Sell Scrap at Cozzi Melrose Park: Hours, Scale Process and Accepted Metals
Cozzi Recycling’s Melrose Park facility is an indoor public metal buying center for residents, contractors and businesses bringing recyclable scrap metal for weighing and payment.
This guide explains the current address, weekday and Saturday hours, drive-in process, cash payout system, accepted metals, prohibited materials, price-quote process, ID rules and when a larger load should go to Cozzi’s Bellwood yard instead.
Quick answer: use Melrose Park for a normal public scrap load
Cozzi Public Metal Recycling Center: 2400 Main Street, Melrose Park, IL 60160. Current posted public-center hours are Monday–Friday from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Saturday from 6:00 AM to 11:30 AM.
For a normal household, contractor or small-business load, drive into the Melrose Park buying center, follow the numbered parking positions, unload the metal, take it to the floor scale, receive a barcode ticket and redeem the ticket for cash at the on-site ATM. No appointment is listed as necessary for ordinary drop-off.
On this page
- Address and contact
- Hours and Saturday timing
- Melrose Park vs Bellwood
- Public drop-off process
- Prices and payout
- ID and seller checks
- What Cozzi buys
- Ferrous scrap
- Nonferrous scrap
- Appliances and oversized metal
- Prohibited and restricted scrap
- How to sort before arrival
- Pickup and commercial loads
- Before-you-go checklist
- Related guides
- Official sources
- Map and directions
- FAQs
Cozzi Public Metal Recycling Center Address and Contact
The Melrose Park site is Cozzi’s public-facing drive-in buying center. It is different from the larger Bellwood processing yard even though the two facilities are close to one another.
Melrose Park, IL 60160
Cozzi Melrose Park Hours and Saturday Arrival Planning
| Day | Current Posted Hours | Before You Go |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 6:00 AM–4:00 PM | Useful for normal public buying, quotes and larger household loads. |
| Tuesday | 6:00 AM–4:00 PM | Confirm unusual or restricted-looking material first. |
| Wednesday | 6:00 AM–4:00 PM | Sort copper, brass, aluminum and stainless before arrival. |
| Thursday | 6:00 AM–4:00 PM | Call for live pricing if payout matters. |
| Friday | 6:00 AM–4:00 PM | Avoid arriving near close with a difficult unloading job. |
| Saturday | 6:00 AM–11:30 AM | Treat 11:30 AM as the public-center cutoff, not a target arrival time. |
| Sunday | Not listed as a regular public-center day | Do not plan a Sunday load unless Cozzi publishes or confirms special service. |
Holiday schedules can override ordinary weekly hours. Use Cozzi’s current location page or contact the company before making a long or heavy-load trip around a holiday.
Melrose Park or Bellwood: Which Cozzi Location Should You Use?
Cozzi operates two nearby locations, but they are designed for different types of customer traffic.
Melrose Park Public Center
2400 Main Street, Melrose Park. This is the practical choice for residents, public walk-ins, contractors and smaller business loads using the indoor public buying process.
- Drive-in public buying center
- Floor scale
- Numbered parking spots
- Small push carts
- Bins for oversized items
- Forklift unloading help available
- Barcode ticket and ATM cash payout
Bellwood Full-Service Yard
2501 Grant Avenue, Bellwood. Cozzi describes this location as its main office and steel yard, designed for larger vehicles and commercial processing.
- Semi-trucks and flatbeds
- Commercial truck scale
- Commercial and industrial loads
- Shredding and shearing
- Nonferrous baling and sorting
- Shipping operations
How the Cozzi Melrose Park Public Drop-Off Process Works
The current Cozzi drop-off page describes a straightforward indoor public-buying workflow. First-time sellers can use these steps to know what happens after entering the facility.
- Enter the Melrose Park public buying center. Cozzi says the public-center entrance is underneath the 25th Avenue bridge and identifies access via 19th Street.
- Follow signs to a numbered parking spot. Pull into the assigned or available unloading position rather than stopping in an active traffic or equipment lane.
- Unload your metals. Cozzi provides small push carts for smaller material and large bins for oversized pieces such as appliances.
- Ask for help when necessary. The location is staffed, and Cozzi says forklifts are available when customers need help unloading material from a vehicle.
- Bring material to the floor scale. The metals are weighed and identified by commodity and grade.
- Receive your barcode ticket. Cozzi says the ticket shows the commodities brought in, weight of each commodity and current market value.
- Review the transaction. If you do not understand the grade or weight, ask before leaving the scale process.
- Redeem the ticket at the on-site ATM. Scan the barcode and collect the cash payout provided through the public-center process.
Cozzi Scrap Metal Prices and Same-Day Payout Questions
Cozzi does not publish one reliable fixed price chart that should be copied into an independent article. Its current price page says scrap prices change frequently and asks customers to call with the material type and approximate quantity for a fast, accurate quote.
Why two loads of “copper” may not pay the same
Metal type alone does not determine payout. Cozzi’s price guidance explains that grade and material quality matter. Attachments, coatings, insulation, dirt, mixed alloys and contamination can change how a load is classified.
| Factor | Why It Matters | What You Can Do |
|---|---|---|
| Metal type | Copper, brass, aluminum, stainless and steel trade in different markets. | Keep different metals separate. |
| Grade | A cleaner or higher-grade commodity can have more value than mixed material. | Ask how the material will likely be graded. |
| Attachments | Steel, plastic, rubber, insulation or other material can reduce recoverable metal value. | Remove attachments only when safe and worthwhile. |
| Contamination | Oil, dirt, coolant, residue or other contamination can reduce grade or trigger rejection. | Keep scrap clean, dry and free of prohibited material. |
| Market movement | Cozzi states scrap prices change frequently. | Call on or near the day you plan to sell. |
| Quantity | Volume can affect routing, equipment and commercial-service decisions. | Tell Cozzi approximately how much material you have. |
“I’m planning to use the Melrose Park public center. I have about [quantity] of [metal type]. It is [clean/mixed/insulated/attached]. Do you buy this material today, what grade would you expect, and can you give me the current price or tell me whether I should use Bellwood instead?”
ID, Seller Registration and Ownership Checks
Cozzi’s FAQ says recycling facilities keep customer and material records and that a driver’s license may be needed depending on the scrap material. Its drop-off FAQ separately states that a valid government-issued ID may be required for certain transactions.
Bring ID rather than assuming it will not be needed, especially when selling higher-value or ownership-sensitive material.
Bring government-issued ID
A driver’s license or other valid government ID may be requested as part of seller registration and transaction verification.
Do not bring questionable property
Cozzi separately restricts material associated with governments, utilities, railroads, cemeteries or another identifiable owner, as well as catalytic converters.
What Scrap Metal Does Cozzi Buy?
Cozzi’s current “What We Buy” page says the company buys and processes all grades of ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal. The actual grade and value are determined during inspection and weighing.
| Metal Group | Examples Listed by Cozzi | Preparation Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Ferrous scrap | Steel busheling, baling clips, turnings, plate and structural solids, heavy melt, cast iron, sheet iron, punchings and rail | Keep material clean and separate major steel grades when practical. |
| Copper | Multiple copper grades, wire, tubing, piping, flashing, turnings and copper-bearing components | Separate clean copper from insulated wire, brass fittings, steel attachments and contaminated pieces. |
| Aluminum | All grades of aluminum | Keep aluminum away from steel, plastic, rubber, glass, dirt and liquid contamination. |
| Brass | Plumber’s brass, yellow brass, red brass, rod brass, radiators and turnings | Remove steel, coolant, oil, dirt or unnecessary attachments when safe. |
| Stainless steel | All grades of stainless steel | Keep attachments and contamination to a minimum; grade may require analysis. |
| High nickel alloys | Alloys requiring identification and analysis | Keep known alloy material separated from ordinary stainless and steel. |
| Precious metals | Cozzi states it buys precious metals | Call first for identification, quantity and buying instructions. |
Ferrous Scrap: Steel, Cast Iron, Heavy Melt and Sheet Iron
Ferrous scrap contains significant iron and is often magnetic. Cozzi buys multiple ferrous grades, so separating a clean heavy steel load from sheet iron, turnings or mixed light iron can make the grading process easier.
Heavy steel
Plate, structural steel, heavy melt and prepared steel can have size and cleanliness requirements. Very large beams or difficult pieces should be discussed before loading.
Cast iron
Castings, certain machinery pieces, piping, stoves, sinks and some radiators can contain cast iron. Keep it separate from lighter sheet metal when practical.
Turnings and borings
Machine-shop scrap should be kept free of oil and unrelated metal shavings. Contaminated turnings can be harder to grade or accept.
Copper, Brass, Aluminum and Stainless: Sort Before You Drive
Nonferrous metals often deserve more careful sorting because different commodities and grades can carry materially different values.
| Material | Keep Separate From | Common Value-Lowering Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Copper | Brass, steel, aluminum and mixed wire | Insulation, solder, steel attachments, paint, tar, mixed alloys |
| Brass | Copper and steel | Steel sides, coolant, dirt, oil, plastic and residue |
| Aluminum | Steel and mixed household junk | Rubber, glass, plastic, steel screws, dirt and liquid |
| Stainless steel | Ordinary carbon steel | Steel rings, oil, plastic contamination and unknown grade |
| High nickel alloy | Common stainless and steel | Unknown alloy, mixed grade and contamination |
For broader scrap-yard preparation advice, see the metal recycling center guide. If most of your load is brass, the brass recycling guide explains clean versus contaminated brass in more detail.
Appliances and Oversized Metal at Cozzi Melrose Park
Cozzi’s current Melrose Park page specifically mentions old appliances, and the public drop-off page says large bins are available for oversized items. However, “appliance” does not mean every unit is automatically ready for ordinary scrap processing.
| Item | Likely Concern | Best Action |
|---|---|---|
| Washer or dryer | Heavy, mixed metal, motors and attachments | Call if very large, commercial or difficult to unload. |
| Stove or metal appliance | Glass, wiring, insulation and non-metal components | Keep trash and loose non-metal parts out where practical. |
| Refrigerator or freezer | Refrigerant system and compressor | Call Cozzi before transporting the unit. |
| Air conditioner | Refrigerant and sealed components | Confirm preparation and acceptance first. |
| Hot water heater | Residual water, fittings and possible sealed condition | Drain where appropriate and confirm unusual units. |
| Very large structural piece | Length, weight and unloading equipment | Ask whether Bellwood is the better route. |
Scrap Cozzi Does Not Buy
Cozzi’s current prohibited and restricted list is important because the Melrose Park site is a scrap metal buyer, not a general dump or household hazardous-waste facility.
Prohibited materials
Hazardous material
Asbestos, bio waste, mercury, PCB-bearing material, radioactive material and materials containing harmful toxins or acids are listed as prohibited.
Sealed or dangerous items
Closed or sealed tanks and drums, explosives and other unsafe material should not be brought into the public buying stream.
Trash and non-metal waste
Rubbish, dirt and tires are among Cozzi’s prohibited materials.
Automobiles
Automobiles are listed as prohibited on Cozzi’s current accepted-material page.
Kegs and shopping carts
Beer kegs and shopping carts are specifically listed as prohibited.
Magnesium turnings
Magnesium turnings and borings are listed among the materials Cozzi does not buy.
Restricted property
Cozzi also lists several categories as restricted rather than ordinary scrap:
- Property clearly marked as belonging to another business or individual
- Property associated with governments, utilities or railroads
- Cemetery plaques or ornaments
- Catalytic converters
How to Sort Scrap Before Visiting Cozzi
Cozzi’s FAQ recommends separating and cleaning scrap because clearly separated material is easier to identify and can qualify for a better grade than a contaminated mixed load.
- Start with ferrous versus nonferrous. A magnet can help separate many iron and steel pieces from copper, brass and aluminum.
- Pull copper out separately. Keep clean pipe, bare wire and insulated wire in separate groups when possible.
- Separate brass. Keep yellow brass, red brass, plumbing fittings and radiators away from ordinary steel.
- Keep aluminum away from steel. Remove obvious rubber, plastic, glass or steel attachments when safe and practical.
- Separate stainless from ordinary steel. Let Cozzi perform final alloy analysis where needed.
- Keep turnings clean. Oil, other metal shavings and contaminants can create grading problems.
- Remove rubbish. Do not bury accepted metal under wood, trash, dirt, tires or other nonmetal material.
- Set aside questionable property. Call before transporting restricted, marked or ownership-sensitive material.
Commercial Pickup, Containers and Large Scrap Loads
Cozzi provides scheduled and on-demand pickup services for businesses, contractors and manufacturers. Its current pickup page says the company uses equipment such as flatbeds, end-dumps, roll-offs and lugger trucks depending on the material and job.
For businesses that generate scrap regularly, Cozzi also describes ongoing recycling programs and collection containers such as Gaylord boxes, lugger boxes, roll-offs, tote boxes, self-dumping hoppers, trailers, flatbeds and 55-gallon barrels.
One-time commercial pickup
Prepare the material type, estimated quantity, site address, access conditions and loading situation before asking for a quote.
Recurring scrap program
Businesses that produce scrap continuously can discuss onsite containers and a pickup schedule instead of repeatedly hauling material to the public center.
Before-You-Go Checklist for Cozzi Public Metal Recycling
- Use the correct address. Public scrap sellers generally want 2400 Main Street in Melrose Park, not the Bellwood commercial yard.
- Check the day and time. Weekdays are 6:00 AM–4:00 PM; Saturday is 6:00 AM–11:30 AM.
- Call for current prices if payout matters. Use the material type and approximate quantity when requesting a quote.
- Bring government-issued ID. Cozzi says identification may be required for certain transactions.
- Sort valuable metals. Keep copper, brass, aluminum, stainless and steel apart where practical.
- Remove obvious contamination. Keep dirt, rubbish, tires, liquids and unrelated waste out of the load.
- Do not bring sealed tanks or hazardous material.
- Call first for appliances with refrigerant or unusual sealed systems.
- Call first for restricted property. This includes catalytic converters and marked government, utility, railroad or cemetery material.
- Secure the load. Tie down loose sheet metal, pipes, structural pieces and sharp scrap before driving.
- Use Bellwood for genuinely large commercial loads. Semi-trucks, containers and large contractor loads may need the truck scale and commercial yard.
- Review your ticket before leaving. Understand the listed commodity, weight and value before redeeming the payout.
Official Cozzi Sources for Hours, Prices and Accepted Scrap
Use the current live Cozzi pages below for the final same-day decision. Scrap prices, holiday schedules, restricted-material policies and operating procedures can change.
Map to Cozzi Public Metal Recycling Center in Melrose Park
Use 2400 Main Street, Melrose Park, IL 60160 for the public metal buying center. Cozzi’s drop-off page says the entrance is underneath the 25th Avenue bridge and identifies access via 19th Street.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cozzi Public Metal Recycling
Where is Cozzi Public Metal Recycling Center?
The public metal buying center is at 2400 Main Street, Melrose Park, IL 60160. Cozzi describes it as its drive-through public recycling center for individuals, contractors and businesses bringing smaller scrap loads.
What are Cozzi Melrose Park’s current hours?
Cozzi’s current Melrose Park page lists Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Saturday from 6:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Sunday is not listed as a regular public-center day.
Is Cozzi open on Saturday?
Yes. The current Melrose Park public-center schedule is Saturday from 6:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Arrive earlier than the closing time if your load requires sorting, forklift help or additional inspection.
Do I need an appointment to sell scrap at Cozzi?
Cozzi’s current FAQ says no appointment is necessary for normal scrap drop-off. Customers can visit Bellwood or Melrose Park during regular business hours. Large commercial or unusual loads are still worth coordinating first.
How does Cozzi pay public scrap sellers?
At Melrose Park, Cozzi says the material is weighed and a barcode ticket is issued showing commodities, weights and current market value. The customer scans the ticket at the on-site ATM to collect cash.
How do I get today’s Cozzi scrap price?
Cozzi says scrap prices change frequently and directs customers to call (847) 233-0300 with the material type and approximate quantity for a current quote.
What metals does Cozzi buy?
Cozzi says it buys all grades of ferrous and nonferrous scrap, including steel, cast iron, sheet iron, heavy melt, stainless steel, high nickel alloys, aluminum, copper, brass and precious metals, subject to grading and its prohibited-material rules.
Does Cozzi take appliances?
The current Melrose Park page specifically mentions old appliances, and the public facility has large bins for oversized items. Call first for refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, sealed systems or unusually heavy appliances.
Does Cozzi require ID?
Cozzi’s FAQ says a valid government-issued ID may be required for certain transactions. Bringing ID is the safer approach for public scrap selling.
Does Cozzi accept catalytic converters?
Catalytic converters are listed as restricted material rather than ordinary scrap. Contact Cozzi before transporting one and follow any ownership or acceptance requirements it gives you.
What items does Cozzi not buy?
Cozzi’s prohibited list includes asbestos, automobiles, beer kegs, shopping carts, bio waste, sealed tanks or drums, dirt, explosives, magnesium turnings and borings, harmful toxins or acids, mercury, PCB-bearing material, radioactive material, rubbish and tires.
What is the difference between Cozzi Melrose Park and Bellwood?
Melrose Park is designed for public drive-in scrap selling with a floor scale, numbered parking, barcode ticket and ATM payout. Bellwood is the larger full-service yard with a commercial truck scale, processing equipment and services for larger vehicles and commercial loads.
Does Cozzi offer scrap metal pickup?
Yes. Cozzi offers scheduled and on-demand pickup services for businesses, contractors and manufacturers. It also offers collection containers and recurring recycling programs for commercial customers.
Is Recycling-Centre.org the official Cozzi Recycling website?
No. Recycling-Centre.org is an independent informational guide. Current prices, hours, material acceptance, holiday changes, ID rules and restricted-material requirements should be verified directly with Cozzi Recycling.