What SA Recycling does and who can sell to them

SA Recycling is a scrap metal dealer based in California that buys ferrous and non-ferrous metals from individuals, contractors, and businesses. They operate multiple locations across Southern California and accept materials like copper, aluminum, brass, stainless steel, and steel. You can bring in scrap metal in person, and they pay based on the current market price for that metal type on the day you sell.

SA Recycling does not require membership, a business license, or prior relationship to sell scrap. Walk-in customers are standard. However, they do ask for identification when you sell metal — this is a legal requirement for all scrap dealers in California under the Nonferrous Metals Ordinance and Ferrous Metals Ordinance. You will need a valid ID showing your name and address.

The company also works with larger sellers: contractors clearing job sites, demolition companies, manufacturers with production scrap, and recycling centers that refer metal. If you are a regular or high-volume seller, you can ask about account pricing or scheduled pickups, though this varies by location and volume.

Key Takeaways

  • SA Recycling buys both ferrous metals (steel, iron) and non-ferrous metals (copper, aluminum, brass) at prices that change daily based on commodity markets.
  • You must bring a valid photo ID with your current address when you sell scrap metal, as California law requires dealers to record seller information.
  • Payment is typically same-day in cash or check, and the amount depends on the weight and purity of the metal you bring in.
  • SA Recycling has multiple locations in Southern California, so you can find the one nearest to you rather than traveling across the region.
  • Prices paid to individuals are the same as prices paid to contractors or businesses — there is no separate rate structure based on seller type.

How pricing works and what affects the amount you receive

SA Recycling prices metal by the pound or ton, depending on the volume and type. The price you receive is tied to the London Metal Exchange (LME) or similar commodity market prices, which move throughout the day. This means the price you get on Monday morning will likely differ from the price on Tuesday afternoon, even for the same metal type.

When you arrive with scrap, SA Recycling will weigh your material on a certified scale. For mixed loads, they may separate metals by type before weighing, or they may weigh the total and then break down the composition. The scale ticket shows the weight and the price per pound or per ton that applies that day. You are paid based on that weight and rate.

The purity and condition of the metal also matter. Clean copper wire pays more than copper mixed with insulation. Aluminum cans pay less per pound than aluminum extrusion or sheet. Stainless steel has its own price separate from mild steel. If your scrap contains contaminants — paint, plastic, concrete, or other materials stuck to the metal — SA Recycling may deduct weight or refuse the load. Bring metal as clean as practical.

You can call or visit a location to ask what the current price is for a specific metal type, but prices change frequently, so the quote you receive by phone may not match the price when you arrive. The price on the day you sell is the one that applies.

What metals SA Recycling accepts and what they do not

SA Recycling accepts ferrous metals: steel, iron, and steel alloys. This includes structural steel, rebar, car frames, appliances, machinery, and cast iron. They also accept non-ferrous metals: copper (wire, pipe, tubing, radiators), aluminum (cans, extrusion, sheet, siding), brass, bronze, lead, zinc, and stainless steel.

Materials they typically do not accept include: radioactive materials, hazardous waste, asbestos, PCBs, refrigerants still in appliances, mercury-containing items, and materials contaminated with oil or other liquids. Appliances with refrigerant (air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers) must have the refrigerant removed by a licensed technician before SA Recycling will take them. Car batteries and lead-acid batteries are often accepted but may be handled separately or directed to a battery recycler.

If you are unsure whether a specific item or material is accepted, contact the location nearest you before you load it. Bringing unaccepted materials wastes your time and theirs, and you may be turned away at the scale.

Locations, hours, and what to bring when you visit

SA Recycling operates multiple yards across Southern California, including locations in Los Angeles, Long Beach, Riverside, and other areas. Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday during business hours and some are open Saturday mornings. A few locations have limited Sunday hours. You can find the address, phone number, and hours for each yard on their website or by calling their main line.

When you visit, bring your scrap metal and a valid photo ID with your current address. California law requires the dealer to record your name, address, and ID number before payment. You do not need to call ahead for small loads, but if you have a large volume or an unusual material, calling first can save time — the yard can tell you whether they can handle it and whether you should schedule a time.

Bring the metal as clean and organized as you can. Separate different types if possible (all copper together, all aluminum together, all steel together). This speeds up the weighing and sorting process. If you have a mixed load, the yard will handle it, but separation can result in a faster transaction and sometimes a better price, since they do not have to deduct for sorting labor.

Payment methods and timing

SA Recycling pays on the day you sell. Payment is typically in cash or by check, depending on the location and the amount. For very large sales, some locations may offer a wire transfer or account credit, but this is not standard for walk-in customers. Ask at the scale house what payment methods they accept that day.

The payment process is straightforward: you deliver the metal, it is weighed and sorted, the scale ticket is printed with the weight and price, and you are paid based on that ticket. The entire transaction usually takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the yard is and how much sorting is needed.

If you are a regular seller or bring in large volumes regularly, you can ask about opening an account. Account holders sometimes receive slightly different terms, such as weekly or monthly settlement instead of same-day payment, or the ability to schedule pickups. Availability and terms vary by location.

California ID and record-keeping requirements

California requires all scrap metal dealers to record information about every seller. When you arrive at SA Recycling, you must show a valid photo ID with your current address. The dealer will record your name, address, ID number, and the date and time of the transaction. This information is kept on file and reported to the state.

The reason for this requirement is to prevent theft and to create a record that can be reviewed if stolen metal is recovered. If you sell metal regularly, you may be recorded multiple times — this is normal and expected. You do not need a business license or tax ID to sell scrap as an individual.

If you do not have a current photo ID with your address, you will not be able to sell. A passport, driver's license, or state ID card all work. An expired ID is usually not accepted. If your ID address is outdated, bring a recent utility bill or lease as proof of your current address, and ask the dealer whether they can use both documents to complete the record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell scrap metal to SA Recycling without an ID?

No. California law requires scrap dealers to record the seller's identity before payment. You must bring a valid photo ID with your current address. Without it, you cannot complete the sale.

How do I know what price SA Recycling will pay today?

Call the location nearest you and ask for the current price per pound for the specific metal type you have. Prices change throughout the day, so the quote you receive by phone is a guide only — the actual price is determined when your metal is weighed at the scale. You can also visit in person to see the posted prices.

What if my metal is dirty or has paint on it?

Clean metal pays more than dirty metal. SA Recycling may deduct weight for contaminants or refuse the load if it is heavily contaminated. Clean off what you can before you bring it in. If the metal is lightly painted or has minor rust, it is usually still accepted, but the dealer may reduce the weight or price slightly.

Do I need to separate different metals before I bring them in?

No, but separating them can speed up the process and sometimes result in a better price. If you bring a mixed load, SA Recycling will sort it, but you may pay a small deduction for their sorting labor. If you have time to separate copper, aluminum, and steel into different piles, it is worth doing.

Can SA Recycling pick up scrap metal from my location?

Some locations offer scheduled pickups for large volumes, but this is not standard for individual sellers. Call the yard nearest you and ask whether they provide pickup service and what the minimum volume or fee is. Most individual sellers bring metal to the yard themselves.