I rarely leave reviews, but after reading some of the negative ones here, I felt like I should share my own experience because it has been very different. Today, March 11, 2026, was my fourth visit, and I usually come here because it's the closest recycling center to my place. Every time I've come, the experience has been smooth and hassle-free. The staff are friendly, helpful, and work efficiently to keep the line moving. The man who helped me today was especially professional. He came over, helped sort through my bags, and carefully checked for unacceptable items more than once. I actually appreciated that attention to detail because it showed he was doing his job properly. A few of my plastic bottles were returned, but that was perfectly fair since they weren't CA CRV eligible. I still walked away with $17.75, so no complaints from me. One thing I'd recommend is sorting your recycling before you arrive. It saves both your time and the staff's time, and it makes the whole process a lot smoother. Parking is a little limited, but that's really my only minor complaint. Other than that, I've had nothing but positive experiences here, and I'd definitely return. I came right around closing time, so there was plenty of parking and no waiting line. read more

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Service is great, they take your bags and empty them. You just have to carefully back up to the garage door opening.

Terrible service got blocked in trying to leave a spot it is very unreliable for parking and the employees really are incompetent and inconsiderate read more

San Jose Metals Recycling - Recycling Center Near Me - Sanjose, California

I went again and arrived with black garbage bags. They want me to unload them to the bins. Of course, then ask if they are sorted? I told them they should be, but of course there's times that maybe a can or a bottle sneaks into the other mix. They get pissed. So i was right, it was literally just 2-3 Orange Juice bottles that ended up mixed with the plastic. Threw a hissy fit over something so easy to see once you unload in to their bins. I probably wasted more time tearing open the bags than actual sorting. I might as well go to Radius instead, but always feel like that is a huge operation and i feel like a small fry compared to the truck loads there. read more

The staff is very helpful making the recycling process easy and straightforward. They're very efficient and get you in and out quickly.

*My experience was taking metal soda cans for recycling* This place works like a well-oiled machine! I was in and out in 5 minutes or less. There is limited parking in front of the building. A kind gentleman walked up to my car and politely let me know I was taking up 2 parking spots. He helped me back up (watched the street for me and let me know when it was clear, as it's on a busy street). Once I was properly parked, another gentleman came up to my car and took my trash bags of cans from me. Within maybe 2 minutes, I was given a receipt to cash out. After another 2 minutes at the window (and that's probably because I was a first time seller), I was on my merry way. Everyone was very respectful and extremely efficient with my time. If you are only selling 1 type of material (like soda cans), it will be very quick. If you're looking to sell multiple types of materials, sort your items out by material before you arrive. The parking in front is so limited that they cannot afford for you to be taking up a valuable spot for 10-20 minutes minimum by sorting. When I arrived, all the parking was taken, so I went around and luckily a spot was available by the time I came back. Be respectful and don't make others wait for a parking spot while you sort on site! read more

First time recycling here, and they only took one of our 4 bags, which was a mixed bag of aluminum and plastic. The other bags they said needed to be sorted and told us we couldn't sort it there, even after they took the first bag that was mixed. Very rude and I wouldn't recommend to others to recycle here. read more

Honestly this is probably the worst place to ever go I had gone one time to take my stuff and it came out to 120 on the paper but I couldn't cash it out because I didn't have my physical license on me then I went maybe like a lo the later with a little bit more of copper and the total this time was only 98 and I couldn't see the weight because and older man was demanding me to move my car because I wasn't parked "right" so I had to go move it I didn't make a fuzz about it simply I will not go there again but just sharing my experience read more

[REVIEW WRITTEN: 12/3/21] Quick in & out recycling - have recycling items separated because it saves you a massive amount of time! I was in and out in 10 minutes while being a first-time customer. TLDR Deets: + Separate cans, glass and plastic for speedy service + Recycles, PET Plastic, HOPE (high-density polyethylene), PVC (vinyl), LOPE (low-density polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PS (polystyrene) & other metal - prices are available on a sign right inside the building + Employee assisted with parking (it is perpendicular to the building) + First-time customers need to show ID for cash Pandemic Deets: + Masks are worn + Hand sanitizer available at register read more

Before visiting I read a review regarding someone saying they were shady about the weight of his recycling after getting asked to move his car , when visiting I experienced something similar. After unloading all my metal the guy insisted I left it all unattended and went to get myself bins. I was suspicious because he didn't say anything, watched me unload everything, there was bins inside, & I had read the previous review. I loaded my metal back up and then the guy acted surprised and like he didn't hear me ask where the bins where. When I was unloading the aluminum he started to make a string of metal a huge issue and was trying to tell me that it wasn't aluminum when I know it was aluminum because it says it in the package and last time I was there they bought a whole bin full of those. I believe he was looking for a reason not to buy my metal since I called him out about what I read online. Whats hilarious is that rancho town recycling bought everything the guy was swearing wasn't aluminum and even gave me a better price. In the end the shady guys did me a huge favor which was a blessing in disguise read more

Don't waste your time taking your recycling here if you dont have everything sorted, they won't let separate anything on there property. I highly recommend story road recycling, there's a hand washing station, a small snack store and you can take your time sorting your recycling read more

SJM is a typical recycling center, but well organized, employees are helpful, parking can be a little rough, busy street! You should have your material pre-sorted, they work pretty quickly emptying your bags into bins. I'll include a couple pics from Fall of 2019. read more

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Parking is a huge pain here, especially if you come at a busy time. You have to back up onto a busy street after you're done or make some maneuvers to back up into the narrow spots. The parking attendant has a terrible attitude. He motions you to move into spots and puts pressure on you to do it fast without regard for your vehicle. This usually leads to poor park jobs, making it harder to fit into the narrow spots for others. Outside of that, everyone else is pretty friendly and get you in and out super quickly. But unfortunately, parking is a big component of the experience here. I may try their competition at Schnitzer Steel since it's a bit closer and their parking doesn't seem to be as bad. read more

Come to SJ Metals Recycling prepared. I smash my cans, removed plastic bottle caps and be prepared to move quickly! There is usually a guy that helps you position your car and back out safely. I enjoy coming here very much! read more

came to sell some stuff and only because I'm not like them i was discriminated by a guy name Orlando very rude and is an awful place because all the workers are disrespectful. also after asking the man that how come the aluminum I brought cant be purchased he proceeded to tell me that because It had paper stuck to it so I said if I remove the paper it will be clean and he said we don't buy it but it was a personal motive because aluminum is aluminum and once goes into the furnace impurities rise to the top. i asked him how come they won't buy it and he just said because we don't . Im not quite sure if he is the owner but I'm pretty sure he is he is short spikey hair maybe Guatemalan. read more

Good business, super friendly people there. I don't know why some people say they discriminate, they do not everyone is super friendly. Everything super clean inside read more

I come here to recycle my bottles and cans periodically. I usually bring aluminum cans, plastic bottles, and glass bottles. The staff who do the paperwork provide quick and quality service. They will recognize you if you're a regular. The service from the people who load and weigh your recyclables are pretty mixed. Don't come on a Monday around 12 PM because one of their loading trucks pulled up behind mine and another customer's car. We had to wait for about 5-7 minutes for the truck to leave. Here are a few tips: - It's only worth a trip if you're able to bring a trunk and back seat's worth for some gas money - Aluminum cans are worth the most - Plastic bottles are in the middle - Glass is worth the least read more

I've only been to three different recycling centers over the last 15 years, so I'm not experienced with this, but to me, this place was very good, very helpful, and based on jnfo I got on the Internet, the prices are competitive. I came away with a decent refund, though I cannot honestly say if I got less than I should have. They weighed everything in front of me, they let me.count the glass, they allowed me to separate some stuff at the last second, and they were all helpful overall and didn't seem irritated with me. It was convenient parking, though it could be worse when it's busy since its facing the street with only a few parking spots. Since the bar next door was closed, I had no issues. I had tried a place yesterday that was highly rated, but it was terribly inconvenient and I could not get in because it was so crowded, but that was a Saturday. For a Tuesday afternoon 30 minutes before closing time, my experience here was great. read more

I never realized how difficult it was to find a place to recycle my cans and bottles until now. San Jose Metals is one of the few places that still accepts those materials. Here's how it works: -You pull up to the location and someone will be there to fill you in on what to do -You will wait in line, in your car, on the street, trying not to block traffic or the parking spots and entrances of other buildings -By waiting in line, you are essentially waiting to park your car in one of the few spots they have -Once parked, you unload your items -Then, you wait in line again for everything to be weighed -Once weighed, you go to the cashier window to be paid in cash I can not stress how long the wait is just to park your car. It's probably longer than the weighing process. Make sure to have everything separated. They will not pay you for your glass bottles. If you are up for the risk, some people illegally park across the street while they recycle. read more

Kinda confusing since I was a first timer. After reading a review, thought I was going to be stuck there for 45 min too but it went by real smooth. If you know how the flows going, you wouldn't skip a beat. Parking is against the street so it's a little tight. Also, there's workers who direct the flow to keep people from blocking a nearby business as well as kick back people who end up cutting in line. I really appreciated that. We could've been waiting for half an hour and someone who didn't know could have easily gotten away with a little cut but nope, they got pushed back. Then, when I did start unloading I was in a rush and almost missed a can. One of the coworkers told me about it so, that was honest Of them. Only knock is it's a little further than I'd like to go but, all in all I was in and out in 25 min. Not bad for a busy Saturday! read more

Today I went to San Jose Metal to turn-in my usual recycling at around 1:30PM. Now I'm not one to complain about a lot of things however I can't let this one go by without saying something to stop this God awful behavior. Keep in mind I've been going to San Jose Metals for over 10 yrs. I speak Spanish fluently being raised in a household that spoke both English & Spanish and when I go to an establishment that happens to have staff that communicate to one another in Spanish I tend to overhear. As I mentioned before I went to turn-in my recycles and overheard two gentlemen having a conversation regarding one individual whom I do not know but that's beside the point. The two employees of San Jose Metals used a slang term that in English would translate to the word fag. Of course the word "fag" is a very bad and unintelligent way to describe the word "homosexual". Now as a polled as I was to hear them speak of such a thing when their conversation had nothing to do with their work was one thing. When I presented this to the manager of San Jose Metals, she wasn't sympathetic whatsoever and basically shrugged it off as to say that I shouldn't be too surprised at how, " men" talk when they're working. I'm sorry but these employees are interacting w/the general public and I personally am not the one! I will not keep silent when the world is trying to evolve away from this old style or way of thinking. I'm extremely disappointed at the lack of professionalism that was shown to me by the manager, a female of all people I would've thought would put an abrupt end to this. I do not know if I will ever return to this establishment. It's proven to be an extremely upsetting Monday and I'll try to be hopeful for the day I can say this world may have a brighter future. read more

Fast and organized. Def recommend for selling scrap. Came early in the morning, it's less crowded. I was in and out quick

Thanks to Caesar and Taylor for their intelligence and kindness! Someone had broken into the car and stole everything including my passports-- Taylor was kind enough to track me down. Caesar was intelligent in knowing that these must be important to me and turned them in...when I went to get them, they wet both warm and friendly! Thank you so much!!!!!!!! read more

Great place! Lots of bins to place all your bottles and cans. I like how fast they are with lots of staff. The staff is also super friendly and helpful. I have seen lots of recycling places come and go, so I hope this place stays. There is usually plenty of parking out front but the only downside is the busy street when pulling in & out. The other thing is the many homeless but I find them harmless and sometimes they help me find bins. read more

They are quick, friendly and pay decent prices for each recycling aluminum, plastic, copper etc etc

The everyone's review helped! This place has their process down. You'll be in and out fast as long as YOU have the cans and bottles separate ahead of time. The only downfall is the parking. read more

I went to bring the cans in for recycling. The whole process went very fast. The most important thing to remember is have the cans and recyclables ready to take out of the vehicle . They pay in cash and are helpful . Why not 5 stars ? The answer is trying to back out of 10th street. There are lots of people coming and going with their cans and cars. It is tough to see 10th st. Clearly backing out. Really once a year taking the cans in is plenty read more

Very fast service. The gentleman that assist me in the cans/plastics was fast and friendly. The lady that helped in the counter was also fast and friendly. Would totally recommend this place since Re-Plant Recycling has gone out of business read more

This place is sketch but the people are kind. Good place to recycle but watch for nails all over tye place. Make sure you empty any liqyuds in the bottles or they will know. There is a loud train that passes thru. Oh and it does take time to transfer reciept to cash. Maybr also bring id. Happy recycling read more

Literally waited 45 minutes in their long line and right when we were the 3rd car to get in they said they had to close because they were too full. They don't close until 5pm and this happened at 2:20pm... unbelievable. Poor customer service. They should've tracked this and had someone on a walkie by the line and someone on the inside to prevent this. Horrible business! read more

Great service , quick and very professional . I highly recommend them for recycling . They are a hidden gem . Staff are great and very polite !!! read more

Go on weekday morning to avoid long lines. Parking is limited so you may have to park further away. The service is quick though.

Efficient business. Only reason for 4 stars instead of 5, is that they made me take back a load of my cans because they apparently have 100 lb per day limit per customer. This requires wasting time doing a second trip, and is something that I don't see mentioned on their website. Other than this, very satisfied with their service. read more

Workers were really helpful that we were in and out probably 10 -15 mins. They work fast.

I've gone to this recycling center to return aluminum cans and plastic bottles for several times now and each experience has been excellent. The folks are friendly and helpful. I live in Evergreen and it is well worth my while to return my recyclables there, they are super fast and although the parking can be a challenge at times, going earlier in the day avoids the parking limitations. read more

We searched for a recycling center that was open on a Sunday, luckily San Jose Metals was. We had tons of metal and figured it would be a long wait. The staff was very helpful in getting us unloaded and we were done in no time. We plan on using San Jose Metals in the future and will definitely recommend them. Thank you Katie and Orlando!!! read more

They don't take liquor bottles although it says glass on their poster board. I could be mistaken. overall experience was good. fast and easy process. read more

I must say I had a pleasant experience recycling plastic bottles and aluminum cans for the 1st time in my life. Very helpful staff :)

The recycling center I usually go to closed recently so I decided to come here instead and I was very satisfied with the service that was provided! All the workers were extremely friendly and helpful the only thing would be to go early to find parking as it is quite busy. read more

Workers there were helpful, the guy who took my recyclables seemed honest and was friendly.