Scrap Mart Metals Recycling at 165 N Outer Rd, Valley Park, MO 63088

Tate’s the reason I keep coming back. Doesn’t matter if it’s a handful of soda cans or a stack of old pots—I walk in, he’s got a smile on his face, and he makes the whole thing quick. Never feels like a chore when he’s the one helping. Some places, you get the vibe they’re just waiting for you to leave. Not here. ---

Haven’t been here in ages, not since I got my new truck and swore I’d keep it clean. But today I had a few things to unload, so I tossed ‘em in the bed—only to find out they’ve got some new rule about a 300-pound minimum. Now, I get it, but the sign at the front? Tiny, printed off some crappy home printer, smudged like someone stepped on it. Couldn’t read it if I tried. So I go in to get paid like always, and some guy I’ve never seen before acts like I’m asking for a loan. Tells me to go dig my scrap back out of the pit myself—while the claw machine’s running, mind you—and then refuses to hold my ticket. Asked if he could call someone to sort it out? Nope. Just dead set on being difficult. Rude doesn’t even cover it. ---

Place was packed when I showed up, but they kept things moving—no long lines or sitting around. That’s something, at least. Compared to other scrap yards I’ve been to, though? Eh. It’s fine if you’re already in the area and need to drop stuff off, but I wouldn’t go out of my way for it. Nothing stood out as great or terrible, just… meh. Wouldn’t call it a bad experience, but I wouldn’t call it a good one either. ---

Listen, I’ve sold scrap all over the country, and I’m telling you—watch that scale like a hawk at this place. They tried to tell me a Walmart shopping cart weighed 70 pounds. A *Walmart cart*. Come on. I’ve seen receipts from every scrap yard in the U.S., and every single one lists the weight of their buckets, carts, whatever. This place? Trying to nickel-and-dime people like it’s some kind of sport. 140 pounds my foot—my receipt didn’t even say that. *Update:* Went back a few weeks later, and sure enough, Dave must’ve read my review because the second I pulled up, he recognized me. Told the guys helping me unload to stop, made me haul everything back into my truck myself, and kicked me out. Employees running the show? More like running people off. Place is a joke. At least they finally started writing weights on stuff, I guess. Small victory.

Man, I wasn’t expecting much when I pulled up with a busted trampoline in my trunk—just wanted to get rid of it without hauling it to the dump. But this place made it stupid easy. They weighed my car coming in, I dumped the junk in the pit, weighed it again going out, and walked out with cash. No hassle, no waiting around. The staff didn’t just take my money and wave me off; they actually seemed to care. I was just happy to recycle the thing, but now I’m gonna be back every time I’ve got scrap to unload. 10/10, no joke. Oh, and the whole setup is weirdly cool if you’re into that kind of thing. ---