I’d like to formally express my disappointment with the way I was treated by the facility manager, who identified himself only as Gaspar. While I fully understand and respect posted operating hours, I believe the situation was handled in an unnecessarily unprofessional manner.
I arrived shortly before closing time and was allowed entry into the facility. At no point was I informed that my transaction could not be completed due to the time. Instead, I was permitted to begin the process—only for the manager to abruptly refuse service partway through. If I had been told at the gate that I needed to return another day, I would have understood. However, being let in and then denied service without a clear reason felt arbitrary and dismissive.
This experience was especially frustrating given that it came from someone in a management role, who is expected to represent the company with professionalism and courtesy. I will be submitting a formal complaint to corporate, as I believe this type of customer service is unacceptable and not reflective of the standards your organization should uphold.
Update :
I’m extremely disappointed with how this situation has continued to unfold. This morning, I called the company to file a formal complaint regarding the unacceptable behavior I experienced from a staff member. Unfortunately, instead of being taken seriously, I was told by a woman—whose name I regretfully did not catch and who claimed to be his manager—that this individual is a “great guy” who has been with the company for years.
To make matters worse, I later received a threatening phone call demanding that I remove evidence related to the incident. This is completely unacceptable and deeply concerning. It’s disheartening to witness an institution I’ve trusted and supported for so long deteriorate due to poor leadership and apparent internal favoritism. I now question whether I was even speaking with a true manager or simply someone personally connected to the individual in question.
Given this experience, I no longer feel safe or comfortable using this facility, and I will not be returning. The fear of further harassment—or even potential retaliation or theft—by staff has completely eroded my trust in this location.
I sincerely hope the company takes a serious look at the behavior being tolerated and the damage it’s causing to customer relationships.
Reply to Sarah
For clarity, the call was not disconnected — I made the decision to end it due to the threatening and dismissive tone I was met with. It was clear that there was a strong bias in favor of the employee in question, whose conduct was not only unprofessional and rude but completely unacceptable for someone in any customer-facing or managerial role.
I reached out in good faith, expecting to be heard and treated with basic respect. Instead, I was met with defensiveness and what felt like an attempt to silence my concerns rather than address them. That kind of response not only undermines customer trust, but also reflects very poorly on the company’s commitment to accountability and respectful service.
Update : I had hoped this situation was over, but the favoritism shown to Gaspar — a thug masquerading as a manager — has allowed it to continue. Today, an old coworker went to sell scrap at this site and was harassed by Gaspar simply for driving my old van. It seems that anyone even loosely connected to me is now “not welcome” there.
This is exactly the kind of retaliation I feared, and the reason I stopped using this location. It’s pathetic that someone like Gaspar is allowed to abuse his position, intimidate customers, and act without consequence. Worse, his manager, Sarah, enables this behavior by keeping him in place despite the clear threat he poses.
Because of this, I now have to go far out of my way to sell my scrap, all while avoiding a location where I fear for my safety. The fact that Sarah continues to protect him speaks volumes about the culture she allows — one where customer safety means nothing compared to her favoritism toward a thug.
Don’t rent a roll off dumpster from them unless you want to get entirely ripped off 20k pounds of metal at 60 dollars a ton when the rate of steel is 5 cents a pound and a $250 dollar dumpster fee essential getting ripped off for $750 dollars using there service including the dumpster fee. Victor needs to learn to inform people instead of screwing them over.
aweful was quoted one price on phone .45 per lb
told .35 per lb by guy in yard
unloaded 1670 lbs and was givin .10 per lb straight rip off
they said there were too many bolts in the alum
i would have never unloaded if i was told .10 what a rip off
bunch of crooks
I had an amazing experience at this recycling center, thanks to a young man named Josue. He was incredibly knowledgeable and took the time to help me understand the different materials, making the process so much easier. I walked away not only with money but also with a lot more knowledge about recycling. It’s refreshing to see young people so dedicated to customer service. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking to recycle. I’m already looking forward to my next visit!
Not worth it to waste time, gas, and mileage to drive here to sell your old metal parts. I learned the hard way thinking they were going to pay at least $5 for my two front brake rotors but they only paid me $2. Next time I will throw them in the trash instead.
I helped a coworker from USGS who was moving out of state recycle some scrap Ethernet Cables, HDDs, and other scrap metals for cash. The employees were kind enough to help Tom Snoich and me unload his scrap cables, HDDs, Chevrolet hubcaps, etc. They all deserve a raise, and we were paid more than if we went to the West Ox Waste Facility.
The details on potomac metals if you care to be ripped off this is the place to go when confronted about the price of aluminum for one customer versus our aluminum we were told thats the price in the machine we were given 30 cents a pound and the prior customer 47 c ends a pound very belligerent personnel at this site dont go unless you like being ripped off
We visited Potomac Metals today and were impressed. We had an old pull up bar frame to get rid of. The trash company was telling us it would be $120 for them to haul it away. I found Potomac Metals and called them to see if they would take it. They said they would and to come on down. The whole process was a breeze. We pulled into the weigh scale to be weighed then were directed to the yard to dump the metal. Then we pulled back onto the scale again. I only had $2 worth of metal but it was better than being charged $120 by the trash company! They were even open on a holiday. I'm telling everyone about this hidden gem.
A disgruntled customer just pulled up and blocked the driveway for no reason. The staff immediately intervened and made all of us feel extremely protected and safe. Thank you for your well-trained and quick-thinking staff. 10-stars if I could!
I had two broken lawn mowers and a treadmill to get rid of. I drained the gas and oil from the lawn mowers, and was going to take them to the dump and pay to get rid of them. One of my friends suggested I just see if they would take them at Potomac Metals. I realize it's not much money, but instead of paying to take these things to the dump
, I got $17 and got rid of them. Great alternative!
Great place! Help save the planet and make a few $$ at the same time! Process is simple and there is usually no wait, at least for early birds like me.
These guys do a great job! They make recycling metal quick and easy! Separate your aluminum, brass and copper, electric motors, and brake rotors. The rest is usually All steel. They will weigh everything but the steel for you, and then direct you to the drive on scale. Weigh, unload your steel, weigh again, and collect your cash!
Staff is friendly enough but this place is a ripoff. Low-ball prices, 24cents for a pound of Aluminum! I was getting a $1.00 20 years ago per pound at other places. Don't waste your time.
I take my recycled cans, dog food containers, and cans the kids find cleaning up around the neighborhood. It’s not a lot we maybe get a $1 or $2 but the kids like the thought of making a difference and the gentlemen there are always nice and helpful even for the little bags we bring in. Thank you
Separate your metal before you go, they are very efficient. Pull into the building from the right and ask for help your first time. Great way to turn scrap into cash.
Place is a rip-off.....I called in and was quoted .55/lb for solid brass (had around 40 lbs of 30-year old solid brass hinges plus a bunch of doorknobs and locks). My wife naively took the stuff in (not having spoken to me about the price) and the guy weighed everything and took it away before even telling her the price. Then told her two bucks. She knew it was wrong; guy said something about different Potomac Metals having different prices (even though this is the one I called). Too late for her to say forget it, give me my stuff back, they had taken it away. Go to Prince William Metal recycling in Manassas. Way better prices anyway.
We have been cleaning out a parents house for the past couple years and I wish I'd thought of this place earlier. Copper, brass, steel, all kinds of stuff and instead of driving all the way to Loudoun County landfill and PAYING to unload, I get money for it! Whether a truckload full of refrigerators, steelcase desks, filing cabinets or a box of scrap, it's been wonderful.
I've been spreading the word!
Rode along with my husband a couple weeks ago to scrap some metal at your Sterling location. The gentleman that assisted us introduced himself as Michael. He was very friendly, professional, and helpful. We will continue to go see him as long as we have stuff for him! Kudos to him!!! Keep up the good work!!!!
Today was my first time using Potomac Metals and I was very impressed with the friendliness of the employees and the efficiency of dropping off my scrap wire. The employee walk me through each step of the process even walking me over to the ATM machine at the end to show me how to collect my money. Well differently go back again!
Phenomenal customer service! Everything from my call to them to pulling in on site was nothing short of exceptional customer service. Thank you for making our first trip there so smooth, you've gained us as new customers for life.
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