Demand for scrap metal has greatly increased, and so has the price. Common metals like aluminum and lead fetch about a dollar per pound on today’s market. Copper goes for about $3.51 per pound while nickel and tin fetch for more than $8.00 per pound at some scrap yards, according to infomine.com
“That’s up about 10 percent from last year,” Zeni said.
Because of rising metal prices, metal recycling is more competitive and secretive than most people realize.
“We’re all fighting for a nickel,” said a veteran metal recycler, who would only provide his nickname “Junior.” “It’s real cutthroat.”
Junior, who has been recycling metal for more than 30 years, has mastered the craft of scrapping. He does not disclose where he gets his metal, fearing other scrappers will exploit his sources.
“If I’m getting a dime, I don’t want them to know,” Junior said.
The weathered, calloused-handed man was originally drawn to metal recycling after he spent a couple years digging for gold. To Junior, metal recycling is not simply a means to an end. It’s a treasure hunt.
“You never know what’s going to be put out,” he said.
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