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Scrap metal

Scrap metal of various types is accepted for recycling at the Drop-Off Station and Recovery Yard. An item made of metal and other mixed materials like plastic is accepted as scrap metal only if it contains at least 60% metal. Scrap metal is not accepted in curbside recycling carts.

Common accepted scrap metal items:

Chain link fencing, chicken wire
Grills (plain)- all non-metal parts and propane tanks must be removed
Metal plates, bowls, silverware, mugs, utensils
Pots and pans
Metal file cabinets
Metal tables
Metal tools
Metal lawn furniture
Metal light fixtures
Electrical ballasts
Aluminum window screens
Metal Venetian blinds
Broken exercise equipment: treadmills, stationary bikes, weights
Spark plugs, rotors, and other metal car parts
License plates
Old keys
Iron fireplace log holder
Screws, bolts, nails
Trophies, awards, plaques, medals, sports medals
Wire hangers – clips ok to leave on
Small engine items – lawnmowers, snowblowers, chainsaws, etc.
- Gas powered items must be drained of all fluids (gas, oil) prior to drop-off
- Battery powered items must have battery packs separated from the unit prior to drop-off.

Not accepted scrap metal items:

Artificial Christmas trees
Any metal container containing hazardous materials, fluids, or that has any hazardous materials mixed in.
Battery powered items where the batteries cannot be separated from the unit

Recycle Right!

Do not put scrap metal in curbside recycling carts. These large and irregular pieces of metal can jam up the machinery, causing damage and delays and creating unsafe conditions for our workers.

All hazardous waste/materials, batteries, and fluids must be separated from scrap metal prior to drop off. Metal containers for hazardous materials are not accepted as scrap metal and need to be taken to Washtenaw County Household Hazardous Waste Disposal.

Choose Zero Waste!

Use metal scraps to make art or seek out artists who use scrap metal for their projects and donate yours to them!

Accepted at:

Drop-Off Station

Step 1
When first arriving, stop at the gatehouse to have your materials assessed and pay the appropriate fees. See price list for full details.: Step 2
The gatehouse attendant will direct you to where your items should be placed. You may be required to stop at multiple areas and containers on site.: Step 3
For a complete list of what is accepted, visit the Drop-Off About page. For safety reasons, pets and children under 13 years old must remain inside the vehicle at all times. Prices are subject to change, and our staff reserves the right to refuse any material that is deemed unsuitable.

Address:: 2950 East Ellsworth Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Phone:: 734.971.7400
Public drop-off Hours:: Tues. & Thurs. 8:30 am to 6:30 pm*; Saturday 9 am to 6 pm*; Closed Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday; Credit Cards ONLY. No cash/check.; *SEASONAL NOTICE - during the winter season, the following items cannot be accepted after 5 pm due to lighting and safety concerns: scrap metal, general waste, bulky waste, furniture, yard waste, or concrete.

Recovery Yard

Step 1
Prior to unloading, Call the office 734-426-2280 to receive directions and assistance.: Step 2
Please check our Recovery Yard Drop Off Price list as applicable fees will apply.: Prohibited Items:
No liquids, paints or varnishes, No toxics, No alkaline batteries, food waste, asbestos, soil, sand nor deceased pets, livestock or wildlife.

Address:: 7891 Jackson Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Phone:: 734.426.2280
Public drop-off hours:: Monday - Friday 7:30 am to 3:15 pm; Closed Saturday and Sunday

What To Do With Return to A-Z Guide

Scrap metal

Common accepted scrap metal items:

Not accepted scrap metal items:

Accepted at:

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