Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common recycling questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are your business hours?

Our business hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. We are open on select Saturdays and closed on Sundays. We recommend you call us for any special hours around major holidays.  Please arrive on our scale at least 15 minutes prior to closing.

Where are you located?

Our mailing and GPS address is 282 South Wyoming Street, Hazleton, PA 18201.  The nearest cross streets are Buttonwood and Wyoming in Hazleton, PA 18201. For more specific directions, click here.

Do I need to schedule an appointment?

No, our facility operates on a first-come, first-served basis during our business hours.  If you require machine assistance to unload your scrap recyclables, please give us a call to ensure we are ready and able to assist when you arrive.

How do I know Brenner Recycling recycles scrap materials in an ethical and responsible way?

We are fully insured and registered in accordance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances.  Additionally, we are active members in the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) on a chapter and national level and are also charter members of ReMA’s Circle of Safety Excellence. 

What do you recycle?

Our primary focus is recycling metal.  We purchase ferrous and non-ferrous metals including, but not limited to: iron, steel, aluminum, brass, copper, stainless steel, lead, and zinc.  For a representative list of items we do and do not accept, click here.

What is the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metal?

Ferrous metals mostly contain iron.  Depending on the item, they have small, residual amounts of other elements mixed in to give the item its required properties.  Ferrous metals are magnetic and give little resistance to rust and corrosion.

Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron, are not magnetic, and generally are more resistant to rust and corrosion.

Do you accept paper, plastic, wood, or glass?

We accept clean cardboard for a small fee.  We do not accept any other grades of paper, plastic, wood, or glass.  For a representative list of items we do and do not accept, click here.

Do you accept electronics and televisions/monitors?

Yes, but there is typically a fee charged to recycle these items.  For a representative list of items we do and do not accept, click here.

Do I need an ID to recycle?

As per current Pennsylvania law, it is mandatory for us to record certain details for all transactions. These include a copy of a valid government-issued photo identification, the license plate number of the seller’s vehicle, date and time of the transaction, a description of the purchased materials, and the seller’s signature.

Please note that using another person’s identification without their presence during the transaction is strictly prohibited.

Do you purchase household appliances?

Yes, most household appliances are considered light iron.  All refrigerant-containing appliances (e.g., refrigerators, air conditioners, etc.) must have the refrigerant evacuated in accordance with federal, state, and/or local laws and ordinances prior to arriving at our facility.

Do you accept tires?

No, we do not accept tires unless they are attached to a vehicle.  A small disposal fee will be charged for each tire remaining on a vehicle.  We will not accept extra tires with vehicle purchases.

Do you accept cylinders or tanks?

For safety compliance, all closed cylinders and tanks must undergo specific preparations before arrival. This includes valve removal, cutting an additional large hole into the side, and ensuring they are visibly free of any gases or liquids. Cylinders and tanks previously containing flammable or hazardous substances must undergo thorough cleaning and be tagged by a certified entity.

Do you buy scrap vehicles?

Our vehicle purchasing process is weight-based, necessitating that vehicles are emptied before arrival. Please ensure there is no trash in the back seat, trunk, etc. For the safety of our team members, it’s required that the fuel tank be empty or removed prior to arriving at our facility.

Is a title required to sell a car?

Yes, a title in the name of or legally signed over to the seller present is typically required.  If you have a special circumstance related to scrapping car, please give us a call and we will try to assist you.

Do you sell used auto parts?

No, we are not an auto salvage yard.

What are your payment methods?

We offer immediate cash or check for all retail scrap recyclables brought to our yard. For commercial recyclables, whether delivered to our yard or picked up with rolloff container or trailer service, payment terms are established through mutual agreement between the buyer and seller.

Do you require a minimum amount of material to be scrapped?

We welcome all customers!  However, in order to be paid, you must have at least 1 pound of non-ferrous materials, 100 pounds of ferrous materials, or some combination thereof.

Should I separate my scrap materials?

While separating materials isn’t mandatory, you typically receive better pricing for your scrap recyclables when they’re separated and free of foreign materials. If you have any questions, our team is here to help you maximize the value of your recyclables.

Can I clean and separate my recyclable scrap materials at your facility?

At our facility, customers are not permitted to clean and separate their scrap recyclables. However, we’re happy to provide guidance and tips for cleaning and separating your recyclables for future visits. This rule is strictly enforced to ensure the safety of both customers and our team members.”

What should I do if I suspect material was stolen?

If you suspect stolen materials have been sold for scrap, please contact law enforcement immediately. We are fully committed to assisting in all law enforcement investigations involving such incidents. Additionally, we proudly participate in the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) ScrapTheftAlert.com and StopMetalsTheft.org programs for receiving and reporting.

Do you post your prices?

For our latest retail prices on materials delivered to our facility, please click here. All materials undergo inspection and verification before purchase. For large quantities of scrap recyclables, kindly give us a call. Please be aware that commodity markets can be volatile, and prices are subject to change without prior notice.

Do you pick-up recyclable scrap materials?

We offer container and trailer services for scrap pick-ups from businesses and commercial accounts. However, we do not provide pick-up services for small amounts of residential scrap. If needed, we can offer referrals for residential pick-ups based on your location. It’s important to note that any referrals are independent contractors and not directly associated with our business.

Do you sell anything out of the recycling yard?

At Brenner Recycling, we believe one man’s scrap can be another man’s treasure. Feel free to give us a call to inquire about availability. Please note: Any metal purchased from the scrap yard is sold as-is. Brenner Recycling does not provide warranty or guarantee, in any way, to the working condition or safety of any item purchased for re-use. Additionally, we reserve the right to refuse to sell any item at any time for any reason.

What happens to my recyclables after I drop them off?

We employ advanced techniques such as torching, hydraulic cutting, and baling to further separate and process scrap metal, ensuring it meets stringent steel mill and foundry specifications for sale. Once it reaches the required standards, we sell and transport the processed metal, facilitating its transformation into new products through melting.