Yes. Many junk yards and scrap-metal recycling facilities buy scrap metal from individuals, contractors and businesses. They commonly accept both ferrous metals, such as steel and iron, and nonferrous metals, including copper, aluminum, brass, lead, zinc and stainless steel.

Acceptance rules differ by facility and local law, so confirm the current requirements before transporting unusual, hazardous or refrigerant-containing items.

What scrap metal do junk yards buy?

Steel and iron
Copper wire and plumbing scrap
Aluminum, including rims
Brass and stainless steel
Lead and zinc
Auto bodies, vehicle parts and radiators
Electric motors
Washers, dryers and other metal appliances
Metal furniture, grills and HVAC scrap
Lead-acid and steel-cased batteries, where accepted

Facilities usually separate metals by type and grade. Clean copper, aluminum and brass generally fall into different categories from mixed, coated or contaminated metal, so preparation can affect the final payment.

What do junk yards usually refuse?

Commonly refused items include plastics, glass, cardboard, paper, televisions, microwaves, wood, mattresses, liquids, trash, propane tanks and hazardous or contaminated materials. Appliances containing refrigerant may need refrigerant removal before acceptance.

Do not assume that an item with some metal content qualifies as scrap metal. Call the yard first when an item contains chemicals, fuel, refrigerant, electronics, glass or other nonmetal components.

What should you bring when selling scrap metal?

A valid government-issued photo ID
Proof of ownership for a vehicle or other items when required
A vehicle title when selling a junk car
Separated metal types with plastic, rubber and trash removed where possible
Clean, dry material free of hazardous substances

Vehicle requirements are often stricter than those for loose metal. Old Dominion Recycling in Hampton, Virginia, requires a vehicle title and does not accept vehicles with a lien or title loan. All Kinds Of Scrap in Cannelton, Indiana, requires a title or certificate of authority for vehicles and catalytic converters.

How is scrap metal priced?

The yard generally weighs, inspects and grades the material before payment. The amount depends on the metal type, weight, cleanliness, grade and current market conditions. Prices vary by location and change over time, so a published rate from one yard may not apply elsewhere.

Scrap yards that buy metal

Jacksonville Metal Recycling

Jacksonville Metal Recycling buys steel, copper, aluminum, brass, electronics, appliances, metal furniture, grills, wire, HVAC scrap, plumbing scrap and aluminum rims. Customers should bring identification, and no appointment is required.

Address: 4718 Philips Highway, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Phone: 904-733-5575

Beacon Recycling

Beacon Recycling has multiple Michigan locations and accepts steel, aluminum, brass, copper, lead, zinc, stainless steel, high-temperature alloys, electric motors, auto bodies, appliances and other ferrous and nonferrous materials. It also purchases old cars, appliances and lead-acid batteries for cash. The company does not accept plastics, electronic scrap, cardboard, paper, televisions or glass.

Old Dominion Recycling

Old Dominion Recycling buys steel, aluminum, copper, brass, stainless steel, washers, dryers and most appliances. It also buys cars, subject to title and ownership requirements. Refrigerators and air conditioners must have refrigerant reclaimed before acceptance.

Address: 1618 W Pembroke Ave, Hampton, VA 23661
Phone: 757-723-0757

All Kinds Of Scrap, Inc.

All Kinds Of Scrap accepts tin, appliances, vehicles, copper, brass, aluminum, radiators, auto and steel-cased batteries, electric motors, lead, stainless steel, aluminum rims and catalytic converters. It refuses propane tanks, televisions, microwaves, plastic, wood, trash, mattresses, street signs, glass and hazardous materials.

Address: 4775 Boyd Road, Cannelton, IN 47520
Phone: 812-547-3101

CASS

CASS operates multiple retail scrap-metal recycling locations and accepts ferrous and nonferrous metals such as steel, aluminum, brass, copper and stainless steel when they comply with its acceptance policy. Valid government-issued identification is required for transactions. Customers should separate metal types and provide clean, dry material without plastic, rubber, trash or hazardous substances.