Top 10 Best Scrap Yards in Kansas 2025: Complete Guide to Selling Scrap Metal for Maximum Profit

Last Updated: May 28, 2025

Are you looking to sell scrap metal in Kansas and want to get the best prices? Whether you're a contractor with leftover construction materials, a homeowner cleaning out your garage, or an industrial operation looking to recycle metal waste, finding the right scrap yard can mean the difference between decent money and maximum profit.

Kansas has over 50+ scrap metal recycling facilities across the state, but not all scrap yards are created equal. After analyzing customer reviews, pricing data, and service offerings from hundreds of facilities, we've compiled the definitive guide to Kansas's top-performing scrap yards.

Why Kansas Scrap Metal Recycling is Booming in 2025

Kansas's scrap metal recycling industry generated over $2.1 billion in economic activity in 2024, making it one of the state's most important recycling sectors. The combination of agricultural equipment, manufacturing waste, and construction materials creates a robust market for metal recycling.

Key Industry Facts:

• Kansas ranks 12th nationally in scrap metal production
• Over 3,200 jobs directly supported by scrap metal recycling
• 85% of Kansas scrap metal gets exported to manufacturing facilities
• Average Kansas resident recycles 47 pounds of metal annually

Top 10 Kansas Scrap Yards: Ranked by Customer Satisfaction

Rankings based on Google Reviews, pricing competitiveness, and service quality as of May 2025

1. ABC Recycling, LLC - Wichita ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5)

👉 Details and Directions

Why #1: ABC Recycling dominates Wichita's scrap metal scene with the highest volume of positive reviews in Kansas. They offer full-service recycling including demolition services and container rentals.

Services:

• Drive-through weighing stations
• Roll-off container rentals (10-40 yard sizes)
• Mobile pickup services for large loads
• Demolition and clean-out services
• Industrial contract recycling

Hours: Mon-Sat 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sun 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Best For: Large-scale contractors, industrial clients, and high-volume sellers

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2. ACME SCRAP - Great Bend ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5)

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Why They're Great: Serving central Kansas for over 30 years, ACME SCRAP offers personalized service with competitive pricing for agricultural equipment and farm scrap.

Specialties:

• Farm equipment recycling
• Agricultural scrap processing
• Steel and iron specialization
• Fair pricing for rural customers

Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sat 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Best For: Farmers, agricultural contractors, and central Kansas residents

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3. Hutch Metal Recycling - Hutchinson ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5.0/5)

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Why Perfect Rating: Small but mighty, Hutch Metal Recycling earns perfect scores for honest weighing, fair pricing, and exceptional customer service.

Standout Features:

• 100% accurate weighing (verified by customers)
• No hidden fees or deductions
• Quick turnaround times
• Knowledgeable staff for material identification

Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 AM – 4:15 PM, Closed Saturdays
Best For: Individual sellers and small businesses prioritizing trust and accuracy

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4. Silas Enterprises - Hutchinson ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5.0/5)

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Why They Excel: Another Hutchinson perfect-rating yard, Silas Enterprises is known for premium prices on non-ferrous metals and excellent customer relationships.

Services:

• Premium copper and aluminum pricing
• Same-day payment options
• Material sorting assistance
• Volume discount programs

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Closed Saturdays
Best For: Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC contractors with copper-heavy loads

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5. Allmetal Recycling - Salina ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.9/5)

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Regional Leader: Serving north-central Kansas, Allmetal Recycling offers competitive prices and professional service for both ferrous and non-ferrous materials.

Services:

• Complete metal recycling services
• Container services available
• Industrial pickup programs
• Material processing and sorting

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Closed Saturdays
Best For: Salina area residents and I-70 corridor businesses

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6. Bailey Recycling & Scrap Metal - Topeka ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.4/5)

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Capital City Choice: Bailey Recycling serves Kansas's capital region with comprehensive recycling services and Saturday hours for working professionals.

Features:

• Saturday morning hours
• Government contract experience
• Competitive pricing on all materials
• Professional weighing and payment

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:45 PM, Sat 8:00 AM – 11:45 AM
Best For: Topeka residents, government contractors, and weekend sellers

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7. 12th & Haskell Recycle Center - Lawrence ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.4/5)

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University Town Specialist: Serving Lawrence and the KU community, this recycling center handles both metals and other recyclable materials.

Services:

• Multi-material recycling center
• Student-friendly hours and policies
• Educational institution partnerships
• Small-load friendly policies

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 AM – 3:45 PM, Sat 8:30 AM – 11:45 AM
Best For: Students, Lawrence residents, and mixed-material recyclers

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8. L & M Northside Recycling - Topeka ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.4/5)

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Northside Convenience: Strategically located for easy access from north Topeka and surrounding communities.

Advantages:

• Convenient north Topeka location
• Consistent pricing and service
• Saturday morning availability
• Local family-owned operation

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 3:45 PM, Sat 8:00 AM – 11:45 AM
Best For: North Topeka residents and Shawnee County sellers

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9. Wichita Material Recovery - WMR ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3/5)

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High-Volume Processor: One of Wichita's largest material recovery facilities, handling both residential and commercial recycling.

Capabilities:

• Large-scale material processing
• Industrial client services
• Multiple material streams
• Efficient processing systems

Hours: Mon-Sat 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Closed Sundays
Best For: Large commercial loads and high-volume sellers

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10. Hess & Sons Salvage - Junction City ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.2/5)

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Auto Salvage Specialists: While primarily an auto salvage yard, Hess & Sons also accepts general scrap metal and serves the Fort Riley military community.

Specialties:

• Auto parts and salvage
• Military community services
• General scrap metal acceptance
• Self-service auto parts pulling

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Sat 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Best For: Auto recyclers, military personnel, and Junction City area residents

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Current Kansas Scrap Metal Prices (May 2025)

Prices fluctuate daily based on commodity markets. Always call for current pricing.

Ferrous Metals (Iron-Based)

• Steel/Iron: $0.01 - $0.15 per pound
• Car Bodies: $150 - $300 per ton
• Heavy Iron: $0.12 - $0.18 per pound
• Cast Iron: $0.10 - $0.16 per pound

Non-Ferrous Metals (Higher Value)

• #1 Copper Bare Bright: $3.16 - $3.45 per pound
• #2 Copper: $2.85 - $3.10 per pound
• Aluminum Cans: $0.78 - $0.85 per pound
• Aluminum Sheet: $0.65 - $0.75 per pound
• Brass: $2.10 - $2.40 per pound
• Stainless Steel: $0.65 - $0.85 per pound

Specialty Items

• Catalytic Converters: $50 - $500+ (varies by type)
• Car Batteries: $8 - $15 each
• Electric Motors: $0.15 - $0.25 per pound

Pro Tip: Copper and aluminum typically offer the best returns. Separate these materials from steel for maximum profit.

Kansas Scrap Yard Locations by Region

Wichita Metropolitan Area

• ABC Recycling, LLC (Top Rated)
• Wichita Material Recovery
• Multiple smaller yards throughout metro

Topeka/Northeast Kansas

• Bailey Recycling & Scrap Metal
• L & M Northside Recycling
• 12th & Haskell Recycle Center (Lawrence)

Central Kansas

• ACME SCRAP (Great Bend)
• Hutch Metal Recycling (Hutchinson)
• Silas Enterprises (Hutchinson)

North-Central Kansas

• Allmetal Recycling (Salina)

South-Central Kansas

• Hess & Sons Salvage (Junction City)

Coverage Gaps

Rural counties in western Kansas may require travel to nearest urban centers. Consider mobile pickup services for large loads.

How to Maximize Your Scrap Metal Profits

1. Sort Your Materials

Separate metals by type:

• Keep copper separate (highest value)
• Sort aluminum from steel
• Remove non-metallic attachments
• Clean materials when possible

2. Know Current Market Prices

• Check prices at multiple yards
• Use apps like iScrapApp for market updates
• Time your sales during price peaks
• Consider holding valuable metals during low periods

3. Prepare Your Materials

Cleaning Tips:

• Remove insulation from copper wire
• Strip aluminum siding of nails/screws
• Remove steel attachments from stainless steel
• Drain fluids from appliances

4. Bring Proper Documentation

Required in Kansas:

• Valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, etc.)
• Vehicle title for auto parts
• Business license for commercial loads
• Proof of ownership for catalytic converters

5. Build Relationships

• Develop relationships with yard operators
• Ask about volume discounts
• Inquire about pickup services
• Get business cards for future reference

Kansas Scrap Metal Selling Requirements

Legal Requirements

• ID Required: Valid state or federal photo identification
• Age Minimum: Must be 18+ to sell scrap metal
• Payment Limits: Cash payments limited to under $1,000 for most yards
• Catalytic Converters: Require proof of ownership, usually paid by check

What You Can Sell

Accepted Materials:

• All ferrous metals (steel, iron, cast iron)
• Non-ferrous metals (copper, aluminum, brass, stainless steel)
• Appliances (after proper preparation)
• Auto parts and bodies
• Construction materials
• Farm equipment

NOT Accepted:

• Hazardous materials
• Items containing fluids/oils
• Freon-containing appliances (unless properly evacuated)
• Radioactive materials
• Municipal property (street signs, etc.)

Seasonal Considerations for Kansas Scrap Sellers

Spring (March-May)

• Best Time: Construction season increases demand
• Prices: Often peak during spring construction boom
• Materials: Roofing, siding, and construction waste common

Summer (June-August)

• Steady Demand: Consistent pricing
• Popular Materials: Air conditioning units, farm equipment
• Tip: Early morning visits beat the heat

Fall (September-November)

• Harvest Season: Farm equipment repairs create scrap
• Prices: Can fluctuate with agricultural cycles
• Materials: Combine parts, grain bin materials

Winter (December-February)

• Lower Activity: Reduced construction affects demand
• Opportunity: Less competition may mean better service
• Materials: Indoor renovation projects, appliance replacements

Environmental Impact of Kansas Scrap Metal Recycling

Recycling scrap metal in Kansas provides significant environmental benefits:

• Energy Savings: Recycling steel uses 75% less energy than producing new steel
• CO2 Reduction: Every ton of recycled steel saves 2,500 pounds of CO2 emissions
• Resource Conservation: Reduces need for mining and raw material extraction
• Landfill Diversion: Keeps millions of tons of metal out of Kansas landfills annually

Your Impact: The average Kansas household can recycle enough metal annually to power a home for 6 months.

Mobile Scrap Metal Services in Kansas

Several Kansas scrap yards offer pickup services for large loads:

ABC Recycling, LLC

• Service Area: Wichita metro and surrounding counties
• Minimum Load: Usually 1,000+ pounds
• Equipment: Roll-off containers, flatbed trucks

Industrial Pickup Services

• Container Rentals: 10-40 yard roll-off containers
• Scheduled Pickups: Weekly, monthly, or as-needed
• Best For: Construction sites, manufacturing facilities

Tip: Mobile services typically require larger minimum loads but can save significant time and transportation costs.

Kansas vs. National Scrap Metal Prices

Kansas scrap metal prices generally align with national averages, with some regional variations:

Advantages:

• Lower transportation costs to regional mills
• Competitive pricing due to multiple yards
• Agricultural demand supports steady prices

Considerations:

• Prices may lag coastal markets by 1-2 days
• Rural areas may offer slightly lower prices
• Volume sellers often get better rates

Advanced Tips for Commercial Scrap Sellers

For Contractors

• Separate at Job Site: Sort materials during demolition
• Container Services: Use roll-off containers for ongoing projects
• Tax Benefits: Keep receipts for business deductions
• Relationships: Develop preferred vendor relationships

For Manufacturing

• Production Schedules: Coordinate scrap removal with production
• Quality Sorting: Clean industrial scrap brings premium prices
• Contract Pricing: Negotiate annual contracts for price stability
• Documentation: Maintain detailed records for accounting

Future of Kansas Scrap Metal Industry

Emerging Trends:

• Electric Vehicle Batteries: New recycling opportunities emerging
• Solar Panel Recycling: Growing market for solar equipment
• Advanced Sorting: Technology improving material separation
• Export Markets: Increasing international demand

What This Means: Diversified materials and technology improvements should support stable pricing and expanded services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often do scrap metal prices change in Kansas?

A: Prices can change daily based on commodity markets. Most yards update prices each morning based on overnight market movements.

Q: Do I need to remove insulation from copper wire?

A: Yes, bare bright copper (#1) commands the highest prices. Insulated wire is purchased at significantly lower rates.

Q: Can I sell catalytic converters in Kansas?

A: Yes, but you must provide proof of ownership, and payment is typically by check to prevent theft. Requirements became stricter in 2024.

Q: What's the best day of the week to sell scrap?

A: Monday through Wednesday often see the most competitive pricing as yards need inventory. Fridays can be busy but may have lower prices.

Q: Do Kansas scrap yards buy aluminum cans?

A: Most do, but dedicated can recycling centers often pay better rates. Current rate is approximately $0.78-$0.85 per pound.

Q: How much can I expect to make from an old car?

A: Complete cars typically bring $150-$400 depending on size and current steel prices. Removing valuable parts first can increase total return.

Conclusion: Maximizing Your Kansas Scrap Metal Success

Kansas offers excellent opportunities for scrap metal sellers, with competitive pricing and numerous reputable yards across the state. The key to maximizing your returns lies in preparation, market knowledge, and building relationships with quality yards.

Action Steps:

1. Choose your yard from our top 10 list based on location and services
2. Sort and prepare your materials for maximum value
3. Check current prices before making the trip
4. Bring proper ID and documentation
5. Build relationships for future opportunities

Whether you're cleaning out a garage, finishing a construction project, or running a business with regular scrap generation, Kansas's scrap metal recycling industry offers fair pricing and professional service to help you turn metal waste into cash while supporting environmental sustainability.

Ready to get started? Contact your nearest top-rated scrap yard today and join the thousands of Kansans already profiting from responsible metal recycling.

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This guide was last updated on May 28, 2025. Prices and yard information subject to change. Always verify current information before visiting.

Sources: Customer reviews from Google Maps, pricing data from Langley Recycling and iScrapApp, industry statistics from Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI).