Mobile scrap metal collector

Scrapyards pay you for sorted metal. Some customers also pay a small pickup fee, such as renovators, landlords, small trades and homeowners clearing out garages.

You earn the gap between what you pay for the metal (often nothing for pickups) and the yard's price per pound or tonne, plus any pickup fees. Prices move with the market, so income varies.

• Knowing metal types and sorting well
• Safe lifting and loading
• Negotiating and building contacts

• Check whether your province or municipality requires a scrap or secondhand dealer licence, or record-keeping on what you buy
• Some provinces restrict buying certain items such as catalytic converters or utility metal, so check the rules and ask for proof of ownership
• Commercial general liability and vehicle insurance, and check what your auto policy covers when hauling loads
• Scrap prices can drop quickly, so don't pay more than you can safely resell for
• Heavy lifting and sharp edges, and refrigerants in appliances may need certified handling
• Check your municipality's rules if you store metal at home, and consider winter slowdowns and snow-covered loads

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on whether you already have a truck or trailer, and what you spend on scales, tools and safety gear.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on how much metal you collect and sort. Scrap prices can drop quickly, so don't pay more than you can safely resell for.

Check whether your province or municipality requires a scrap or secondhand dealer licence or record-keeping on purchases. Some provinces restrict buying items such as catalytic converters, so ask for proof of ownership. Also check your insurance and rules for storing metal at home.