How to Get Cash for Scrap Alummum

Besides helping the environment, collecting and selling scrap aluminum is an ideal way to earn extra cash. Some people collect aluminum part-time to supplement their income. Others, on the other hand, have turned scrap aluminum collecting into their main source of income. Fortunately, getting cash from scrap aluminum does not require any special skills. Learn to identify aluminum sources, and you can also turn scrap aluminum into cash.

• 1

  Look for items made of aluminum. Such items include aluminum siding, gutters and downspouts. You can also collect pieces of aluminum pipe and tubing. Other sources of aluminum include wheel rims, soda cans, barb wire and lawn furniture.

• 2

  Approach building contractors, and offer to haul away any metal pieces from the building site for free.

• 3

  Drive around to apartment buildings and look for aluminum items placed by the dumpster. The last weekend of each month is often productive, as tenants who are moving out will throw out any items they can't move into a new home.

• 4

  Choose a location where you will store your aluminum items until you take your load to the scrap yard. Sellers of scrap metal often take advantage of boat storage units. You will need to pay a rental fee of about $100 a month per unit. If you do this as a business, the rental fee is generally tax-deductible.

• 5

  Contact scrap yards in your area and take note of the ones that purchase scrap aluminum.

• 6

  Take your load of scrap aluminum to the scrap yard. An attendant will weigh your aluminum and pay you by the pound. The price of aluminum fluctuates according to demand. You can expect to receive anywhere from 30 cents to more than 75 cents per pound.