
Recycling in San Mateo, CA
Fry’s Metals has proudly been the most reliable, trusted, and reputable recycling and scrap metal facility in the San Mateo area since 1928. Our locally owned and locally operated recycling service focuses on offering competitive prices, personalized customer service, and environmentally responsible solutions for every customer. Because we employ only the most dependable, professional, and approachable team members, you can trust that all your recycling needs will be handled efficiently. Bring your items by today, call us to learn more, or schedule a pick-up using our convenient service. We look forward to helping you transform scrap metal into cash while supporting a cleaner, more sustainable community for us all.
What We Buy
Non-Ferrous Materials
Even though non-ferrous metals don’t contain iron and are non-magnetic, their recycling value is significant. Bringing your non-ferrous materials to Fry’s Metals allows you to free up cluttered space, see these metals repurposed into functional items across many industries, and earn a reasonable return.
Aluminum
You’re probably familiar with aluminum recycling if you’ve ever taken the time to recycle cans. Beyond this, we offer a 10¢ CRV bonus per can and accept scrap aluminum from wheels and other sources, giving you the opportunity to make extra money while keeping aluminum materials in productive use instead of letting them go to waste.
Nickel
Nickel’s toughness and resistance to wear make it valuable in plating, batteries, specialty alloys, and beyond. Bringing your nickel to Fry’s Metals for metal recycling gives you fair, market-driven pricing and a quick way to reclaim both money and storage space from materials that would otherwise go unused.
Batteries
Disposing of batteries doesn’t have to be a hassle, because you can get paid for them instead! At our San Mateo recycling center, we take all varieties of rechargeable batteries, from car batteries to lead-acid and beyond, carefully handling each one while offering competitive value for your materials.
Alloys
We take in many different alloys, including high-temperature metals applied in automotive, industrial, and aerospace settings. These specialty metals are known for their ability to withstand extreme conditions, their corrosion resistance, and their durability. Handing them off to a reputable San Mateo recycling service supports responsible recovery and sustainable resource management.
Electric Motors
All types of motors can be recycled at our San Mateo recycling center, from alternators and starters to other steel or copper components. We are committed to handling every motor responsibly. Our eco-friendly motor recycling approach helps maintain metals in circulation, decreases landfill waste, and supports a more sustainable approach to disposing of old or unused motors.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is available in grades like 304, 316, and beyond, and it’s used in industrial tools, equipment, and appliances across multiple industries. Industrial metal recycling makes it simple to turn your old stainless steel into cash while decluttering your home, workshop, or job site efficiently and responsibly.
Copper
Copper is one of the highest-valued recyclables, found in wiring, tubing, and other assorted materials. Taking your copper to Fry’s Metals gives you peace of mind that it will be processed carefully and repurposed for new applications, but it also means you get top dollar for your items and efficiently clear out unused items.
Lead
Lead-containing products like batteries and pipes must be managed with care and recycled responsibly. At our recycling facility, we provide helpful safety tips, guidance on safe handling, secure processing, and fair payment for each lead item so you can recycle with confidence.
Brass
Whether your brass comes from household fixtures, plumbing components, or other sources, recycling it can be very straightforward and profitable. Our recycling company offers fair pricing tied to current market values, so you get paid while clearing out unused brass and creating more available space.
Ferrous Materials
Ferrous metals include iron and are typically magnetic, making them highly sought after for recycling. Take your scrap metal and other ferrous items to Fry’s Metals so they can be responsibly sorted, processed, and repurposed. Recycling these materials conserves the earth’s resources, gives you the added benefit of turning scrap into cash, and supports waste reduction.
Radiators
Car and machinery radiators contain hidden value in the form of recyclable metals, which often surprises people. Dropping off your unwanted radiators at our facility for recycling in San Mateo allows these materials to be processed properly and given new life in other applications.
Scrap Metal (Mixed Ferrous)
Industrial, demolition, or construction sites can benefit from scrap metal recycling, which helps you clear unwanted materials quickly. Bringing scrap metal to Fry’s Metals gives you fair market compensation while streamlining cleanup and removing unnecessary hurdles, saving both time and effort during the process.
Steel
Commonly found in pipes, appliances, industrial machinery, and other products, steel is an essential metal for recycling. Steel recycling allows metals to remain in productive circulation and reduces energy use. Our recycling center in San Mateo accepts all varieties of steel, giving you an opportunity to reclaim space while supporting eco-friendly and sustainable habits.
Iron
Iron from machinery, construction tools, or various other sources can occupy unnecessary space, but it’s very easy to put it to good use. Customers consistently receive excellent service and fair prices when they bring in materials to our facility for all their metal recycling needs.
Fast, Friendly, and Simple Recycling
At Fry’s Metals, recycling is designed to be profitable, simple, and convenient for each customer. Whether you’re dropping off a handful of recyclables or managing a larger load, we offer drop box services and full truckload pick-up options to meet your needs. Our knowledgeable staff can assist on-site with sorting materials and help you receive the highest value possible. With competitive pricing, over 50 years of experience, and a dedication to environmentally responsible methods, Fry’s Metals provides reliable, friendly service for everyone in our community.
Other Accepted Recyclables
California Redemption Value (CRV) Items
CRV items are one of the most practical and approachable ways to make your recyclables work for you. Our center takes glass bottles, aluminum cans, and plastic bottles that have CRV. By participating in recycling in San Mateo, you help keep waste out of landfills, support sustainable practices, receive cash for each eligible container, and turn ordinary recycling into an easy win for both you and the environment.
High Temp Alloys
Our recycling service in San Mateo specializes in high-temperature alloys and specialty metals used in demanding industrial applications. By turning these materials over to Fry’s Metals, you benefit from a sustainable and profitable approach to clearing obsolete stock while protecting vital natural resources.
