Never been here. But in early September 2024 the San Pablo PD and the CoCo County SD busted this place for having more than 700 suspected stolen catalytic converters, 1,100 pounds of suspected stolen copper wire, and more than $113,000 in U.S. cash. Three men (presumably the owners) were arrested (for felony grand theft of copper materials (PC 487j) and receiving stolen property (PC496). They are suspected of operating a "criminal enterprise of buying and selling stolenproperty, with more than $6.4 million in transactions" committed in the first eight months of 2024.
Be careful if you’re new. I think I got ripped off. had 2 1/2 big bags aluminum . They were crushed and 2 bags of plastic. I got $74. My sister said she had lesser than me she got $80. I was the only person there. When I went inside I saw the guy who was helping me getting money from the counter putting in his pocket. I think the girl and him are cheating the customer and splitting the money.
I recently visited this recycling center and had a really smooth experience. It can be a little tricky to find at first since you have to cross the tracks and drive all the way to the back, but once you pull in, there’s parking on the left. The setup is organized with plenty of carts available to load plastics, cans, and bottles. Be prepared to sort everything before you arrive—glass by color, plastics, and aluminum cans separately—and make sure to remove caps from plastic bottles. The staff here were very courteous and helpful, and the whole process was quick. I showed up around 8 AM, and that definitely made a difference—getting there early is the best way to avoid the longer lines this place can get later in the day. The workers kept things moving efficiently while still taking the time to explain the process for first-timers. Overall, it’s a solid recycling center that’s straightforward and fair. If you’re looking to turn in bottles and cans in Richmond, this spot is reliable. My advice: sort ahead, arrive early, and you’ll be in and out in no time.
The last time I brought my recyclables to this facility I feel as if I was ripped off I usually bring in the same amount every time and I know roughly the dollar amount I can expect, but the last time I got much less. I'm going to bring my recyclables elsewhere from now on.
Owner takes advantage of his kids only has daughter working moving everything and paying shes alone so line takes about a hour came on a Saturday same thing owner said come wensdaay there's no line
Well if you get here by 8:30am you're usually in & out fairly quickly. I recycle evey month so I can bring all my bottles, aluminum cans, and glass bottles to get a little extra on the side. Everything helps. There pricing for all your stuff is very fair and reasonable. The staff are helpful I've been coming here now for about 1.5 years. Used to go to Action Recycle, but once they stopped accepting plastic bottles, that turned me off and away way from that place. So this is my new recycle spot.
This place should get a 4 star but due to changes they def deserve a 5 star rating. Every time i go to this place they guys know me and that makes it comfortable for me just lile any other business that recognizes someone it makes you feel at home. They recently moved where you sorted the cans all the way to the warehouse in the back and it's much easier at least for me it is. If you have your cans sorted before you get to this place you don't even have to dump them in cans they just take your bags and weight them for you easy peasy. It saves me lot's of time and it just saves everyone time. Btw you can take aluminum cans plastic bottles they take the yokult bottles also and a bunch if other things. One downer is that they dont post the prices of everything you can recycle. I wish they would. Also the parking place is not the best it's horrible they need to fix it or do something.
Prices on the website are not accurate. Website states a $10 fee for non working freezers, but was told $60 when I arrived. Huge difference, and these prices should be updated.
Such nice staff. It was my first time recycling and I didn’t know that there were 7 different types of plastics! I felt so bad because it took them a while to sort through the few that were mixed, but they were so nice and respectful about it. Next time I know. MAKE SURE TO SEPARATE ALL different types of plastics, glass, and aluminum! or they won’t take your recycling. Make their job easier, it’s so tedious.
Can/plastic/glass recycling is not my favorite chore and I only do it once a year. I went there on 10/9 Friday, before 9 a.m. (as indicated the business starts at 9 a.m.), but a line was already formed (and people had more bags than mine). All customers wore masks and some even had gloves. Staffs were also professional, and signs (e.g. social distance, standing line) were present. I waited about one hour and got my $16.99 cash. If the place could be cleaner, it would have earned one more star.
It's nice place for recycle your plastic bottles and cans crvs and other metals they are serving with special schedules for the pandemic so be patient not all of those places are open.
The owner was very unprofessional I was waiting in line for a whole hour next and he got mad because I didn't see the sign but there was other people and where I was waiting at. And he told me to leave because I didn't see the sign I'll never be coming back to this place again
My favorite place to bring our recycling. They are very friendly and helpful especially la viejita. Does anyone know if their hours are different due to covid19?
Broke my back to get here at 4:12 and they were closed despite having hours posted stating they closed at 4:30. Please live up to your hours (or change them) to gain my trust and change my mind. Very upset at being fibbed to...
I read the other reviews which were good, but I got down there at 2:30pm Saturday and they were closed, the posted hours were to 3:00pm that day. They should change the hours of closing to when they stop accepting items right?? Nuff said common sence!!!
This place was referred to me by a good friend. We both do recycling and goes to this place to trade in our bottles and cans. The people here are very friendly.
After RePlanet closed at Safeway Pinole, there really aren't any convenient recycling centers servicing the Pinole/Richmond/El Cerrito neighborhoods. I'm so happy to discover American Iron & Metals or AIM!
So how this place works -you places cans in one or more trash bins (provided), bottles in another, load the bins on a hand cart (provided), and head on over to the scale! They even have a vehicle scale if you're hauling a truck load of scrap metal! You just drive your vehicle up on it, no need to unload it-amazing!!!
Also, they're conveniently open on Saturdays, they let you leave caps on the bottles, and they work very quickly -what more could you ask for? Well, me personally, I'd ask for a trash can. That's one thing this place is missing. They ask you to take your trash with you, bummer! And maybe some hand sanitizer, yeah, that would be great! But otherwise, this place is easily 5-stars! A lot of people are frustrated because they've been inconvenienced by this place, I know I have too, but it's not the company's fault business hours are listed incorrectly on Yelp, it's actually Yelp's fault! I have corrections currently pending, I hope it gets updated!
I've been collecting bottles and cans for buyback for years now. Once I discovered AIM, I swore I'd never go to another buyback center again. Fast and honest workers, and I know I'm getting fair prices for all my glass, plastic and aluminum. They even take metals like copper for great prices and the workers are very knowledgeable on what's what. I recently found out they take car batteries and appliances like refrigerators. Basically AIM is the only place I trust anymore. Too many bad experiences at their competitors. At AIM, I know I'm a valued customer and I feel welcome every time I stop by. Easily a 5 star buyback center.
While recycling centers are often "crooked" and dishonest in providing accurate weights and sound professionalism, AIM recycling maintains acceptable service, all while providing customers with concern and morality. Despite misnomers of inaccurate weights and corruption, the system in which AIM runs their buyback center is flowing and authentic. Regardless of the unsorted materials making their way to the front of the line causing the process to stall, the weight masters are quick and manage their jobs well. Just in case there are some doubts regarding accuracy, AIM furthermore allows customers to freely view their accessible scale and commuter system. So any confusion concerning deception can easily be addressed.
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