Summer in RVA is unbeatable. The long days are perfect for getting outside, tackling home improvement projects, and enjoying everything the city has to offer. It’s also the perfect season for those projects to generate extra clutter and waste. But what if that waste could fund your summer adventures?

Welcome to your ultimate guide for turning that summer cleanup into cash. At Smith Iron & Metal, we make scrap metal recycling easy. It’s that simple! For over 85 years, we’ve been Richmond’s go-to recycling yard, and our motto says it all: “Get Weighed and Get Paid!”

This summer, use these expert tips to maximize your payout and make the most of your scrap.

Know Your Summer Scrap: Identify and Sort for Higher Value

Whether you’re a seasoned scrapper or a first-timer looking to make extra income, the secret to getting the best scrap metal prices is sorting. Different metals command different prices. Before you head to our yard at 3000 Bells Road, separating your items can significantly increase your payout.

Look out for these common summer scrap sources:

• Old Grills and Patio Furniture: Old outdoor equipment often contains stainless steel, cast aluminum, and other metals.
• Aluminum Cans: A classic! Keep them separate from other items. They add up quickly after summer cookouts.
• Old Air Conditioners and HVAC Units contain valuable copper coils and aluminum fins. (Note: Please ensure all refrigerants are professionally removed before scrapping.)
• Lawn Mowers and Yard Equipment: Old push mowers, edgers, and trimmers are excellent steel sources.
• Home Renovation Debris: Remodeling your deck or kitchen? Leftover copper piping, aluminum siding, stainless steel sinks, and electrical wiring are all valuable.

Pro Tip: Sort metals as you collect them in separate bins or buckets. A little organization at home means a faster, more lucrative transaction at our facility.

We Take Most Metals, But It’s Smart to Check First

To ensure a smooth and successful trip, it’s helpful to know what scrap we buy and what we won’t. Smith Iron & Metal accepts a wide range of both ferrous (iron-based) and non-ferrous (copper, aluminum, brass) metals.

However, we cannot accept certain materials for safety and regulatory reasons. This includes items like propane tanks, sealed containers, and materials containing asbestos or other hazardous waste.

Unsure about an item? Don’t guess! Save yourself a trip by giving our friendly team a call at (804) 271-1239. We’re happy to answer your questions.

Maximize Space & Safety: Prepare Your Load

A little prep work goes a long way for larger, bulkier items. Safely breaking down or flattening metal objects can help you fit more into a single load, saving you time and fuel. This is especially helpful for old sheds, large appliances (with hazardous components removed), or metal sheeting. A more compact and secure load is a safer load to transport.

We Guarantee Fair Prices and Unmatched Speed

While shopping around for an extra penny per pound can be tempting, remember that your time is valuable. Driving across town or waiting in a long, unorganized line can quickly eat into your profits.

At Smith Iron & Metal, we were founded on the principle of treating every customer with respect. That means offering fair, competitive prices and getting you through our process as quickly as possible. Our state-of-the-art computer systems and massive shredder facility are designed for efficiency. Our lot is completely paved—no need to worry about debris or flat tires.

Our entire experience is built around our promise: “Get Weighed and Get Paid!” We’ll get you in, weigh your scrap accurately, and pay you on the spot. Nice, easy, and straightforward.

Ready to Turn Your Summer Scrap into Cash?

This summer, don’t let that old grill or pile of renovation debris just sit there. Load it up and bring it to Richmond’s oldest and most trusted scrap recycling yard. Since 1940, we’ve been the premier destination for fast, friendly service and fair prices.

Have questions or want to inquire about current rates?

• Call Us: Reach us directly at (804) 271-1239.
• Visit Us: Our clean, paved facility is located at 3000 Bells Road, Richmond, VA.
• Contact Us Online: Send us a message through our website or on Facebook for a quick response.

Let us help you make your summer even more rewarding. We look forward to seeing you!