6 Scrap Metal Business Success Stories [2024]

Pat Walls

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Updated: November 1st, 2023

Start A Scrap Metal Business

Been eyeing that pile of metal debris gathering dust in your neighbor's garage? Discover the treasure within the trash: a scrap metal business. This venture involves collecting scrap metal, sorting it according to type, and selling it to recycling facilities or foundries.

The business requires minimal capital to start, as your primary resources are right under your nose: discarded appliances, construction waste, etc. With the rise of eco-conscious consumers, industries favor recycled materials over new ones, escalating the demand for scrap metal.

From aluminum cans to rusted iron bars, this business is all about transformation. It's labor-intensive and demands hands-on involvement, but it's a venture that recycles, conserves, and gives new meaning to the phrase 'one man's trash is another man's treasure'. A scrap metal business not only yields measurable profit but also offers the satisfaction of making a positive environmental dent in your own small way.

Here are some real life success stories of starting a scrap metal business:

1. DownHomeModern LLC ($7.2K/year)

Marc Staples, founder of DownHomeModern, came up with the idea for his business while experimenting with different small items made from reclaimed materials. When he created a few small bells and chimes, they quickly sold out, prompting him to recognize the opportunity. He then focused on designing and manufacturing windbells, which became the primary driver of sales for DownHomeModern.

How much they make: $7.2K/year
How much did it cost to start: $5.5K
Current team size: 1

How I Validated My Business On Etsy And Launched My Own Handcrafted Artistry Shop

DownHomeModern's Marc Staples turned his creativity into a successful business through handcrafting windbells and chimes with a rustic style that pays homage to American Southwest decor.

About

Marc started DownHomeModern LLC about 3 years ago

Revenue

Marc grew the business to $600/month

Costs

It cost Marc $5500 to start the business

Read this case study

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Learn more about starting a scrap metal business:

Where to start?

-> How much does it cost to start a scrap metal business?
-> Pros and cons of a scrap metal business

Need inspiration?

-> Examples of established scrap metal business
-> Marketing ideas for a scrap metal business

Other resources

Part of

Starting A Scrap Metal Business: Everything You Need To Know

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4. Recycling Today

Where they're located: Fresno, California, USA
Website traffic: 160K/month

5. Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries

ISRI provides education, advocacy, and compliance training while promoting public awareness of the role recycling plays in the U.S. economy, global trade, the environment and sustainable development.

Where they're located: Detroit, Michigan, USA

6. Scrap Metal Prices

Metal;Price, Scrap Metal Prices for Aluminium Scrap, Tin Scrap, Tin Products, Copper Scrap, Steel, Nickel, Copper, Tin, Zinc,Gold, Scrap Buyers Suppliers Directory, Buy Recycled Products Of Metal, Scrap Items, Alloys, Scrap Metal Directory, Titanium Scrap, Stainless Steel, Lme Metal Prices, Recycle Metal, Metal Recyclers, Scrap Buyers,metals closing prices and inventory