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Garbage Night Trafic Jam

A few years ago when I put my garbage out on Monday night rarely did I see anyone come down our street looking for what I assume is scrap metal.
Over the past year or so I've noticed a steady increase of traffic on my street. In fact, the last 6 months I've seen upwards of 6 cars a night on garbage night. I also hear people stopping after I've gone to bed. I wouldn't classify these people as middle class working folks.

Toledo has become nothing more than a welfare city where people are forced to look for scrap metal to get money. I've also noticed around town the cars people drive, the way they're dressed, the way in which they speak and the way they speak to their kids. Not everyone in Toledo looks and acts this way but the number of people that do are getting larger every day. Yes, "Toledo Pride" at it's best.

created by rickreed on Sep 07, 2008 at 08:18:54 am
updated by rickreed on Sep 07, 2008 at 08:20:34 am
    Comments: 6

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Comments ... #

Yes I know I left out "f" in the word "Traffic"

posted by rickreed on Sep 07, 2008 at 08:23:46 am     #  

I live in a suburb on the east side of the river and I have this happen too! When my neighborhood flooded back in July it was crazy to see the number of vehicles scouring the neighborhood as everyone carried out the garbage. I got rid of a lot of stuff and that garbage man didn't even know it!

posted by NeighborGirl on Sep 07, 2008 at 10:02:38 am     #  

Ever stop and ask them what they're making off the scrap metal that you or your neighbors throw away? You'd be very surprised.....

posted by MattL on Sep 07, 2008 at 10:15:21 am     #  

Last time I checked, scrap metal prices are high. Many do it because it's not only good money, but if you use it as a "second income", you can make a decent bit of change.
I've seen many "scrappers" have it down to a science. They make their rounds and collect anything metal or with metal in it. Then, back at their secret hideaway, they'll cut, grind, chisel, whatever anything that is not metal. This is because you get more money per pound if it is considered "clean" metal. Meaning no plastic, etc. Once they have it all separated, the non-metal goes to the curb for pickup and the metal goes to omni source. They receive cash for their treasures and the process continues.
That is the reason so many construction sites are getting ripped off. Scrap prices are up and is pretty easy money if you just take the time to do it.
Scrappers might not appear to be the kind of people featured in Barbara Hendel's Society column of the blade, but the handful I've talked to seemed very polite and knowledgeable about their "craft".

posted by hockeyfan on Sep 07, 2008 at 12:01:13 pm     #  

Someone's making money from garbage. Less at the landfill. I say go for it, as long as they don't rip up and leave a mess on the lawn.

posted by ToledoLatina on Sep 07, 2008 at 01:03:46 pm     #  

i'll gladly put out metal for scrappers, a day early even so they are sure to come round, but i will not put garbage or recycling out until the morning of collection day - too much noise in the middle of the night as scrappers take cans; too big a mess as they pick thru things.

posted by enjoyeverysandwich on Sep 08, 2008 at 03:19:21 pm     #  

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