Using YouTube to learn scrapping and make money
YouTube is a great resource for learning about metal scrapping and can be a valuable resource for would be scrappers, more so than static web sites. Scrapping and microscrapping is a visual thing. It is hard to describe how to dismantle a computer, or hair dryer without the images and videos. This is what YouTube is good at.
Unsurprisingly there are not too many channels for this niche topic. Channel styles vary but tend to cover:
- Hobbyist scrapping and microscrapping
- Street scrapping
- Precious metal recovery and smelting
- Large scale hobbyists
- professional scrap merchants.
Hobbyist scrapping does not have a huge base of videos at present. It can be hard to get useful information out of many of them. But one of the good things about them is the plethora of ‘is it worth scrapping a…’ videos. These ones challenge you about how deep down that scrapping mine you go. Many of these videos can feel like clones and usually consist of a overview of a workbench and a pair of hands pulling something apart. It can also be useful to see how others deal with storage, tool use and selling.
Street scrapping is a popular genre, mainly because they can be entertaining. We all dream of driving around our neighbourhood and discovering a honeypot of scrap. The downside of these channels is that they rarely take account of the legalities of street scrapping. Different countries have very different laws and regulations. Also street scrap[ping tends to be more for the large operators. If you like watching someone throw an old pram in the back of a van then these are for you.
Precious metal recovery videos are fascinating and frustrating at the same time. There are only so many times you can watch a beaker of acid bubble away, and for some reason some videos like to let you sit and watch for ages. Ahhh ASMR. For the microscrapper they should serve as a warning that home refining is a futile idea, unless you are into crafting or for personal interest. Nevertheless they are incredible to watch.
Large scale hobbyists are the main stay for useful videos. They have enough clout, material and knowledge to provide informative videos. Only downside is that their volume of scrap and rewards are something few true hobbyists can ever hope to achieve. Therefore sometimes they can instil a deluded hope, leaving many to drop out of the hobby when they realise they will not be as successful as these guys are.
Finally professionals scrapper and recycling companies can be a fascinating watch on how the big boys do and and are aspirational to a degree. Want to watch a whole care crushed in one go? Then come here to watch.
The take away is that there is a lot of education to be had in all the above styles but you do need to cherry pick. For those outside of the USA and Canada you do need to be a little bit cautious of their gun-ho attitude to street scrapping and wealth generating. There are very few videos which touch on the legalities of scrapping or indeed the health risks. Additionally environment issues with e-waste are occasionally referenced but not adequately in my opinion.
There are standout scrapping channels. Everyone has their favourites and over the coming months we will review as many as we can. I am sure you will disagree but the standout ones for me are
Put your favourites in the comments below.
Conclusion
YouTube can be a great resource for self-taught skills. There are many instructional videos on YouTube that can teach you how to do everything from depopulate a PCB to dismantle a coffee machine. Additionally, YouTube can be a great place to find inspiration for new projects and learn about new aspects of scrapping. But be aware that content can be hit or miss, not applicable to your country.