Scrap Metal Recycling in South Lake Tahoe, CA

Metal goes to the STR Transfer Station at 2140 Ruth Avenue, which recycles it through its material recovery process.

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

3 ways to get rid of a scrap metal in South Lake Tahoe

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

CurbCycle PickupPickup from your home · South Lake TahoeNo 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 →
South Tahoe Refuse Transfer Station & Household Hazardous Waste FacilityDrop-off · 2140 Ruth Avenue, South Lake TahoeOpen to everyoneCost not listed
Where
2140 Ruth Avenue
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Hours
Mon–Sat 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (closed Sundays and holidays); hazardous waste Tue–Sat 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Cost & rules
Scrap metal
AcceptedCost unknown
Fees aren’t recorded. Don’t assume drop-off is free.
Full details & sources Official site (opens in new tab)
El Dorado Disposal Transfer Station & Materials Recovery Facility (4100 Throwita Way, Placerville)Pickup service · El Dorado CountyOpen to everyoneFree
How it works
El Dorado Disposal runs a materials recovery facility and transfer station at 4100 Throwita Way, Placerville, open 7 days 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (530-626-4141). Free: clean mattresses/box springs, e-waste (TVs, computers, monitors, printers), segregated recycling incl. cardboard, scrap metal. Paid: appliances, microwaves, tires. Free HHW Friday–Sunday 9–4 for El Dorado County residents.
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 (11)

Where this information comes from

Checked October 26, 2026

South Tahoe Refuse & Recycling Services: Transfer Station (opens in new tab) · South Tahoe Refuse & Recycling Services
- The transfer station accepts household solid waste including metal and appliances, tires, furniture, carpet and electronic waste. Checked October 26, 2026.
South Tahoe Refuse & Recycling Services: Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab) · South Tahoe Refuse & Recycling Services
- STR runs a household hazardous waste program at the transfer station covering paint and other HHW; residents can drop off up to 15 gallons at no cost. Checked October 26, 2026.
El Dorado Disposal: El Dorado Transfer Station & Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) – rates (opens in new tab) · El Dorado Disposal
- Recycling (cans, bottles, cardboard) and scrap metal (hazardous waste removed from engines) are free. Checked October 26, 2026.
El Dorado Disposal: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab) · El Dorado Disposal
- El Dorado County residents may bring up to 15 gallons (5-gallon or smaller containers) or 125 lb per trip. 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.

How we check our information

3 ways to get rid of a scrap metal in South Lake Tahoe

Scrap metal

Before you go

California rules

Where this information comes from