breaking and entering and stealing stuff. Once I told the cop what I was doing and showed him what I had, he was all cool. Didn't even check my ID.
That's my 2 cents on the matter.

Not to de-rail the thread but a few weeks ago I was breaking down a mostly cast aluminum grill on my truck in what looked like a neighborhood with no one home cause I couldn't effectively strap it down - it kept wanting to fall out at speeds higher than 25. About 5 minutes into breaking it down, I see someone peeking out a window at me - I smiled waved at them the second time. So, I hurried up even faster. I got it broken down enough strapped the load back down and sure enough - as I was turing off the street a police officer turned on to the street. I didn't get stopped but I KNOW someone called me in, even though I was legally minding my own business on a public street legally parked away from anyone's house.

**mikeinreco** · 09-18-2018, 03:29 AM

My question is why the paranoia about the cops checking your car?

**SKWrapper** · 09-18-2018, 09:55 AM

Originally Posted by mikeinreco

My question is why the paranoia about the cops checking your car?

just kidding

For those that don't get it - from the Urban Dictionary: "ridin' dirty" - driving in an automobile while having at least a felony charge worth of illegal drugs and or unregistered firearms with you.

**recyclersteve** · 09-20-2018, 03:51 AM

Originally Posted by mikeinreco

My question is why the paranoia about the cops checking your car?

No paranoia at all. I never was a boy scout, but I always liked their motto "Always be prepared."

**mikeinreco** · 09-20-2018, 04:43 AM

I thought it meant driving without taking a shower first thanks for clarifying

**SKWrapper** · 09-20-2018, 09:44 AM

Originally Posted by mikeinreco

I thought it meant driving without taking a shower first thanks for clarifying

Well it actually does mean that sometimes in my case but no problem. That's why I am here. Let me know if you would like me to explain some of the song lyrics from the rap artist "Fifty Cents" or maybe "Florida"

ROFLMAO

**ScrapToTheFuture** · 09-21-2018, 06:04 AM

A picture on your phone of your past hauls can save you from all the issues

**recyclersteve** · 09-23-2018, 06:06 PM

I believe my initial posting triggered a bit of a firestorm of responses. I don't think the original posting was well understood. I keep way less than 1 pound of scrap in my car to show others. That is hardly enough to make a dent in the load capacity of my vehicle, even if it is just an SUV.

Why I Don't Like to Start Scrapping w/ a Totally Empty Vehicle

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