Starting a scrap metal business is a rewarding venture that combines a knowledge of different metals and negotiation skills with business savvy. It’s a multi-billion dollar industry, with consistent demand for recycled materials from sectors like manufacturing, construction, and automotive production.
This guide will walk you through the practical steps of securing the right permits, finding a location, acquiring equipment, and building supplier relationships to help you launch a successful scrap metal business in the U.S.
Step 1: Plan your business and validate your idea
Start by researching your local market. Use Google Maps to identify scrap yards within a 50-mile radius to understand your competition. You can also use the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) member directory to find established businesses in your state.
To gauge demand, call local construction companies or manufacturers. Ask what types of scrap metal they produce and their current disposal methods. A frequent oversight is only checking competitor prices; also note their hours and accepted materials to find service gaps you can fill.
Startup costs
Your initial investment will depend on your operational scale. A reliable used flatbed or roll-off truck can cost between $15,000 and $50,000. You will also need collection bins, which can range from $3,000 to $10,000 for a decent starting set.
Other major expenses include a certified truck scale ($2,000-$7,000), business permits ($500-$2,000), and your first year's insurance premium, which could be $5,000 to $12,000. This brings the initial outlay to between $25,500 and $81,000.
Here are 3 immediate steps to take:
- Research local zoning laws for industrial operations in your target area.
- Call three local scrap yards to anonymously ask for their current prices on aluminum and copper.
- Create a preliminary budget listing expected costs for a truck, scales, and initial insurance payments.
Step 2: Establish your legal entity and secure licenses
You might want to consider forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC). It protects your personal assets from business debts and offers pass-through taxation, meaning profits are taxed on your personal return. This structure provides a good balance of protection and simplicity for a new business.
Federal and state registration
Once your business is named, get a free Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS website. You will need this for taxes and banking. Next, research your state's scrap metal dealer license. Requirements vary, but expect to pay between $200 and $1,000 for a license that can take 4-8 weeks to process.
Many new owners overlook local permits. Beyond a general business license, you may need environmental permits from your state's protection agency, especially for handling fluids or potential ground contaminants. Check with your city planning department about zoning before you sign a lease to avoid issues.
Here are 4 immediate steps to take:
- File LLC formation documents with your Secretary of State.
- Apply for a free Employer Identification Number (EIN) on the IRS website.
- Find your state’s scrap dealer application and review its requirements.
- Call your local city planning office to confirm zoning for your proposed location.
Step 3: Secure your insurance and manage risk
Key insurance policies
Your two most significant policies will be General Liability and Commercial Auto. A standard $1 million General Liability policy protects you if someone is injured on your property and runs between $1,200 and $3,000 annually. Commercial Auto insurance for your truck will likely cost $4,000 to $9,000 per year.
If you hire staff, Workers’ Compensation is mandatory. Property Insurance is also vital to cover your scales, bins, and any processed metal from theft or fire. These two policies together can add another $3,000 to $7,000 to your yearly premium, depending on payroll and asset value.
Choosing a provider and understanding risks
A frequent oversight is using a general insurance agent. You want a specialist who understands the scrap industry. Look into brokers like AmWINS, RT Specialty, or Burns & Wilcox. They know the specific risks, like potential soil contamination from leaking vehicle fluids, which is a major liability.
These brokers can find policies that cover unique situations, such as the theft of high-value metals like copper. A standard property insurance policy might not adequately cover such a loss, leaving you underinsured when you need the coverage most.
Here are 4 immediate steps to take:
- Get quotes for a $1 million General Liability policy.
- Contact a broker like AmWINS or RT Specialty for a package quote.
- Ask potential insurers how their policies cover environmental risks.
- If you plan to hire, research your state’s Workers' Compensation laws.
Step 4: Secure your location and buy equipment
Finding your yard
You will need a space of at least 10,000 square feet, but 20,000 square feet gives you room to grow. Focus your search on properties with industrial zoning, typically classified as M-1 (Light Industrial) or M-2 (Heavy Industrial) by your city's planning department.
When you negotiate a lease, insist on a clause that requires the landlord to pay for a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment. A frequent mistake is to skip this, which could leave you responsible for cleaning up contamination left by a previous tenant.
Acquiring your equipment
Your operation will depend on a few key pieces of machinery. A reliable used forklift will cost between $5,000 and $15,000. An aluminum can baler, which compacts scrap for easier transport, runs from $10,000 to $25,000 for a good used model.
You should also budget for a commercial wire stripper, around $1,500 to $5,000, to process insulated copper wire. You can find used equipment on sites like Machinery Trader or at auctions from companies like Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers.
Here are 4 immediate steps to take:
- Search commercial real estate listings for properties with M-1 or M-2 zoning.
- Draft a lease clause that requires a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment.
- Browse Machinery Trader to price a used forklift and an aluminum baler.
- Contact your city planning office to verify zoning for any potential locations.
Step 5: Set up your payment system
Most scrap yards pay suppliers on the spot with cash or a business check. For larger, recurring clients like construction firms, you might set up Net 30 terms and pay via ACH transfer. Decide on your payout policy early to maintain clear expectations.
A frequent misstep is only preparing to pay out. You also need a way to accept payments. You might sell refurbished parts or charge drop-off fees for certain materials. Relying only on cash or checks can limit your customer base and create accounting headaches.
For scrap metal businesses that need to accept payments on-site or on-the-go, JIM offers a streamlined solution. With JIM, you can accept debit, credit and digital wallets directly through your smartphone - just tap and done.
At just 1.99% per transaction with no hidden costs or extra hardware needed, it's particularly useful for collecting fees from smaller suppliers. This rate is significantly lower than the 2.5% to 3.5% other payment solutions often charge.
- Get Started: Download JIM app for iOS
- Make a Sale: Type the sales amount, hit sell, and ask your customer to tap their card or device on your phone
- Access Funds: Your money is available right on your JIM card as soon as the sale is done - no waiting for bank transfers
Here are 3 immediate steps to take:
- Decide on your payment terms for large suppliers, such as Net 30.
- Download the JIM app to see how it works for on-the-go payments.
- Outline your policy for accepting payments for any services or goods you sell.
Step 6: Fund your business and manage finances
Funding options
The SBA 7(a) loan is a solid option for startups. These government-backed loans can make it easier to qualify. A new scrap business might realistically secure between $50,000 and $150,000, with interest rates typically set at the Prime rate plus 2.75% to 4.75%.
You might also consider equipment financing. This is a loan specifically for your truck, baler, or forklift. Lenders use the equipment itself as collateral, which can lead to higher approval rates. Expect to make a down payment of 10-20% of the equipment's value.
Working capital
Many new owners focus only on equipment costs and overlook working capital. You should have at least $15,000 to $30,000 set aside for your first six months. This cash reserve covers fuel, insurance, payroll, and buying your initial scrap inventory before revenue becomes consistent.
Here are 3 immediate steps to take:
- Research SBA 7(a) loan requirements on the official SBA website.
- Contact your local bank to ask about their equipment financing terms.
- Calculate your estimated working capital needs for the first six months.
Step 7: Hire your team and set up operations
Your starting lineup
You will likely need two key roles to start. A Yard Hand sorts and moves metal, earning around $15-$20 per hour. A Scale Operator weighs materials and handles payments, typically making $16-$22 per hour. For drivers, expect to pay $20-$28 per hour.
A frequent mistake is to neglect training. Ensure your team, especially the Scale Operator, can accurately identify different metals. Misidentifying a load of aluminum as stainless steel can cost you hundreds of dollars on a single transaction. Also, require OSHA-approved forklift certification for any employee who operates machinery.
Day-to-day management
To manage inventory and stay compliant, you should use scrap-specific software. Programs like ScrapRight or PopScrap track purchases, manage inventory, and generate state-required reports on transactions. This helps prevent issues related to stolen materials, a major industry concern.
As you grow, a good benchmark to aim for is $150,000 to $250,000 in annual revenue per employee. This metric helps you decide when to hire more staff. A lean start with one or two trusted employees is a solid foundation.
Here are 4 immediate steps to take:
- Draft job descriptions for a Yard Hand and a Scale Operator.
- Research local OSHA-certified forklift training programs.
- Request a demo from a software provider like ScrapRight or ScrapWare.
- Review your state’s reporting requirements for scrap metal purchases.
Step 8: Market your business and acquire customers
Building your supplier base
Focus your initial efforts on B2B suppliers. Visit local construction sites, plumbing shops, and auto repair garages. Offer to drop off a free collection bin for a week. This direct approach builds relationships and secures a consistent flow of scrap.
A frequent oversight is waiting for suppliers to find you. You have to be proactive. Many new owners ignore independent electricians and HVAC technicians, who are often a great source for valuable copper and aluminum coils. They can become your most profitable accounts.
For your digital presence, a verified Google Business Profile is non-negotiable. Add photos of your clean yard, your truck, and clear signage. When a contractor searches for "scrap yard near me," you need to appear in those top results. It is a free and powerful way to get noticed.
Tracking your results
You do not need complex marketing software. Simply track how many new suppliers you gain each month. A solid goal for your first six months is to secure 5-10 regular suppliers who provide scrap at least twice a month. This creates a predictable revenue base.
Think about your Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC). If you spend $100 on fuel and flyers and sign up one new regular contractor, your CAC is $100. Knowing this number helps you decide if your marketing efforts are paying off or if you need to adjust your strategy.
Here are 4 immediate steps to take:
- Create a target list of 20 local plumbers, electricians, and HVAC companies.
- Set up and fully complete your Google Business Profile with photos.
- Design a simple flyer listing your contact info and accepted metals.
- Plan a route to visit five local construction sites to introduce yourself.
Step 9: Set your pricing and manage margins
Your pricing is tied directly to global commodity markets. Prices change daily. To stay profitable, you need to check the London Metal Exchange (LME) or COMEX for daily spot prices on metals like copper, aluminum, and steel. These are your benchmarks for setting buy and sell prices.
To find your local market rate, call competing yards for their buy prices. Also, call larger regional processors to find out what they pay for bulk quantities. This helps you understand both sides of the transaction. You can use a price tracker like Kitco to watch market fluctuations throughout the day.
Grading and margins
A frequent miscalculation involves poor metal grading. If you buy mixed, dirty aluminum but price it as clean aluminum, your profit disappears. Your ability to correctly identify and sort metals directly protects your margins. Aim for a gross margin of 20-40% on most metals.
For example, if the spot price for clean #1 copper wire is $3.50 per pound, you might offer suppliers $2.80. After you process it, you could sell it to a larger smelter for $3.25, which leaves you with a $0.45 per pound margin before your operational costs.
Here are 4 immediate steps to take:
- Bookmark a commodity price tracker like Kitco for daily price checks.
- Call two regional processors to get their bulk sale prices for aluminum and steel.
- Create a sample price sheet for your top five metals based on a 30% target margin.
- Download a metal grading guide from the ISRI website to study classifications.
Step 10: Control quality and scale your operations
Maintaining quality standards
Your reputation depends on the quality of your sorted metal. The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) provides the industry-standard specifications for all scrap commodities. Use these guidelines to train your team on proper grading and sorting.
A frequent mistake is to become complacent with sorting after a few months. This directly erodes your margins when a processor downgrades your shipment. Consistently check your sorted piles against the ISRI guide to ensure accuracy.
Knowing when to scale
Growth should be data-driven. A good benchmark is to aim for $150,000 to $250,000 in annual revenue per employee. Once you consistently exceed this, it is a strong signal to hire another yard hand or driver.
Also, watch your yard's capacity. If you are constantly operating at over 80% capacity or turning away loads, it might be time to invest in a larger baler or look for a bigger property. This prevents bottlenecks that limit your revenue.
Here are 4 immediate steps to take:
- Download the ISRI Scrap Specifications Guide to use for training.
- Calculate your current revenue per employee to assess productivity.
- Track how often you turn away loads due to capacity limits for one month.
- Review your sorting process with your team to ensure consistency.
You now have a solid plan to start your scrap metal business. The key is consistency—in your pricing, your grading, and your relationships. That is what separates lasting businesses from the rest. With this guide, you are ready to get started.
As you build those relationships, make every transaction smooth. JIM lets you accept card payments directly on your smartphone for a simple 1.99% fee, with no extra hardware needed. Download JIM and get paid easily from day one.
