Residential Recycling
Metal Center Recycling is a Ferrous and Non-Ferrous material processor. To simply define this distinction in material, Ferrous means any material containing Iron and hence Non-Ferrous means does not. We accept all types of metals. In this section you will find information on how material grades are broken down, what are the requirements under West Virginia state law to sell scrap material and how to navigate our location.
Section 1.
What do I need to sell scrap under the law?
Metal Center Recycling has a no exception policy in adhering to West Virginia code for the purchase of scrap metal by a scrap metal purchasing business. A valid driver’s license or identification card issued by the WV Division of Motor Vehicles of the person delivering the scrap metal is required; or in lieu thereof, any other valid photo ID of seller issued by any state or the Federal Government. The person presenting Identification must sign a certification of ownership of the material being sold at time of payment. To review the West Virginia code 61-3-49 that pertains to all recycler’s in the state of West Virginia,
Section 2.
What do I do once I arrive?
Metal Center Recycling is an active industrial facility. We strive to make it as safe and convenient as we can for our customers, but due to the nature of the recycling business certain procedures must be adhered to. Upon arrival at our facility you will have two options for entering. Looking head on at the front of the building there are two driveways down the sides of the facility.
(A) If you have (Ferrous) steel, appliances, etc., enter on the right and pull onto the large in ground commercial scales. The digital scale readout will show your weight and turn green once it has been recorded. At which time proceed around the building and follow the directions of staff. After unloading is complete proceed back to scale for weigh out. Again stay on scale until scale readout turns green. Pull over to side and proceed to cashier with valid ID for payment.
(B) If you have Non-Ferrous such as cans, copper, Aluminum, etc enter the facility down the left driveway and proceed to covered unloading area. The staff will assist you in unloading and direct you accordingly.
(C) If you have both Ferrous and Non-ferrous material separate them in your vehicle prior to arriving and unload your Ferrous first. After weighting out you may proceed around front to the other side for unloading. All delivered material will be combined onto a single ticket for payment. We will make every effort to provide information on how to grade and separate your material for the best value on your next visit if you have questions, but cannot allow the sorting of material while on site.
(D) Remember you are on an active industrial facility with moving heavy equipment. Your safety is of the utmost importance. Young children and pets should stay in your vehicle at all times. Please do not approach running equipment, always follow the directions of staff, and be courteous to your fellow customers.
Section 3.
What do you Recycle?
Metal Center is a processor of Ferrous and Non-Ferrous material. We are the first step in the recycling manufacturing chain by collecting material from both the individual and businesses that produce scrap. Prices for metals change very often since they are a traded commodity across the world. Always call for current prices if you want to know what the price of a material is. While material can be broken down into thousands of different grades, here are the basics:
(For a complete industry guide to grading in the recycling industry follow the link Commodity Specifications)
(A) Aluminum- Often painted but is a whitish, silver color and can easily be bent if it is thin. Common uses are in soda cans, gutters, window frames, and car wheels. When it comes to Aluminum a basic rule of thumb for best value is the less iron attached the better.
(B) Copper- A red metal that will turn green as it ages and rusts. It can be found in your home as plumbing pipes, roofing materials like gutters, within the inside of air conditioners and un-insulated electric wires. Copper pipe that is free of solder, paint, and attachments is more valuable (#1). Wire that is thicker than a pencil lead, not burnt, un-coated, and un-insulated is also more valuable.
(C) Brass- A alloy of copper, Zinc, and/or other metals. It is often with a yellow tint or a hint of red and sometimes coated to protect it from rust. Brass is used often in plumbing fixtures and also at the end of copper piping.
(D) Steel- The foundation of the world’s infrastructure and one of the most recycled materials in the world. Steel is also one of the easiest materials to identify by using any magnet. Except in a few circumstances, if the magnet sticks you have steel. We purchase it in three grades; sheet metal/Appliances, #2 steel/HMS, and Plate & Structural (P&S).
Section 4.
Prohibited Items
Metal Center is concerned about its customers, employees, and the consumers of our material. There are certain items that are prohibited by law for purchase under West Virginia state code and by company policy for safety. The below list is not an all-inclusive list and management reserves the right to refuse purchase of any items from entering our facility.
- Beer kegs
- Rail Scrap
- Twisted pair telecommunication cable
- Scrap containing fluids such as oil, hydraulic, coolant
- Sealed units
- Whole gas tanks (acceptable if split in half and properly drained)
- Utility or government owed material
- Compressed gas cylinders (acceptable if split in half, do not attempt if not properly trained professional)
- Glass
- Historical or cemetery markers or vases
- Batteries other than Lead acid (Look for the recycling symbol with either PB or lead on it)