3211 S. Golden State Blvd
Fresno, CA 93725

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559-233-6543
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Mon - Fri 8:00am to 4:30pm
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Need to recycle your old gas-powered lawn equipment? Bruno’s makes it easy 🌿 Read More

How to Make Money Recycling in Fresno

Turn scrap metal, cans, and other recyclables into cash 💰

You might have more recyclable material worth money than you realize. From copper wire and aluminum cans to leftover metal from home projects, many everyday materials can be recycled for cash.

At Bruno’s Iron & Metal, we make it easy to understand what has value, how to prepare it and what to expect when you bring it to our Fresno recycling center.

What Can You Recycle for Money?

Not everything recyclable has the same value. The amount you’re paid depends on the type of material, weight, condition AND current commodity market.

Here are some common materials you can recycle for money:

Copper

Copper is commonly found in plumbing, electrical wire, tubing and building materials and is often one of the more valuable common scrap metals.
🛑 Mandatory 3-day payment hold for non-ferrous items per California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle).
Visit CalRecycle

Brass

Faucets, plumbing fixtures, valves and other household or commercial materials may contain recyclable brass.
🛑 Mandatory 3-day payment hold for non-ferrous items per California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle).
Visit CalRecycle

Aluminum

Aluminum can be found in everything from beverage cans and window frames to automotive parts and construction materials.
🛑 Mandatory 3-day payment hold for non-ferrous items per California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle).
Visit CalRecycle

Insulated Wire

Electrical wire and cable can have recycling value based on its copper or aluminum content and the type of insulation.
🛑 Mandatory 3-day payment hold for non-ferrous items per California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle).
Visit CalRecycle

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel appliances, sinks, equipment and other items may have recyclable scrap value. *Bruno's does not accept appliances*
🛑 Mandatory 3-day payment hold for non-ferrous items per California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle).
Visit CalRecycle

Steel & Iron

Individual pieces may be worth less per pound than many non-ferrous metals, but larger quantities can add up quickly.

CRV Aluminum (UBC)

Used beverage cans. 100 lb daily limit.
We accept all aluminum cans. 100 lb daily limit.

CRV Plastic (PET #1 & HDPE #2)

#1 Clear plastic drinking bottles. Think designer and soft drink bottles. #2 Stiff plastic used for grocery bags, milk/water jugs, detergents, and shampoo bottles. Must contain “CA Cash Refund“ or similar message. 100 lb daily limit.
We accept CRV plastic only. Must contain “CA Cash Refund“ or similar message/symbol. 100 lb daily limit.

CRV Glass

Must contain “CA Cash Refund“ or similar message/symbol. 1000 lb daily limit.
Must contain “CA Cash Refund“ or similar message/symbol. 1000 lb daily limit.

How to Get More Money for Your Recycling

A little preparation can make recycling easier and may help you get the best value from your material.

1. Know what you have

Different metals have different values. If you're unsure whether something is aluminum, steel, copper, brass or another material, our Accepted Materials Guide can help or call our main office at 559-233-6543.

2. Separate Different Materials

Keep different types of metals separate when practical rather than combining everything into one container.

3. Remove Unnecessary Contamination

Non-metal attachments, excessive debris and other contaminants may affect how material is classified or whether it can be accepted. Don't spend hours dismantling something for an extra 37 cents, though. Some items aren't worth extensively preparing.

4. Bring Larger Quantities

A few pounds of lower-value material may not produce much money. Saving recyclable material until you have a worthwhile load can make the trip more productive.

5. Check What's Acceptable Before You Load Up

Some materials have special requirements, and others cannot be accepted. Save yourself a disappointing drive with 400 pounds of something that cannot be processed. Always check with your recycling facility first.

Recycling for Money: How It Works at Bruno's

Never been to a recycling center before? We try to make the process simple!

Step 1: Bring Your Recyclables

Bring your eligible scrap metal or CRV beverage containers to our Fresno recycling center.

Step 3: Sort & Weigh

Your materials are identified and weighed using certified scales. All parties must exit the vehicle when material are being weighed.

Step 3: Your Material Is Valued

Payment is determined based on the material type, grade, weight and applicabale current pricing or CRV redemption rules.

Step 4: Get Paid

Once your transaction is complete, you’ll receive your payment and documentation as applicable. For non-ferrous items, there is a mandatory 3-day payment hold per CalRecycle. You can come back to the office to collect your payment after the hold or we can mail it to you.

FAQ

Scrap prices fluctuate based on commodity markets and material grade, so online prices aren’t always a reliable indication of what specific load is worth.

For questions about a particular material or larger quantity, contact Bruno’s before your visit.

Copper and other non-ferrous metals often have higher values per pound than common steel, although market prices fluctuate. Quantity also matters, so a large amount of a lower-value material can still be worthwhile.

Some appliances contain recyclable metals, but acceptance requirements vary by appliance, condition and facility. Bruno’s does not accept appliances, but if you need help finding a place to take it to, please let us know!

Separating different types of recyclable metal can make identification and processing easier. Some material grades also have preparation requirements.

Eligible beverage containers can be redeemed through California’s CRV program. Redemption requirements and limits are different from ordinary scrap-metal purchases.

Yes! Scrap metal values fluctuate with commodity markets. The value of your material also depends on its type, grade, condition and weight.

Bruno’s buys both scrap metal and eligible CRV beverage containers, but they’re valued differently.

Scrap Metal
Scrap metals such as copper, brass, aluminum and steel are generally purchased based on their weight, grade and current market value.

CRV Recycling
Eligible beverage containers are redeemed according to California’s CRV program and applicable redemption rules. This includes qualifying:

  • Aluminum beverage cans
  • Plastic beverage containers
  • Glass beverage containers

Bruno’s Iron & Metal buys eligible scrap metal and CRV beverage containers at our recycling center at 3211 S. Golden State Blvd in Fresno, California.

Ready to turn your recyclables into cash?

See what you have sitting around the garage, shop or jobsite and find out whether it’s recyclable.

We are closed for Labor Day, September 1, 2025.