From Trash to Cash: Maximizing Your Profit with Scrap Metal and Firewood Hauling

Cash from Scrap Metal and Firewood Using Dump Trailer

If you're the proud owner of a dump trailer or thinking about becoming one then you're already sitting on a potential goldmine. However, reaching the goldmine requires awareness about ways of making money using a dump trailer. While hauling junk and debris is a great side hustle, two specific niches consistently turn trash into cash: scrap metal hauling and firewood delivery. When done right, these two gigs can transform your dump trailer into a full-time income machine.

This blog will break down how to profit from both, the tools you'll need, tips for sourcing and selling, and how to scale up over time.

Why Scrap Metal and Firewood?

At first glance, hauling scrap metal or delivering firewood may seem like small-time gigs. But with the right approach, both can be incredibly lucrative:

• Low startup costs (especially if you already own a trailer)

• Minimal marketing required once you establish a local presence

• Steady demand, especially in colder climates or urban areas

• Repetitive and renewable sources of inventory

The real magic lies in knowing how to maximize profits, minimize overhead, and operate efficiently.

Section 1: Hauling Scrap Metal for Profit

1.1 What’s Considered Scrap Metal?

Scrap metal includes both ferrous (iron, steel) and non-ferrous (copper, aluminum, brass, stainless steel) materials. The latter usually brings in higher prices.

Common items you can haul include:

• Appliances (refrigerators, washing machines)

• Car parts and batteries

• Plumbing pipes and fixtures

• Electrical wires

• Gutters, doors, metal furniture

1.2 Where to Find Scrap Metal

The best part? A lot of scrap metal is free to collect. Here’s where to look:

• Curb alerts and cleanouts: Watch for bulky item pickups or offer cleanout services.

• Construction and renovation sites: Contact contractors for haul-away work.

• Craigslist/Facebook Marketplace: Many people give away scrap for free.

• Local businesses: HVAC, roofing, and plumbing companies often need scrap removed.

• Always ask permission and stay within the law—don’t assume anything left out is fair game.

1.3 How Much Can You Make?

Pricing varies depending on market rates, location, and type of metal. Here’s a rough estimate:

It adds up fast, especially if you’re removing entire appliances or cleaning out large lots.

1.4 Pro Tips for Scrap Hauling

• Separate your metals before you get to the scrapyard. You’ll get better pricing.

• Bring tools (wrenches, gloves, magnets) to strip or separate valuable components.

• Check current prices on apps like iScrap or Scrap Monster before hauling.

• Build relationships with scrapyards—they may offer better deals for regulars.

Section 2: Delivering and Selling Firewood

2.1 Why Firewood Is a Hot Commodity

Selling firewood is one of the most consistent seasonal hustles for dump trailer owners, especially in colder climates. Campgrounds, homeowners with fireplaces, restaurants with wood-fired ovens—these folks are always in the market for well-seasoned firewood.

You can earn between $100–$200+ per cord, depending on your area and whether it's split, seasoned, or delivered.

2.2 Where to Source Firewood

• Cut your own: If you have access to wooded property or storm-damaged trees.

• Partner with tree services: They’re often looking to get rid of logs.

• Buy in bulk: Then split, season, and resell at a markup.

Make sure the wood is properly seasoned (dried for 6+ months) if you plan to charge premium prices.

2.3 How to Sell Firewood

Your dump trailer makes delivery incredibly efficient—just load, drive, and tilt. Sell:

• By the cord (full, half, quarter)

• By the bundle (convenient for gas stations or campgrounds)

• On subscription: Offer weekly or monthly deliveries to regular customers.

2.4 Pricing Breakdown

You can easily net $500–$1,000+ a week in busy months, especially if you stack orders and routes efficiently.

Section 3: Equipment and Setup

Must-Have Tools for Scrap and Firewood Work:

• Dump trailer (7K–14K lb GVWR is ideal)

• Chainsaw and splitter for firewood

• Magnet, wire cutters, wrench for scrap sorting

• Safety gear (gloves, steel-toe boots, goggles)

• Straps/tarps for securing loads

Optional but Helpful:

• Truck winch or ramps for heavier items

• Moisture meter to test firewood dryness

• Scale to weigh scrap if needed

• Shelter or shed for seasoning firewood

Investing in organization is just as critical keep tools tidy, sort materials ahead of time, and plan efficient routes.

Section 4: How to Maximize Profits

Combine Services

Offer both services to the same customer base. For example, someone buying firewood may also need junk removed or vice versa.

Upsell Your Hauls

• Offer firewood stacking for an extra fee.

• Resell usable items found in scrap cleanouts (tools, fixtures, appliances).

• Turn scrap parts (like copper wire) into small DIY kits or art projects if you’re crafty.

Reduce Your Fuel Costs

• Plan routes based on zip codes.

• Pick up and deliver on the same trip whenever possible.

• Use a fuel-efficient truck if you’re doing a lot of local work.

Use Free Marketing

• Post on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local groups.

• Put magnetic signs on your trailer.

• Create a Google Business profile.

• Ask happy customers for referrals or reviews.

Section 5: Scaling the Operation

Once you’ve built a solid routine and customer base, you can expand your income by:

• Hiring part-time help during peak seasons

• Adding another trailer or truck

• Offering contracts to businesses (restaurants, campgrounds, etc.)

• Selling firewood or scrap kits online or in local stores

The best part? You can do most of this on your own schedule, making it perfect for side hustlers, retirees, or weekend warriors.

Final Thoughts

Your dump trailer isn’t just a piece of equipment—it’s a mobile money-making machine. Whether you’re hauling scrap metal for quick cash or delivering firewood to warm homes and campsites, the opportunities are vast and growing.

With the right systems, tools, and mindset, turning trash into cash is more than possible—it’s profitable.

Ready to put your dump trailer to work? Start small, stay consistent, and before long, your side hustle could turn into a sustainable income stream.