Selling scrap metal - or, how to make the most of the junk in my house...

[worthy]

XH moved out a few months ago and I'm cleaning up the garage, shed, and basement, and finding all kinds of scraps of metal that need to be responsibly disposed of.  I'm assuming that little things like random nuts and bolts, and wire that needs stripping, and machine parts that have electronics, are best just donated to local folks who do the work of dismantling and sorting them and then sell them for profit themselves.  I don't mind donating these things; it would be too much work for me.

But I have some copper pipe/fittings and some brass rods, and I'm wondering if it could be worth my while to take them to the scrapyard myself and see if I can get a few bucks for them.  I also have lead flashing from a chimney.  Also a cast iron fireplace grate, and a bunch of random steel/iron (magnetic) stuff.

Has anyone sold their small scrap metal for cash?  What is worth the effort and what is best just disposed of by giving to someone who has the patience and know-how to sort and recycle it?

I'd love to make $20 on it, or more if I can.  Money is super tight and I'd be so happy for a little extra.  There is a scrap metals place about half an hour away (where they buy metals by weight).  Is copper, brass, lead worth much these days? What do I need to know if I'm going to do this?

[Carson]

we took the posts and fence from 2 city sized yards of chainlink and got about 90 for it.  You should call the scrap place and ask what they pay per pound and estimate it.  It honestly may cost you more for gas there and back than you get for the scrap...

[ashleyhaugh]

i think copper is usually worth a lot. i'd call and see what their price per pound is.

[crunchy_mommy]

Sometimes you can find people on CL or whatever who will pick up scrap metal. However, when we tried to do it, they weren't willing to pick up unless we had a lot of stuff (all we really had was an old furnace). You'd get less money this way since they have to make a profit, but it would save you that 1/2 hour drive if you can find someone local...

[crunchy_mommy]

Oh and yes, copper is expensive, at least it costs me a lot when I have to buy pipes at Home Depot!

[chrissyecycle]

There might be a way you can make money! I ran into something on Facebook called Rosie the Recycler which is a junk pick and recycling service that is very convenient to join.  It's a program started mainly for stay at home moms that are looking for a junk pick up and recycling service that they could tell their family and friends about.  This service not only helps protect the environment but could also save you money.   All you have to do is contact them via their information on Facebook and they fill you in with the rest.  They take care of everything for you, all you have to do is make the phone call!

https://www.facebook.com/#!/RosieRecycler