Scrap Metal Recycling in San José, CA

San José Junk Pickup takes scrap metal at no cost: bundle the pieces, each bundle up to 5 ft x 2 ft and 60 lbs counts as one of your 12 items.

See all 2 options

Checked October 26, 2026 · Call before you go · How we check

2 ways to get rid of a scrap metal in San José

Tap an option to see the address, hours, cost and rules.

CurbCycle PickupPickup from your home · San JoséNo haulingWe recycle it for youFrom $90.00
How it works
Book online, set out your scrap metal and we’ll pick it up and recycle it for you. You see your price before you book and pay only after pickup.
Book a pickup →
City of San José Junk PickupCity service · San JoséSan José residentsFree
How it works
No-cost curbside pickup of up to 12 large items per request for San José single-family homes and multi-family complexes, owners and renters. Book through San José 311 (dial 3-1-1 or (408) 535-3500); pickups happen on your regular collection day.
Cost & rules
- Before you go: Bundle or tie pieces together; each bundle (max 5 ft x 2 ft, 60 lbs) counts as one item.
Official page (opens in new tab)

Before you go

Ask whether items must be mostly metal and free of refrigerant, fuel or oil.
Check whether the operator pays for metal or charges a fee.

More about scrap metal

California rules

Solid waste facilities may not accept for disposal any major appliance, vehicle or other metallic discard with enough metal to be economically feasible to salvage. Source: California Public Resources Code section 42170 (major appliances and metallic discards) (opens in new tab)
DTSC says universal wastes (batteries, electronic waste, CRTs, lamps, mercury wastes, non-empty aerosol cans and PV modules) must go to a designated handler or recycler and cannot go in household trash or landfills. Source: DTSC: Universal Waste (opens in new tab)

More California rules (5)

It is illegal to dispose of household hazardous waste in the trash, down the drain, or by abandonment; it must go to a household hazardous waste facility. Source: DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
DTSC lists antifreeze, batteries, e-waste, household cleaners, paints, pesticides, pool cleaners, solvents, used oil and mercury wastes among common household hazardous wastes. Source: DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
Many cities and counties run household hazardous waste collection programs; DTSC keeps a map of HHW facilities. Source: DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
Many HHW facilities keep set days and hours, some cap daily amounts, some only hold events once or twice a year, and many require an appointment. Source: DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)
CalRecycle says it is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste in the garbage, down storm drains or onto the ground. Source: CalRecycle: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab)

Where this information comes from (12)

Where this information comes from

Checked October 26, 2026

San José residents: Have junk to get rid of? (opens in new tab) · City of San José
- Residents can schedule a no-cost curbside Junk Pickup through San José 311. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Junk Pickup is available at no cost for single-family homes and multi-family complexes, owners and renters. Checked October 26, 2026.
- All items must come from your residence. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Requests may include up to 12 items. Checked October 26, 2026.
Items and Instructions for Junk Pickup (opens in new tab) · City of San José
- Scrap metal is accepted bundled; one bundle (max 5 ft x 2 ft, 60 lbs) counts as one item. Checked October 26, 2026.
DTSC: Universal Waste (opens in new tab) · California Department of Toxic Substances Control
- DTSC says universal wastes (batteries, electronic waste, CRTs, lamps, mercury wastes, non-empty aerosol cans and PV modules) must go to a designated handler or recycler and cannot go in household trash or landfills. Checked October 26, 2026.
DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab) · California Department of Toxic Substances Control
- It is illegal to dispose of household hazardous waste in the trash, down the drain, or by abandonment; it must go to a household hazardous waste facility. Checked October 26, 2026.
- DTSC lists antifreeze, batteries, e-waste, household cleaners, paints, pesticides, pool cleaners, solvents, used oil and mercury wastes among common household hazardous wastes. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Many cities and counties run household hazardous waste collection programs; DTSC keeps a map of HHW facilities. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Many HHW facilities keep set days and hours, some cap daily amounts, some only hold events once or twice a year, and many require an appointment. Checked October 26, 2026.
CalRecycle: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab) · CalRecycle
- CalRecycle says it is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste in the garbage, down storm drains or onto the ground. Checked October 26, 2026.
California Public Resources Code section 42170 (major appliances and metallic discards) (opens in new tab) · California Legislative Information
- Solid waste facilities may not accept for disposal any major appliance, vehicle or other metallic discard with enough metal to be economically feasible to salvage. Checked October 26, 2026.

“Checked” means we read the official page on that date. Things can change, so call before you go.

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