Often, when concrete is pulverized by a hoe ram (giant excavator mounted jackhammer) large quantities of rebar are produced. This stuff is of low value since it takes quite a bit of machine time and bin space when shipping it off to the scrap
yard where it seldom brings in
enough revenue to justify that cost. I have gained permission to glean this stuff during lunch breaks and after hours. On jobs of my own, there have been instances where I had no need for rebar, so I allowed others to gather it. Time and money were saved and a resource was reused which is far better than recycled.
If you live in a
city, head downtown in the morning and listen for the ratta tat of a hoe ram. It's about 100 times louder than a woodpecker. Or, you could call an excavating company to see where they are working with one. Show up with a hard hat,
boots and an orange vest. Don't work near heavy equipment, even if they say it's safe. Plenty of concrete and rock available at these sites as well. Smaller sites with only one contractor are much easier to gain access to.
