Plan Your Denver Scrap Metal Drop-Off: Hours, ID, Pay Rules and Accepted Metals
The Denver Scrap Metal Recycle Center at 4920 Washington Street is a private scrap-metal buying facility for household and business sellers. Its current official website lists ferrous and non-ferrous metals including copper, aluminum, brass, stainless steel, lead, batteries and vehicles.
Denver also has unusually important local seller rules. Bring valid ID, arrive by motor vehicle, separate valuable metals where practical, check restricted items before loading, and understand that Denver junk dealers cannot pay cash for ordinary scrap-metal purchases.
Quick Answer: What Should You Know Before Visiting?
The current official site lists the public Denver Scrap Metal Recycle Center at 4920 Washington St, Denver, CO 80216. Posted hours are Monday through Saturday, 8:00 AM–7:30 PM, and Sunday, 10:00 AM–4:30 PM. The company lists (833) 49-SCRAP as its main contact number.
The facility says sellers need valid ID. It accepts many ferrous and non-ferrous metals, but currently lists detached catalytic converters, TVs and computers among items it does not accept; hard drives are listed as accepted. Vehicle sellers need a bill of sale.
On this page
- Address and current hours
- Holiday hours
- How drop-off works
- Accepted scrap metal
- Items not accepted
- Scrap prices and grading
- Denver scrap-metal law
- Colorado ID rules
- Payment method
- Cars and vehicle scrap
- Appliances and refrigerants
- How to prepare your load
- Business recycling
- Denver purple-cart warning
- Map and directions
- Official sources
- FAQ
Denver Scrap Metal Recycle Center Address, Phone and Hours
The operator’s current website uses the Stars & Stripes Scrap Metal brand and lists two Denver facilities. The public Denver recycling location is on Washington Street; a separate York Street location is identified as the junk-car tow yard.
After you understand the facility rules, use the official Stars & Stripes Scrap Metal website to recheck current operating information.
Published Denver Holiday Hours
The current operator website publishes specific holiday exceptions for its facilities. Holiday schedules can change, so treat these as the currently posted schedule and check again before making a special trip.
| Holiday | Current Posted Status | Practical Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas Day | Closed | Do not plan a drop-off. |
| Christmas Eve | Closes at 2:00 PM | Arrive well before the early closure. |
| Easter | Closed | Use another day. |
| Memorial Day | Closes at 2:00 PM | Expect a shorter buying window. |
| July 4 | Closes at 2:00 PM | Do not rely on regular evening hours. |
| Thanksgiving | Closed | Plan a different day. |
| New Year’s Eve | Closes at 2:00 PM | Use an early arrival. |
| New Year’s Day | Opens at 10:00 AM | Do not arrive at the normal weekday opening time. |
How Scrap Metal Drop-Off Works at the Denver Yard
The operator describes a simple drive-in process: bring the metal in a truck, trailer or vehicle, staff sort and weigh the scrap, then the transaction is processed. The company says most ordinary drop-offs take less than 30 minutes, but that should be treated as an operator estimate rather than a guaranteed visit time.
What Scrap Metal Does the Denver Facility Accept?
The company’s current official FAQ says it buys both ferrous and non-ferrous scrap. Final grading and payment depend on the material presented at the yard.
Copper
Wire, pipe, tubing and other copper-bearing scrap can have different grades. Keep clean copper separate from mixed or attached material when practical.
Aluminum
Common aluminum scrap can include cans, sheet, siding, frames, rims and other aluminum items. Different aluminum grades can pay differently.
Brass
Fittings, valves, hardware and other brass can be recyclable. Steel, plastic and rubber attachments can affect grading.
Steel and iron
Ferrous metal typically pays less per pound than many non-ferrous grades but can make up a large portion of household, construction and industrial loads.
Stainless steel
Keep stainless separated from ordinary steel when possible so the buyer can identify and grade it correctly.
Lead
The current operator list includes lead. Keep lead material separate and ask about any special handling requirements before unloading.
Batteries
The operator lists batteries among accepted materials. Batteries should still remain separate from loose mixed scrap and be disclosed to staff.
Vehicles
The business accepts vehicle-related scrap, but the company says a bill of sale is required for vehicles.
Household metal
The operator says household metal items can be accepted. Remove trash and tell staff about anything containing fuel, liquid, batteries or other hazardous components.
Items the Current Denver Operator Says It Does Not Accept
Do not assume that every metal-looking or electronic item is acceptable. The current facility FAQ specifically lists several exclusions.
Detached catalytic converters
The operator currently states that catalytic converters removed from a vehicle are not accepted.
TVs
Televisions are currently listed as not accepted. Use an electronics-recycling route instead.
Computers
Computers are currently listed as not accepted, although the facility says it does accept hard drives.
Denver Scrap Metal Prices: Why This Page Does Not Publish Fake Live Rates
There is no reliable single “Denver scrap price” that applies to every metal or every load. Scrap yards grade and buy material based on metal type, cleanliness, attachments, recovery value, current demand, weight and their own buyers.
| Metal | Common Denver Scrap Examples | What Usually Changes the Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Copper | Bare wire, insulated wire, pipe, tubing and electrical scrap. | Insulation, solder, paint, steel fittings, corrosion and mixed material. |
| Aluminum | Cans, rims, siding, frames, sheet and cast aluminum. | Steel attachments, rubber, glass, plastic and mixed aluminum grades. |
| Brass | Faucets, valves, plumbing fittings, hardware and mixed fixtures. | Plastic cartridges, steel screws, rubber, hoses and other metal. |
| Stainless | Sheet, fixtures, restaurant equipment and stainless components. | Ordinary steel, attachments, mixed alloy and contamination. |
| Steel / iron | Machinery, shelving, structural pieces, tools and household scrap. | Non-metal debris, fluids, sealed components and mixed material. |
Denver Scrap Metal Law: Motor Vehicle, No-Cash and Record Rules
Denver amended its junk-dealer rules in 2025. These city rules are important because they can be stricter than general Colorado requirements.
| Denver Rule | What the Municipal Code Says | What It Means for a Seller |
|---|---|---|
| Motor-vehicle delivery | A junk dealer may not purchase scrap metal unless it was transported to the dealer by motor vehicle. | Do not plan a walk-up, bicycle, scooter, shopping-cart or handcart scrap sale. |
| No cash | A junk dealer shall not pay a seller of scrap metals by cash payment. | Ask how the facility will pay before unloading if payment method matters. |
| Seller records | The dealer must retain qualifying seller, vehicle, identification and metal records. | Expect ID and transaction documentation. |
| Material-source declaration | The seller or deliverer must complete an affidavit, declaration or equivalent form describing how and where the metal was obtained and affirming lawful acquisition. | Bring legitimate ownership or job information when appropriate. |
| Record retention | Denver requires applicable records to be retained for 180 days. | The transaction creates a documented seller record. |
| Container exemption | Recyclable food and beverage containers are exempt from this section, except metal beer kegs. | Ordinary beverage cans are treated differently from regulated scrap-metal purchases under this specific Denver section. |
For the current legal text, review Denver Revised Municipal Code Chapter 45 before relying on a legal detail for a commercial or unusual transaction.
Colorado Scrap Metal ID and Seller Documentation Rules
Colorado state law also contains commodity-metal identification and transaction-record requirements. The law recognizes several forms of seller identification, including a valid Colorado driver’s license, Colorado identification card, photo driver’s license from another state, military ID, U.S. passport or qualifying alien registration card.
The state statute also requires a seller affidavit affirming ownership or authority to sell qualifying commodity metal. Denver’s local rules can impose additional requirements, so a Denver transaction should be prepared for both state and city compliance.
How Will Denver Scrap Metal Payment Work?
The operator’s website says customers are paid before leaving, but it does not state that ordinary Denver scrap transactions are paid in cash. Denver’s current local code prohibits cash payment by junk dealers for regulated scrap-metal purchases.
Ask before unloading
If payment method is important, call first and ask which lawful payment method the Washington Street yard currently uses for your transaction.
Final amount follows grading
Your payout depends on material grade, actual scale weight, deductions and the yard’s current rate when the load is processed.
Keep the ticket
Retain your scale ticket or transaction receipt, especially for business, contractor or larger loads.
Junk Cars and Vehicle Scrap in Denver
The company operates a separate Denver junk-car tow yard at 5101 York St, Denver, CO 80216. Its current official site lists Monday through Saturday hours of 8:00 AM–7:30 PM and shows the York Street location as closed Sunday.
Do not assume a loose catalytic converter can be included with vehicle scrap. The current business FAQ explicitly states that detached catalytic converters are not accepted.
Appliances, Refrigerators and Air Conditioners
Metal-heavy appliances can be scrap, but refrigerant-containing units need special attention. Arapahoe County’s current recycling guidance lists Denver-area scrap recyclers for appliance recycling and states that refrigerants such as Freon or CFCs in refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners must be removed by a certified technician before recycling.
Usually easier to discuss
Washers, dryers, metal stoves, water heaters and similar mostly-metal appliances may be candidates for scrap recycling after facility confirmation.
Call first for refrigerants
Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and dehumidifiers can contain regulated refrigerants and should not be treated like an ordinary piece of steel.
How to Prepare Scrap Before Driving to the Denver Yard
- Identify what you have. Separate copper, brass, aluminum, stainless, steel, batteries and vehicle-related scrap where practical.
- Remove obvious trash. Plastic, wood, glass, dirt and general garbage can create deductions.
- Drain unauthorized liquids. Do not bring fuel or fluids hidden inside equipment. Ask the yard how the item must be prepared.
- Keep batteries separate. Tell staff about batteries instead of burying them in mixed scrap.
- Do not bring detached catalytic converters. The facility currently lists them as not accepted.
- Use a proper motor vehicle. Denver’s scrap rule prohibits ordinary walk-up transport methods for covered transactions.
- Bring valid ID. Do not arrive expecting an anonymous scrap sale.
- Carry source or ownership paperwork when useful. Job invoices, authorization, receipts or other records can help explain legitimate high-value or unusual material.
- Call before a vehicle load. Have the bill of sale and confirm whether the York Street or Washington Street facility is appropriate.
- Arrive with time to spare. Inspection, sorting, weighing and records take time even when the property remains open later.
Business and Contractor Scrap Metal Recycling
The operator states that it works with businesses and asks commercial customers to call ahead for pricing. This matters for contractors, shops, property managers, manufacturers and recurring scrap generators because a commercial load may need different pricing, containers or pickup arrangements.
Do Not Put Bulky Scrap Metal in Denver’s Purple Recycling Cart
Denver’s municipal recycling guidance accepts normal metal cans but specifically lists scrap metal such as bulky metal, cookware and hangers as items that do not belong in the city’s purple recycling cart.
If you are unsure about an item rather than trying to sell it, use Denver’s official waste directory or call Denver 311 for current municipal disposal guidance.
Denver Scrap Metal Recycle Center Map and Directions
The Washington Street address below is the current public Denver location published by the operator. Use the map for routing, then use the official business page for current hours and material rules.
Sources Used to Verify This Denver Scrap Metal Guide
Business-specific details come from the current operator. Legal seller requirements come from Denver and Colorado law. Municipal-cart guidance comes from the City and County of Denver.
Stars & Stripes Scrap Metal
Current operator source for Denver locations, hours, holiday schedule, accepted metals, ID requirements, vehicle paperwork and exclusions.
Open official facility websiteDenver Revised Municipal Code
Primary legal source for Denver junk-dealer and scrap-metal transport, cash-payment and recordkeeping requirements.
Open Denver Chapter 45Colorado Commodity Metal Law
State-law context for identification, seller affidavits, records and general commodity-metal transaction rules.
Open Colorado LegislatureDenver Recycling Guidance
City guidance distinguishing normal accepted cans from bulky scrap metal that should not go in the purple recycling cart.
Open Denver recycling informationArapahoe County Recycling Guide
Local-area guidance on appliance recycling and refrigerant removal before recycling refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners.
Open Arapahoe CountyRecycling-Centre.org Metal Guide
Use the site’s broader guide when you need general scrap grading, pay-rate and material preparation information outside this Denver-specific page.
Open metal recycling guideFrequently Asked Questions About Denver Scrap Metal Recycling
Where is Denver Scrap Metal Recycle Center?
The current operator lists the public Denver Scrap Metal Recycle Center at 4920 Washington St, Denver, CO 80216.
What are the current Denver Scrap Metal hours?
The official operator website currently lists Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM for the Washington Street location. Recheck before holidays or a late-day visit.
What is the Denver Scrap Metal phone number?
The company’s current main contact number is (833) 49-SCRAP, which corresponds to (833) 497-2727.
Do I need ID to sell scrap metal in Denver?
Yes. The facility says a valid ID is required. Denver and Colorado transaction rules also contain seller-identification and recordkeeping requirements for covered scrap-metal sales.
Can Denver scrap yards pay cash?
Denver’s current municipal code states that a junk dealer shall not pay a seller of scrap metals by cash payment for transactions covered by that section. Ask the facility which lawful payment method it currently uses.
Can I walk scrap metal into a Denver junk dealer?
Denver’s current municipal rule requires covered scrap metal to be transported to the junk dealer by motor vehicle. The ordinance specifically excludes walk-up methods such as shopping carts, handcarts, bicycles and scooters.
What metals does the Denver facility buy?
The current operator lists ferrous and non-ferrous material including copper, aluminum, cars, stainless steel, lead, brass and batteries. Final acceptance and grading happen at the yard.
Does Denver Scrap Metal accept catalytic converters?
The current facility FAQ says detached catalytic converters are not accepted.
Does Denver Scrap Metal accept computers and TVs?
The current business FAQ lists TVs and computers as not accepted, although it specifically says hard drives are accepted.
Can I sell a junk car there?
The operator handles vehicle recycling and runs a separate junk-car tow yard at 5101 York St. Its FAQ says a bill of sale is required for all vehicles. Call before transporting or towing a vehicle.
Should I sort scrap before taking it to the Denver yard?
The operator says sorting is not required before arrival, but it also says separation is important for getting the most from a load. Keeping copper, brass, aluminum, stainless and steel separate can help prevent higher-value metal from being treated as lower-value mixed scrap.
What causes deductions from scrap metal value?
The operator lists water or other fluids, tires, dirt, trash, glass, plastic, wood, fuel and other non-metal material as common deduction factors.
Is Recycling-Centre.org the official Denver Scrap Metal website?
No. Recycling-Centre.org is an independent information guide. Current business hours, buying prices, payment methods, accepted materials and transaction requirements should be verified with the facility and applicable Denver or Colorado authorities.