A public resource guide

How to get rid of scrap metal.

Metal is the one category of junk that someone will pay you for. Here is how yards price it, what independent scrappers will collect free, and what cities accept at the curb.

Last updated: October 2026 · Maintained by Freemoval as a public resource

Illegally dumped junk pile with appliances and debris

Scrap metal is the only junk with a market. Steel, which a magnet sticks to, pays a few cents a pound and is accepted free at every scrap yard. Aluminum, copper, brass, and stainless steel, which a magnet ignores, pay many times more per pound and are worth sorting out. That price structure is why independent scrappers advertise free pickup of appliances, grills, bed frames, patio furniture, and anything else metallic: the weight covers their trip. Most cities also accept metal items with bulk pickup, and some run dedicated curbside metal collections. This guide covers how to sort, who pays, and what to do with the pieces that complicate things (refrigerant, propane, and batteries).

The challenge with scrap metal

Most household scrap is mixed. An appliance is a steel shell around a copper motor and aluminum fins; a bike is a steel or aluminum frame with rubber and plastic. Yards accept mixed items at the steel rate, so sorting pays only if you have enough non-ferrous metal to make it worth the time. A magnet and ten minutes usually tells you.

Three things stop a scrap transaction: refrigerant in sealed systems (refrigerators, freezers, ACs, dehumidifiers), propane tanks, and lead-acid or lithium batteries. Yards handle refrigerant with certified recovery or require an evacuation tag, refuse propane tanks unless the valve is removed, and route batteries separately. Everything else is routine.

Scrap metal theft laws mean yards require a photo ID, record the transaction, and in many states pay by check or with a holding period for copper. Expect a few minutes of paperwork on a first visit.

Free options

Nobody should pay to get rid of metal. These are the routes, from zero effort to a small payout.

Independent scrapper pickup

Free

Post a photo and 'free scrap metal, curb pickup' on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Nextdoor and someone collects it, usually the same day in any metro. Appliances, grills, bed frames, patio furniture, water heaters, filing cabinets, exercise machines, and pipe all move this way. This is the right path when you want it gone and do not care about the few dollars.

Put it at the curb or driveway edge so no appointment is needed.

Remove propane tanks and batteries first; scrappers cannot take them to the yard.

Scrap yard drop-off (paid to you)

Paid by weight

Yards buy steel at a low per-pound rate and non-ferrous metals at much higher rates. Sorting aluminum cans, copper pipe and wire, brass fixtures, and stainless into separate bins before you go is what makes a trip worth it. Bring ID; most states require it.

Copper pays the most; plumbing pipe, stripped wire, and motor windings count.

Insulated wire pays less than stripped; strip only if you have a lot.

Cast iron, steel, and tin all go in the ferrous bin at the base rate.

City bulk or curbside metal collection

Free in most cities

Most bulk programs accept metal items (appliances, frames, grills, shelving) as large items, and a number of cities run separate curbside metal pickups because the city sells the scrap. Appliances with refrigerant go on the appliance route with recovery.

Some cities require metal to be set out separately from furniture so it can be recycled; check the rule.

Small metal (pots, cans, hardware) goes in the recycling cart in most programs if it is clean.

Retailer and nonprofit takeback

Free

Bike shops and bike co-ops accept old bicycles, electronics retailers take small appliances through e-waste programs, and ReStores accept metal shelving, cabinets, and fixtures in good condition.

Working metal items (shelving, tool chests, bikes) resell; list them before scrapping.

Paid options barely exist for metal, except when the metal is attached to things that are not metal.

Mixed loads to a transfer station

$20 to $60

If metal is mixed into a larger cleanout, transfer stations charge by weight for the whole load. Pull the metal out first and give it to a scrapper; it reduces the fee and keeps metal out of the landfill.

Most transfer stations have a free metal pile. Ask before you tip.

LoadUp paid pickup

$80+

For households not eligible for free programs, or who need scrap metal gone this week, LoadUp connects you with independent loaders in cities across all 50 states. Upfront pricing, same-week scheduling, in-home pickup from any floor, and licensed disposal or recycling handled for you.

What’s included: Loading, hauling, and disposal. No prep needed beyond pointing out what goes.

Pricing: Starts around $80 for a single item; full-truck pickups range from $300 to $600 depending on volume.

If you can pay for a pickup, your booking helps fund free pickups for someone else. Every paid LoadUp customer can opt in to round up at checkout, and 100% of round-ups go directly to Freemoval’s subsidized jobs.

Get a scrap metal pickup price from LoadUp → Round-up option appears at checkout. Optional, opt-in only.

Prep checklist

Find scrap metal disposal rules in your city

Metal items are accepted by nearly every bulk program and many cities run dedicated metal pickups. Refrigerant appliances follow appliance rules. Tap a city for its metal rule and HHW facility for tanks and batteries. Each city link opens a dedicated free scrap metal removal guide for that city, built from the same researched city data.

Akron, OH Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, dishwasher): Free curbside on regular collection day. If working: donation pickup. Many…

Free scrap metal removal in Akron →

Albuquerque, NM Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (small appliances with cord cut): Non-toxic small appliances WITH the power cord cut off may go in the blue…

Free scrap metal removal in Albuquerque →

Allentown, PA Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, dishwasher): Free curbside on second collection night. If working: donation pickup. Many…

Free scrap metal removal in Allentown →

Anaheim, CA Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (stove, water heater, washer, dryer): Republic Services bulky pickup, no fee.

Free scrap metal removal in Anaheim →

Anchorage, AK Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator, freezer, or appliance): SWS Saturday bulk pickup (fee). Anchorage Regional Landfill (tipping…

Free scrap metal removal in Anchorage →

Arlington, TX Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer)): Bi-weekly bulk if under 35 lbs and 2 cu yd. Otherwise special pickup or…

Free scrap metal removal in Arlington →

Atlanta, GA Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, or other appliance): If working: donation pickup. If not: city bulk pickup (most accepted),…

Free scrap metal removal in Atlanta →

Augusta, GA Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, dishwasher): Free curbside on regular collection day. If working: donation pickup. Many…

Free scrap metal removal in Augusta →

Aurora, CO Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator, freezer, a/c unit): Hauler bulk pickup (refrigerant fee may apply). At Your Door HHW $10.…

Free scrap metal removal in Aurora →

Austin, TX Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater): On-demand bulk pickup (metal pile). If working: donation pickup. Otherwise paid…

Free scrap metal removal in Austin →

Bakersfield, CA Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, dishwasher): 1 of 2 free monthly pickups by appointment. If working: donation pickup. Many…

Free scrap metal removal in Bakersfield →

Baltimore, MD Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater): White goods accepted at Drop-Off Centers (free) and monthly bulk pickup. If…

Free scrap metal removal in Baltimore →

Baton Rouge, LA Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, dishwasher): Free out-of-cart pickup on weekly collection day. If working: donation pickup.…

Free scrap metal removal in Baton Rouge →

Birmingham, AL Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater): Generally accepted in biweekly bulk pickup. If working: donation pickup…

Free scrap metal removal in Birmingham →

Boise, ID Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Free large item pickup (Freon removed at no charge). Retailer haul-away with new…

Free scrap metal removal in Boise →

Boston, MA Launching

Project Oscar community compost bins (20+ citywide, 24/7). City does NOT collect curbside food waste from buildings with 6+ units.

Free scrap metal removal in Boston →

Bridgeport, CT Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Transfer Station (Mon-Sat). Seasonal Bulk Program. Retailer haul-away with new…

Free scrap metal removal in Bridgeport →

Buffalo, NY Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater): Free 2-piece weekly bulk. Donation if working.

Free scrap metal removal in Buffalo →

Camden, NJ Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater, stove): Special appliance pickup, 856-757-7000. Free.

Free scrap metal removal in Camden →

Cape Coral, FL Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, dishwasher (no refrigerant)): Free curbside bulk on regular collection day.

Free scrap metal removal in Cape Coral →

Chandler, AZ Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer)): 1 free use (curbside bulk). Separate recyclable metal bulk from trash bulk.

Free scrap metal removal in Chandler →

Charlotte, NC Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater): Bulk pickup via CLT+ (75 lb item limit applies). If working: donation pickup.…

Free scrap metal removal in Charlotte →

Chattanooga, TN Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater): Free Bulk Trash pickup. Donation if working.

Free scrap metal removal in Chattanooga →

Chesapeake, VA Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances): Bulk trash request (washers, dryers, water heaters, HVACs accepted).

Free scrap metal removal in Chesapeake →

Chicago, IL Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater): Bulky Item Pick Up via 311. If working: donation pickup (Habitat ReStore takes…

Free scrap metal removal in Chicago →

Chula Vista, CA Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer)): Free Republic bulky pickup. Use landfill pass for many items at once.

Free scrap metal removal in Chula Vista →

Cincinnati, OH Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater): Free 311Cincy scheduled bulk pickup. If working: donation pickup. Otherwise…

Free scrap metal removal in Cincinnati →

Cleveland, OH Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater): Accepted at monthly bulk (counts toward 3-item limit) or Ridge Road. If…

Free scrap metal removal in Cleveland →

Colorado Springs, CO Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Call your hauler for bulk pickup terms. Retailer haul-away with new delivery.…

Free scrap metal removal in Colorado Springs →

Columbia, SC Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater): Often exceeds 40-lb limit. Donation if working. Otherwise paid hauler.

Free scrap metal removal in Columbia →

Columbus, OH Launching

NOT in city collection. Backyard composting or community drop-off programs.

Free scrap metal removal in Columbus →

Corpus Christi, TX Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer)): Twice-annual brush/bulky pickup (separate from brush). Or J.C. Elliott…

Free scrap metal removal in Corpus Christi →

Dallas, TX Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater): Not accepted in regular bulk pickup. Free landfill self-haul. If working:…

Free scrap metal removal in Dallas →

Denver, CO Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater): Large Item Pickup accepts non-Freon appliances (counts toward 5-item limit). If…

Free scrap metal removal in Denver →

Des Moines, IA Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): 7 stickers ($35) plus call (515) 283-4950 to schedule. Collected following…

Free scrap metal removal in Des Moines →

Detroit, MI Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater): Accepted at curbside weekly bulk pickup. If working: donation pickup (Habitat…

Free scrap metal removal in Detroit →

Durham, NC Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer, stove)): Free bulky pickup (up to 3 items per request).

Free scrap metal removal in Durham →

El Paso, TX Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Fee-based curbside (doors must be removed, refrigerant removed) or retailer…

Free scrap metal removal in El Paso →

Fayetteville / Bentonville, AR Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance (freon)): Fayetteville: Requires Freon recovery fee form before scheduling…

Free scrap metal removal in Fayetteville / Bentonville →

Fort Wayne, IN Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer, stove)): FREE bulk pickup via 311. NO Freon means OK for city pickup.

Free scrap metal removal in Fort Wayne →

Fort Worth, TX Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer, stove)): Monthly bulk pile (free). Drop-Off Station alternative.

Free scrap metal removal in Fort Worth →

Fresno, CA Launching

MANDATORY in green organics cart under California SB 1383. All food scraps including meat, dairy, bones, food-soiled paper.

Free scrap metal removal in Fresno →

Garland, TX Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer)): Weekly brush/bulky pickup (separate from brush). Remove contents, tape…

Free scrap metal removal in Garland →

Gilbert, AZ Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer, water heater)): SEPARATE Gilbert appliance pickup ($16/$85). NOT in regular…

Free scrap metal removal in Gilbert →

Grand Rapids, MI Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): $40 Appliance Sticker (same as Bulk Sticker). Retailer haul-away with new…

Free scrap metal removal in Grand Rapids →

Greensboro, NC Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator, freezer, or appliance): NOT bulk, call 336-373-CITY (2489) for free appointment. Doors must be…

Free scrap metal removal in Greensboro →

Greenville, SC Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Free bulk pickup by appointment. Retailer haul-away with new delivery. Freon…

Free scrap metal removal in Greenville →

Hartford, CT Launching

Free biweekly curbside. NO plastic bags, NO Styrofoam.

Free scrap metal removal in Hartford →

Henderson, NV Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer, stove)): Bi-weekly bulk (one major appliance per day). Henderson Transfer…

Free scrap metal removal in Henderson →

Honolulu, HI Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator, freezer, a/c unit): Bulky appointment (free). Convenience center for refrigerant…

Free scrap metal removal in Honolulu →

Houston, TX Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater): Accepted in Junk Waste months (call 311). If working: donation pickup.…

Free scrap metal removal in Houston →

Indianapolis, IN Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater): Free heavy trash pickup. If working: donation pickup. Otherwise paid haul.

Free scrap metal removal in Indianapolis →

Irvine, CA Launching

Green organics cart weekly under CA SB 1383 (mandatory separation; violations may result in fines).

Free scrap metal removal in Irvine →

Jackson, MS Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater, stove): Public Works bulk pickup or retailer haul-away. Free for residents.

Free scrap metal removal in Jackson →

Jacksonville, FL Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater): Accepted in weekly bulk pickup (no appointment). If working: donation pickup.…

Free scrap metal removal in Jacksonville →

Kansas City, MO Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater): Free Bulky Item Pickup. Donation if working.

Free scrap metal removal in Kansas City →

Knoxville, TN Launching

Free curbside biweekly with sign-up, OR free at 12 drop-off centers.

Free scrap metal removal in Knoxville →

Lakeland, FL Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): 1 of 4 free bulk collections/year (schedule first). Retailer haul-away with new…

Free scrap metal removal in Lakeland →

Las Vegas, NV Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (multiple major appliances (kitchen remodel)): Only ONE per service day. Spread across multiple bulk weeks…

Free scrap metal removal in Las Vegas →

Lexington, KY Launching

Green trash cart only. NO curbside compost program. NOT in gray yard waste cart.

Free scrap metal removal in Lexington →

Lincoln, NE Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer)): Hauler bulk pickup. Bluff Road Landfill self-haul.

Free scrap metal removal in Lincoln →

Long Beach, CA Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances): Special Collection (12/year, max 40 lb item).

Free scrap metal removal in Long Beach →

Los Angeles, CA Launching

MANDATORY in green organics cart under SB 1383 and City Ordinance 187711. All food scraps including meat, dairy, bones.

Free scrap metal removal in Los Angeles →

Louisville, KY Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater): Free Large Item Pickup (USD only). If working: donation pickup. Paid haul.

Free scrap metal removal in Louisville →

Lubbock, TX Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer)): Self-haul to FREE Citizen Convenience Station.

Free scrap metal removal in Lubbock →

Madison, WI Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance (refrigerant)): $35 fee, work order required. Retailer haul-away with new delivery.…

Free scrap metal removal in Madison →

McAllen, TX Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Drop-off site at 4101 N. Bentsen Rd accepts appliances. Retailer haul-away with…

Free scrap metal removal in McAllen →

Memphis, TN Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater): Accepted at Outside-the-Cart pickup. If working: donation pickup (Habitat…

Free scrap metal removal in Memphis →

Mesa, AZ Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer, stove)): Mesa bulk pickup ($29/load).

Free scrap metal removal in Mesa →

Miami, FL Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater): Accepted in Miami-Dade bulky pickup as “white goods.” If working: donation…

Free scrap metal removal in Miami →

Milwaukee, WI Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater, stove, dishwasher): PREPAID STICKER REQUIRED. Free pickup with sticker. Donation…

Free scrap metal removal in Milwaukee →

Minneapolis, MN Launching

Place in a box (under 40 lbs) and set next to cart on recycling day.

Free scrap metal removal in Minneapolis →

Nashville, TN Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater): Convenience Center (1st bulk item free, fees for additional). If working:…

Free scrap metal removal in Nashville →

New Orleans, LA Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater): Bulky waste pickup via 311. If working: donation pickup. Otherwise paid haul.

Free scrap metal removal in New Orleans →

New York, NY Launching

MANDATORY curbside composting. All food scraps including meat, bones, dairy. In brown bin or labeled bin 55 gal or less. Fines up to $300 for…

Free scrap metal removal in New York →

Newark, NJ Launching

Curbside collection on assigned day. Clean, dry, in approved containers.

Free scrap metal removal in Newark →

Norfolk, VA Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances): Bulk waste request. Free of trash and debris before pickup.

Free scrap metal removal in Norfolk →

North Las Vegas, NV Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer, stove)): Bulk pickup (under 6 ft). Cheyenne Transfer Station alternative.

Free scrap metal removal in North Las Vegas →

Oakland, CA Launching

MANDATORY in green compost cart under SB 1383. Includes meat, dairy, bones. NO plastic bags, even biodegradable ones.

Free scrap metal removal in Oakland →

Oklahoma City, OK Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater (no freon)): Free monthly bulky pickup. Donation if working.

Free scrap metal removal in Oklahoma City →

Omaha, NE Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Free cleanup events accept appliances. Retailer haul-away with new delivery. Paid…

Free scrap metal removal in Omaha →

Orlando, FL Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater): Weekly Large Items pickup. If working: donation pickup (Habitat ReStore takes…

Free scrap metal removal in Orlando →

Philadelphia, PA Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater): Water heaters eligible for Residential Bulk Collection. Other appliances…

Free scrap metal removal in Philadelphia →

Phoenix, AZ Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater): Appointment bulk pickup accepts these (counts toward 10 cu yd limit). If…

Free scrap metal removal in Phoenix →

Pittsburgh, PA Launching

Curbside recycling cart. Leave lids ON.

Free scrap metal removal in Pittsburgh →

Plano, TX Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer, dishwasher)): Bulky waste request (free, 6 cu yd max).

Free scrap metal removal in Plano →

Portland, OR Launching

MANDATORY in green compost cart. All food scraps including meat, dairy, bones. NO plastic bags, even compostable.

Free scrap metal removal in Portland →

Providence, RI Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater): FREE curbside pickup with 24-hour notice. Donation if working.

Free scrap metal removal in Providence →

Provo, UT Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Seasonal cleanup dumpsters or SUVSWD transfer station (suvswd.org). Retailer…

Free scrap metal removal in Provo →

Raleigh, NC Launching

Not in city collection. Backyard composting or community programs.

Free scrap metal removal in Raleigh →

Reno, NV Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer)): Lockwood Landfill 1 free bulky OR transfer station trip.

Free scrap metal removal in Reno →

Richmond, VA Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater): $50 fee for City pickup. Free at transfer stations (self-haul). Donation if…

Free scrap metal removal in Richmond →

Riverside, CA Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Bulky item appointment, Agua Mansa drop-off, or retailer haul-away with new…

Free scrap metal removal in Riverside →

Rochester, NY Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Free curbside bulk pickup. Retailer haul-away with new delivery. Freon recovery…

Free scrap metal removal in Rochester →

Sacramento, CA Launching

MANDATORY in green organics cart under California SB 1383. All food scraps including meat, dairy, bones, food-soiled paper.

Free scrap metal removal in Sacramento →

Saint Paul, MN Launching

Community drop-off sites (Como Park, Highland Park, Union Park) 24/7 free. Ramsey County yard waste sites also accept.

Free scrap metal removal in Saint Paul →

Salt Lake City, UT Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Call 2 Haul accepts refrigerators (Freon-containing appliances handled properly).…

Free scrap metal removal in Salt Lake City →

San Antonio, TX Launching

FREE in green organics cart, weekly.

Free scrap metal removal in San Antonio →

San Diego, CA Launching

Required in green organics bin under California SB 1383. Use paper bag or layer between yard waste. Never plastic bags, even compostable.

Free scrap metal removal in San Diego →

San Francisco, CA Launching

MANDATORY in green compost cart since 2009. Includes meat, dairy, bones, shellfish. NO plastic bags, even biodegradable ones.

Free scrap metal removal in San Francisco →

San Jose, CA Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Free junk pickup (haulers handle refrigerant compliance). Retailer haul-away with…

Free scrap metal removal in San Jose →

Santa Ana, CA Launching

Green organics cart weekly (mandatory under CA SB 1383, violations may result in fines).

Free scrap metal removal in Santa Ana →

Scottsdale, AZ Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer)): Salt River Landfill (FREE, weight allowance) OR monthly brush/bulk.

Free scrap metal removal in Scottsdale →

Seattle, WA Launching

MANDATORY in green cart since 2015. All food scraps including meat, dairy, bones. Illegal in garbage cart.

Free scrap metal removal in Seattle →

Spokane, WA Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Load Truck service (call 311). Transfer station self-haul ($30 fee for…

Free scrap metal removal in Spokane →

St. Louis, MO Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater): Accepted at monthly bulk pickup (counts toward 3-item limit) or Transfer…

Free scrap metal removal in St. Louis →

St. Petersburg, FL Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer)): Free Special Pickup (call 727-893-7398 first).

Free scrap metal removal in St. Petersburg →

Stockton, CA Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Clean Sweep or paid pickup (209-946-5711). Retailer haul-away with new delivery.…

Free scrap metal removal in Stockton →

Syracuse, NY Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Contact Cityline (315-448-2489) for appliance pickup options. Retailer haul-away…

Free scrap metal removal in Syracuse →

Tampa, FL Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater): Accepted in S.W.E.E.P. or special pickup. If working: donation pickup.…

Free scrap metal removal in Tampa →

Tucson, AZ Launching

FoodCycle program (opt-in).

Free scrap metal removal in Tucson →

Tulsa, OK Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Bulky waste pickup (accepted). Retailer haul-away with new delivery. Refrigerant…

Free scrap metal removal in Tulsa →

Virginia Beach, VA Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater): Free Bulky/Large Item Pickup. Donation if working.

Free scrap metal removal in Virginia Beach →

Washington, DC Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (washer, dryer, water heater): Bulk pickup via 311 (counts toward 7-item limit). If working: donation pickup.…

Free scrap metal removal in Washington →

Wichita, KS Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (other appliances (washer, dryer)): Hauler bulk. Brooks Landfill self-haul.

Free scrap metal removal in Wichita →

Winston-Salem, NC Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator, freezer, washer, dryer): Annual Bulky Pick-Up (during scheduled week, no separate appointment…

Free scrap metal removal in Winston-Salem →

Worcester, MA Launching

Not listed separately; closest rule (refrigerator or appliance): Drop-Off Center or Casella curbside. Retailer haul-away with new delivery. Freon…

Free scrap metal removal in Worcester →

Common mistakes to avoid

Common questions

Will someone pick up scrap metal for free?

Yes. Independent scrappers in every metro collect appliances, grills, frames, and other metal from the curb free, usually the same day you post it, because they sell it by weight. Many city bulk programs also collect metal.

How much does a scrap yard pay?

Steel pays a few cents per pound; a washer or water heater might bring a few dollars. Aluminum pays several times more, and copper and brass pay the most, often a few dollars per pound. Prices change weekly with commodity markets.

How do I tell what kind of metal I have?

Use a magnet. If it sticks, the metal is ferrous (steel or iron) and pays the base rate. If it does not, it is aluminum, copper, brass, or stainless and worth sorting out. Copper is reddish, brass is yellow, aluminum is light and silver, stainless is heavy and silver.

Can I scrap a refrigerator or air conditioner?

Yes, but the refrigerant must be recovered first by a certified technician or by the yard if it has recovery equipment. Do not cut the lines. Many yards accept sealed units and recover the gas themselves; call first.

What do scrap yards refuse?

Propane tanks (unless valve removed, and many refuse regardless), batteries, items with refrigerant that have been cut open, anything with fluids (drain mowers and water heaters), and sealed containers. Electronics are accepted at some yards and e-waste programs at others.

Why does the yard need my ID?

Scrap metal theft laws in nearly every state require yards to record seller identification and often to photograph the material. Some states require payment by check or a holding period for copper and catalytic converters.

What does LoadUp charge to remove scrap metal?

Metal items price like any other item, starting around $80 to $100 for a single piece in most metros, with independent loaders on the LoadUp marketplace recycling the metal. For pure metal, a free scrapper pickup is usually the better route; LoadUp makes sense when metal is mixed into a larger cleanout.

Is this page maintained?

Yes. Freemoval maintains this page as a public resource. We update it when programs change rules, fees, or contact methods. Last updated May 2026. If you find outdated information, let us know.

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Freemoval is a social impact program of LoadUp Technologies, LLC. Contributions are not tax-deductible. 100% of contributions fund pickups at standard market rates, the same rates LoadUp charges any paying customer. No separate fundraising overhead is deducted from donations.