SA Recycling at 2020 Vanderbilt Rd, Birmingham, AL 35234
SA Recycling is a scrap metal recycling center with a self-service auto salvage yard at 2020 Vanderbilt Rd in Birmingham. The business mainly processes scrap metal but also lets customers pull their own parts from salvaged cars. Unlike dedicated auto salvage yards, SA Recycling focuses more on metal recycling and industrial services, though they do keep a supply of vehicle parts from scrapped cars.
The yard is open to the public for self-service part removal, but hours are limited to weekdays (7:30 AM–3:45 PM) and Saturday mornings (7:00 AM–12:00 PM). Customers can search for parts on-site, and the facility provides basic tools for disassembly. SA Recycling also offers industrial services like hydro-demolition, shearing, and portable crushing equipment rentals for both individuals and businesses.
Services & What to Expect
SA Recycling isn’t a traditional u-pull-it junkyard—it’s a scrap metal recycling center that also lets customers pull parts from salvaged cars. Here’s what you need to know:
Self-Service Auto Salvage
- Parts available: The yard has used auto parts from scrapped vehicles, but the selection is smaller than at dedicated salvage yards. Parts come from cars brought in for metal recycling.
- Self-service access: Customers can enter during open hours to find and remove parts themselves. Basic tools (like wrenches and pry bars) are usually available, but bring your own if you need something specific.
- No online inventory: SA Recycling doesn’t list parts online. You’ll need to visit in person to check what’s available.
- Payment: Parts are sold by weight at scrap metal prices, not by individual part value. You pay for the weight of what you take.
Scrap Metal Recycling
- Metals accepted: The facility handles ferrous and non-ferrous metals, including steel, aluminum, copper, brass, and stainless steel. Common items are car parts, appliances, construction scrap, and industrial metal.
- Drop-off service: Customers can bring scrap metal during business hours. Weigh stations are on-site for quick transactions.
- Pricing: SA Recycling offers market-rate prices for scrap metal, which change with commodity markets. Current rates are usually posted on-site or available by request.
Industrial Services
Beyond recycling and salvage, SA Recycling provides heavy-duty industrial services, including:
- Hydro-demolition: Uses high-pressure water to remove concrete or rebar.
- Shearing: Cuts large metal sheets or structures to size.
- Roller-shearing: Specialized shearing for coiled or rolled metal.
- Portable crushing rentals: For on-site demolition or recycling projects.
What to Bring
- A valid ID (some yards require it for liability reasons).
- Cash or a debit/credit card (depending on payment policies).
- Tools for part removal (if you don’t plan to use the yard’s tools).
- A vehicle to haul parts (if you’re taking them with you).
- Gloves and safety gear (recommended—the yard has sharp metal edges).
What NOT to Bring
- Weapons or illegal substances (yards enforce strict policies).
- Unsupervised children (some yards don’t allow minors for safety).
- Stolen property (salvage yards must report suspicious activity).
If you’re selling a junk car, SA Recycling accepts vehicles for scrap. They don’t run a "cash for cars" program, so prices depend on the car’s metal content. For the best deal, check local junkyards that specialize in vehicle purchases.
Location & Hours
SA Recycling is at 2020 Vanderbilt Rd, Birmingham, AL 35234 . The yard is easy to reach from I-65 and I-20/59, making it convenient for Birmingham-area customers.
Driving Directions
From I-65 (North or South):
- Take Exit 247 for Vanderbilt Rd/AL-79.
- Turn left onto Vanderbilt Rd.
- Drive about 0.5 miles. The yard is on your right at 2020 Vanderbilt Rd.
From I-20/59 (East or West):
- Take Exit 106B for I-459 N toward Birmingham.
- Merge onto I-459 N, then take Exit 10A for Vanderbilt Rd.
- Turn right onto Vanderbilt Rd. The yard is 0.3 miles ahead on the left.
Business Hours (2024)
| Day | Open | Close |
| Monday | 7:30 AM | 3:45 PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30 AM | 3:45 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30 AM | 3:45 PM |
| Thursday | 7:30 AM | 3:45 PM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM | 3:45 PM |
| Saturday | 7:00 AM | 12:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed | Closed |
Note: Hours can change. Call ahead at (205) 841-6706 to confirm before visiting.
Contact Information
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours for SA Recycling at 2020 Vanderbilt Rd?
SA Recycling is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 3:45 PM and on Saturdays from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The yard is closed Sundays. Hours may change, so call (205) 841-6706 to confirm before you go.
Does SA Recycling buy junk cars?
Yes, SA Recycling takes junk cars for scrap metal. They don’t have a "cash for cars" program, though—prices are based on the car’s metal content. For the best offer, check other junkyards that specialize in vehicle purchases. You can compare deals on our cash for junk cars page.
What kind of parts can I find at SA Recycling?
SA Recycling has used auto parts from scrapped cars, but the selection isn’t as large as at dedicated salvage yards. You’ll find engines, transmissions, body panels, bumpers, and interior parts. Since the yard focuses on metal recycling, parts aren’t organized by make, model, or year. You’ll need to search the yard yourself.
How does self-service auto salvage work at SA Recycling?
Pulling parts at SA Recycling is simple:
- Arrive during open hours and check in (some yards ask for ID or a deposit).
- Enter the salvage area and find the part you need. Parts aren’t labeled, so you’ll have to identify them by sight.
- Use the yard’s tools (or your own) to remove the part. Staff may help with cutting if needed.
- Weigh the part and pay for its metal value. Payment is by the pound at scrap prices.
- Load the part into your vehicle and leave. Some yards limit how long you can stay.
Bring gloves, safety glasses, and your own tools if possible. The yard’s tool selection is basic.
Do I need to make an appointment to visit SA Recycling?
No, appointments aren’t required for part removal or scrap drop-offs. If you’re bringing a large load or need specialized services (like shearing), call ahead at (205) 841-6706 to check availability.
Are there any restrictions on what I can remove from a salvaged car?
SA Recycling generally lets customers take usable parts, but there are some rules:
- No airbags, fuel tanks, or hazardous materials—these must be handled by professionals.
- Some yards ban catalytic converter removal due to theft risks.
- You can’t take parts from a vehicle that’s still registered or hasn’t been processed for scrap.
- Always ask staff before removing high-value parts like engines or transmissions.
Recent News & Updates
As of mid-2024, SA Recycling hasn’t announced major changes to its operations. The business continues focusing on scrap metal recycling and industrial services, with self-service auto salvage as a secondary offering.
In 2023, the company highlighted its sustainable recycling practices, emphasizing how proper metal processing reduces landfill waste. They also noted growing demand for hydro-demolition and shearing services from local construction and demolition contractors.
For the latest updates, visit their website or check their Facebook page ( SA Recycling ), where they sometimes post news.
