Scrap Metal Recycling in San Diego, CA
Ferrous metal such as barbecues and wrought iron is free to recycle at the Miramar Recycling Center, which also pays scrap value for some metals.
See all 2 optionsChecked October 26, 2026 · Call before you go · How we check
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.
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 (11)
Where this information comes from
Checked October 26, 2026
- City of San Diego: Miramar Recycling Center (opens in new tab) · City of San Diego Environmental Services
- The Miramar Recycling Center is at 5165 Convoy St., San Diego 92111, north of SR-52, open Monday–Saturday 7 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Checked October 26, 2026.
- TVs, computer monitors, laptops and computer processing units are listed as free to recycle, with no payment or fee to the customer. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Ferrous metals such as barbecues and wrought iron are listed as free to recycle, with no payment or fee to the customer. Checked October 26, 2026.
- Scrap value is paid for some paper grades, non-ferrous metals (copper, brass, stainless steel and aluminum) and scrap metal; call 858-268-8971 for pricing. 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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