Metal Recycling in Yavapai County: Keeping Valuable Materials Out of the Landfill
Metal Recycling in Yavapai County: What We Recycle and Why It Matters
Metal recycling plays a bigger role in Yavapai County than many people realize. From rural properties and construction sites to garages and estate cleanouts, scrap metal shows up everywhere—and when it’s handled responsibly, it keeps valuable materials out of landfills while supporting local recycling facilities.
At Copper State Junk Removal & Hauling, metal recycling isn’t an afterthought. It’s built into how we operate. Last year alone (2025), our team recycled over 11 tons of metal from homes, job sites, and properties across Yavapai County. That material didn’t end up buried in a landfill—it was recovered, processed, and reused.
This article explains why metal recycling matters locally, what types of metal we recycle, and how responsible hauling benefits both our customers and our community.
Why Metal Recycling Is So Important
Unlike many household materials, metal doesn’t biodegrade. When it’s buried in a landfill, it stays there indefinitely—taking up space, adding weight, and contributing to long-term environmental impact.
Recycling metal offers several important benefits:
Reduces landfill volume: Metal is heavy. Keeping it out of landfills extends the life of local disposal sites.
Conserves natural resources: Recycling reduces the need for new mining, which is energy-intensive and environmentally disruptive.
Uses less energy: Producing metal from recycled material uses significantly less energy than producing it from raw ore.
Supports local recycling infrastructure: Scrap metal recycling keeps materials moving through local facilities instead of being hauled long distances for disposal.
In a county like Yavapai—where landfill space, transportation distances, and rural properties all factor into disposal costs—metal recycling simply makes sense.
Types of Metal We Recycle
One of the most common questions we hear is, “What kinds of metal can actually be recycled?” The answer: quite a lot.
We regularly recycle the following metals:
Steel
Commonly found in appliances, shelving, framing materials, shop equipment, and construction debris.Stainless Steel
Used in sinks, commercial kitchen equipment, countertops, restaurant fixtures, and industrial components.Copper
Found in electrical wiring, plumbing, motors, HVAC components, and older appliances. Copper is one of the most valuable recyclable metals, which makes proper separation especially important.Aluminum
Includes siding, fencing, patio furniture, window frames, ladders, and scrap from remodels.Brass
Common in valves, plumbing fittings, hose bibs, fixtures, and mechanical components.Galvanized Steel
Often used for fencing, ductwork, corrugated panels, hardware, and outdoor structures.
Each metal type has its own recycling process and value. Proper sorting ensures materials go to the right place and don’t get contaminated—something that’s difficult for homeowners to manage on their own.
Where Scrap Metal Comes From
Most of the metal we recycle comes from everyday projects and situations—not industrial scrap yards.
Common sources include:
Estate cleanouts where garages, sheds, and workshops contain decades of accumulated metal
Hoarder cleanouts involving appliances, shelving, tools, and mechanical equipment
Garage cleanouts filled with old fencing, lawn equipment, shelving, and car parts
Renovation and construction debris from kitchens, bathrooms, roofing, and framing
Appliance removal, including washers, dryers, refrigerators, and stoves
Property management cleanups after tenant move-outs
Rural properties where scrap metal has been stockpiled over many years
In many cases, these items would cost significant money to dump due to weight-based landfill fees. Recycling changes that equation.
How We Handle Metal Recycling at Copper State
Responsible metal recycling doesn’t happen by accident—it requires planning, experience, and the right equipment.
Here’s how we approach it:
1. On-Site Separation
Whenever possible, we separate metal at the job site. This prevents recyclable material from being mixed with trash or construction debris.
2. Dedicated Metal Loads
Heavier metal loads are hauled separately from landfill-bound material. This reduces disposal costs and ensures recyclable metals go directly to appropriate facilities.
3. Proper Handling
We handle sharp, heavy, or awkward metal safely—protecting both people and property during loading and transport.
4. Local Recycling Facilities
All recyclable metal is delivered to approved local recycling facilities that process materials properly and in compliance with regulations.
5. Reduced Landfill Impact
By diverting metal away from the landfill, we help reduce overall tonnage and disposal fees for our customers.
This process is built into how we operate—it’s not something we add on later.
Why Metal Recycling Can Save Customers Money
Metal is one of the heaviest materials we haul. Because landfill fees are often calculated by weight, dumping metal can get expensive fast.
Recycling offers real financial benefits:
Lower disposal fees: Recycling metal reduces the total weight sent to the landfill.
Fewer trips: Proper sorting means fewer mixed loads and more efficient hauling.
Potential value recovery: In some cases, scrap value can help offset hauling or disposal costs.
Cleaner job sites: Separate metal loads reduce contamination and rework.
For renovation projects, estate cleanouts, and property managers, recycling metal isn’t just responsible—it’s cost-effective.
Serving Yavapai County Responsibly
We serve communities across Yavapai County, including:
Each area presents different challenges—from tight residential neighborhoods to rural properties with limited access. Our familiarity with local facilities, transfer stations, and recycling centers allows us to plan jobs efficiently and responsibly.
Metal recycling looks different in a downtown Prescott remodel than it does on a multi-acre Chino Valley property—but the goal remains the same: keep valuable materials out of the landfill.
Our Commitment to Responsible Hauling
Recycling more than 11 tons of metal in a single year didn’t happen by accident. It happened because we choose to do things the right way—even when it takes extra time or planning.
Responsible hauling means:
Thinking beyond “just getting it gone”
Treating recyclable materials as resources, not waste
Supporting local recycling systems
Helping customers reduce unnecessary disposal costs
Being good stewards of the communities we work in
That approach guides every job we take on, whether it’s a single appliance pickup or a large-scale property cleanup.
Need Help with Metal Recycling or Scrap Removal?
If you have scrap metal, old appliances, renovation debris, or heavy materials taking up space, Copper State Junk Removal & Hauling can help.
We’ll handle the sorting, hauling, and recycling—making sure recyclable metals stay out of the landfill and are processed responsibly.
👉 Schedule a free estimate today
We serve homeowners, contractors, property managers, and businesses throughout Yavapai County.
