Owens Scrap Metal Inc at 10820 Tucker Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39565

Got in and out fast, which is always nice. Still figuring out the whole scrap game, so I’m sure I missed a few things—but the crew there didn’t make me feel dumb for asking. Some places act like you’re wasting their time if you don’t know what you’re doing, but not here. They’ll actually talk you through it. Definitely going back, even if I’ve got a ways to go before I’m a pro. ---

My dad and uncles used to take me to Owens when I was just a kid, and now I’m the one bringing in scrap—whether it’s beer cans or full loads. The guys there don’t just take your metal; they actually teach you stuff if you ask. I try to sort everything before I pull up to the scales, but if I mess up, they’ll help fix it without making me feel stupid. The guy running the tin pile? Total lifesaver—unloading is never a hassle with him. And the back-door crew? Always cracking jokes, even when you can tell they’re having a rough Monday. They make you feel like you’ve known them for years. Oh, and Mrs. Hailey in the office? Absolute legend. I swear, half the reason I keep coming back is just to see her. ---

I’ve been taking my scrap to Owens for 20 years, and today was the last time. The place is a mess—rude staff, no organization, and they’ll nickel-and-dime you if they think they can get away with it. I’m a licensed HVAC tech with my EPA card, but they still drag their feet paying for AC coils, making me wait days when other yards pay same-day. Ask a question? You get attitude. Need something simple? They act like you’re bothering them. Today, they refused to buy two coils just because I wasn’t in my usual truck. No explanation, no help—just another waste of my time. And don’t even get me started on the prices. They lowball you on copper and aluminum, counting on you not knowing what it’s worth. I’ve lost hundreds over the years trusting them to be fair. Their yard’s a dump, their service is worse, and their whole operation feels like they don’t care. There are better places nearby that won’t treat you like garbage. Avoid Owens if you can. ---

Been dealing with the Owens scrap yard family for nearly 50 years, and I’ve never had a problem they couldn’t fix—even when they messed up. Sure, everybody’s got those Mondays where they’re short-tempered, but I get it. Like the time an RV’s black water tank exploded all over the owner while he was moving it—yeah, I laughed, but I also knew they’d make it right. They’re real people, not some corporate outfit. And when they do slip up? They own it. A few days back, they caught a mistake on my metal sort, and an employee tracked me down with a check and an apology. That’s the kind of place this is. They might not always pay top dollar, but they’re good folks, and I’ll keep bringing them my scrap. Y’all should too. —Mike Johnson

Some old guy there was downright nasty when I left, and then I noticed my tire was making a weird noise. Pulled over, saw a big bolt or something stuck in it—flat in no time. Called them right away, 10 minutes after I’d left, and the guy had the nerve to say, *“Oh, I sweep with a metal detector, I must’ve missed that one.”* Missed it? My tire’s ruined, and now they’re saying it’s not their problem. I told him, *“I just left 10 minutes ago—it’s not like I’m calling a week later.”* Doesn’t matter. They don’t care. I’m done with that place for good. ---