How to Start a Recycled Junk Business

Recycling electronics and scrap metal is good for the environment; it can also become a profitable business. Collect items no longer needed by companies and small businesses and can sell them. Your market may be manufacturers who will recycle the items and resell them; other junk dealers; recycling plants and individual consumers.

Things You'll Need

• Business license
• Flatbed truck
• Safety equipment (boots, work gloves, safety glasses)
• Storage space

Instructions

How to Start a Recycled Junk Business

1. Determine which types of junk is available to recycle in your area. Among types of junk that can be recycled:
   -Cell phones
   -Ink cartridges
   -Batteries
   -Television monitors
   -Computers
   -Electrical components (from computers, cars, televisions, cell phones)
   -Audio equipment
   -Scrap metal (Aluminum, copper, steel)
   -Cars and car parts
   -Other machinery

2. Research local and state laws pertaining to junk removal. You may need special permits. You may need to complete federal Occupation Health and Safety Administration safety training if you be handling or be around hazardous materials. You may need a business license. Business insurance may also be necessary. Contact a Small Business Administration office or chamber of commerce for more information.

3. Contact companies and small businesses in your area to see if they have a need for junk removal services. Target those who use the types of materials and equipment you want to sell.

4. Rent or purchase a flatbed truck, dollies, truck hitch and other equipment to move junk from one location to another. Purchase safety gloves, boots, safety glasses, and heavy rope to secure items in place during transport. You may need to rent an empty lot or warehouse space to store materials collected before they can be sold.

5. Contact other junk dealers, companies that specialize in using recycled materials, and recycling plants that may be willing tol purchase the junk you've collected.

Tips & Warnings

• As technology and demand for certain items continues to change, you may have to specialize in finding and selling a variety of items. For example, one month you may collect and sell ink cartridges. The next month, you may collect and sell scrap metal. Maintain accurate records of all items collected in case the items were stolen from another party without your knowledge.

• Handle all electrical equipment with care. When extracting components from electrical equipment, consult professionals who have training and the equipment to do so safely.

References

• Profile of a Junk Collector
• Junk Dealer Directory