Your First Visit to a Scrap Yard

No Appointment Needed

Walk-in service is the norm at most scrap yards, including ours. You don't need to call ahead for residential loads or typical contractor deliveries. Just drive in during business hours.

For very large loads (full flatbed trucks, heavy equipment, commercial volumes), it's courteous to call ahead so the yard can prepare. But for the typical pickup truck or trailer load — just show up.

What to Bring

Government-issued photo ID: Required by Texas law for all scrap metal transactions. A driver's license or state ID works. Out-of-state IDs are accepted.

Vehicle title if scrapping a vehicle: You cannot sell a junk car or truck without the title in your name. No exceptions under Texas law.

Your metal, sorted if possible: You don't have to sort it, but sorted loads pay better.

What to Wear

Closed-toe shoes are required on the yard — no exceptions. The yard surface has metal debris, and your feet will thank you.

Long pants are recommended. Gloves are a good idea when handling scrap.

Leave pets in the vehicle or at home. The yard is an active work environment.

The Process: What Actually Happens

1. Drive onto the inbound scale. Your gross weight (vehicle + load) is recorded.

2. Unload your material in the designated area. Yard staff will direct you.

3. Material gets inspected and graded. If you have mixed material, it may be separated at this point.

4. Drive back onto the scale without your load. The tare weight (empty vehicle) is recorded.

5. Net weight = gross minus tare. This is what your payment is based on.

6. You receive a scale ticket with the weights, material grades, unit prices, and total.

7. Payment is made — cash or check, same day.

How Long Does It Take?

A typical residential load (pickup truck of mixed metal) takes 15 to 30 minutes from drive-in to payment.

A contractor load (single material type, organized) can be faster — sometimes 10 minutes.

First visits take slightly longer because you're learning the layout and paperwork flow.

Peak hours (Monday morning, Saturday) move slower. Mid-week mornings are typically fastest.

After You Unload

Drive off the scale and proceed to the scale office or payment window. Present your ID. You'll sign a transaction record and receive payment.

Keep your scale ticket — it's your receipt. It shows the weights and prices for each material.

You're done. That's the whole process.

Tips for a Smooth Visit

Know what you have before you arrive. The magnet test takes 30 seconds and saves confusion at the yard.

Separate your metals. Even rough separation — copper in one bucket, aluminum in another — makes the process faster and pays better.

Ask questions. Staff are used to first-timers. If you're not sure where to unload or what grade your material is, ask.

Don't bring prohibited materials. Catalytic converters, refrigerant-containing equipment (unpurged), hazardous materials, and tires will be turned away.