Business models

Markets reward clean, sorted, high-volume material — and compliance. This page focuses on sustainable, legal pathways.

Legit income paths

• Deposit-return containers (predictable).
• Scrap metals (often higher value, more safety needs).
• Cardboard aggregation (stable if you can aggregate volume).
• E-waste refurb (higher margins, higher compliance).

What pays

High-value streams have clear grading standards and stable buyers. Contamination is the fastest way to lose value.

Risks

• Safety: sharp metal, lifting, dust, batteries.
• Legal: permits and hazardous rules.
• Market: price volatility and buyer specs.

Starter plan

1. Pick 1–2 streams.
2. Set up clean storage and tracking.
3. Call 3 buyers for specs + payout method.
4. Run a 2-week pilot and compute hourly earnings.

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