This rating is based on customer reviews, inventory size, pricing, and service quality
Chico Scrap Metal South in Durham, CA shows a mixed-but-positive trend: helpful, friendly staff and a fairly well‑organized yard make visits easy, with quick in/out and a decent mix of materials for projects. Several customers report finding what they need quickly. However, recurring complaints focus on low payout/pricing for recyclables, with aluminum values drawing the most frustration. Overall score: 74/100. Customer service is a strength, while pricing dampens satisfaction. The sample is limited, so sentiment may shift, but current takeaways favor convenience and service over returns.
What clients say about Chico Scrap Metal South in Durham (CA)
I would literally and, spend double the payout in gas money just to drive 50 miles out of my way to avoid this place. If you value your time, your sanity, or your money, stay far away.
This is the most disorganized, unprofessional, and dishonest business I have ever encountered. First off, the employees have no idea what’s going on. One staff member told me to unload on one side; I followed instructions, only to have another employee start screaming at me for being on the “wrong” side. They are hostile, they don't communicate, and they treat customers like an inconvenience.
But here is the real kicker: They will try to steal your load. I was crystal clear from the moment I arrived that we were there to weigh in for a payout. I even went out of my way to leave, go to the dump, and clear out all the garbage first just so I could give them an honest weight for the metal. When we went to the scale, the woman there had the audacity to say "have a nice day," acting like I was just giving them free metal.
When I called her out on it, she looked me in the eye and lied, claiming I "never told her" I wanted to weigh in. I told her multiple times, very clearly, exactly what we were doing. For her to act like we were "donating" it was a blatant attempt to pocket the cash and scam us.
Calling your customers liars to cover up your own shady business practices is a pathetic way to run a yard. I’m never coming back, and I’ll be sure to tell every scrapper I know to avoid this circus. They aren't just incompetent—they're thieves.
These folks were helpful, and organized. I easily found what I needed. If you're looking for scrap metal stay away from the chico yard and head on out to Durham!
This place is the biggest disrespectful rip off. My husband recycled a 110 lb. Aluminum boat careful to clean it up took off all metal /wood fixtures etc. The man tells him it's dirty cause of some factory paint on bottom, he received $11.00. Heck what they make their own prices for aluminum?
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