FAQs About Scrap Metal Recycling

We accept a wide range of scrap metals at our metal recycling facility in Brea. If it's metal, there’s a good chance we can recycle it.

• Some of the most common materials we accept include:Aluminum (including cans, siding, and wire)
• Brass and copper (wire, tubing, fittings)
• Stainless steel and other ferrous metals
• Cast iron
• Insulated wires
• Lead and zinc
• Radiators and car batteries
• Appliances (washers, dryers, water heaters)

Pro tip

We also accept electronic scrap, such as circuit boards and some e-waste, depending on the components. Call us first if you’re unsure.

Scrap metal recycling is the process of collecting, sorting, cleaning, and processing unwanted metal materials so they can be reused to manufacture new products. This reduces the need for mining new metals and helps keep reusable materials out of landfills.

Here’s how it works at Sunwest Metals:

• You bring us your scrap.
• We weigh and inspect the materials.
• We sort them by type and quality.
• We process and prepare them for shipment to manufacturers.

Recycling metals conserves resources, protects the environment, and even puts money back in your pocket. It’s a win-win.

Yes, we specialize in commercial scrap metal recycling. Our team works with a wide range of industries including:

• Construction and demolition companies
• Plumbing and electrical contractors
• Auto repair and salvage shops
• Manufacturing and industrial businesses

We offer:

• Competitive pricing
• Fast turnaround
• On-site container services
• Pick-up scheduling for large loads

We help businesses stay clean, compliant, and environmentally responsible while maximizing the return on their scrap.

Our full-service metal recycling facility is located in Brea, CA, easily accessible from the greater Orange County area.

We're open Monday to Saturday. Whether you're coming in with a small carload or a full commercial truck, our yard is designed to handle it all efficiently.

Yes! We offer scrap metal pickup services for qualified commercial clients. If your business produces regular scrap or has a one-time large project, we can schedule convenient pickups to remove the hassle of transportation.

Our fleet is equipped to handle:

• Containers
• Pallets
• Bulk scrap
• Specialized metals

Give us a call to discuss your needs and see how we can help make your recycling process smoother and more efficient.

We currently do not accept cardboard at our facility. Our operations are focused on metal recycling, and we are fully equipped to process ferrous and non-ferrous metals. For cardboard recycling, we recommend contacting a local facility that specializes in paper and fiber materials.

Yes. While we accept a broad range of metals, there are certain items we cannot accept due to environmental regulations or safety risks.

These include:

• Pressurized tanks (unless fully purged)
• Radioactive materials
• Paint cans with liquid residue
• Hazardous waste (chemicals, oils, solvents)
• Asbestos-containing materials
• Sealed containers that may explode under pressure
• Electronic devices with non-removable batteries

Not sure if your items qualify? Give us a call. We’re happy to walk you through what’s acceptable and what needs special handling elsewhere.

At Sunwest Metals, we go beyond the basics. We’re not just a drop-off yard, we’re a full-service scrap metal recycling provider committed to integrity, service, and sustainability.

What sets us apart:

• Decades of industry experience
• Transparent, competitive pricing
• Fast, friendly service
• Environmentally responsible practices
• Commercial solutions tailored to your business

Our goal is to make metal recycling simple, profitable, and stress-free, whether you’re bringing in a single appliance or managing tons of industrial scrap.