Today Metal Recycling Inc. at 25225 Old Hwy 58, Barstow, CA 92311

Been coming here for years, and the guys who work here are always decent—no nonsense, get the job done, and keep the place as tidy as you’d expect with all the junk and recyclables lying around. Location’s solid, never had to drive out of my way, and they’ve never given me a reason to look elsewhere. Good service, simple as that. ---

I stopped by last Thursday to drop off some recyclables and ended up tossing a few things in their trash can—mostly stuff that wasn’t even trash, just leftover scraps I didn’t want to haul back up after three trips. Fast forward to Saturday, and the manager came at me like I’d committed a crime, saying some other guy told me not to use their trash cans. I had no idea what he was talking about. I told him straight up, “This is the first I’m hearing of it,” and said I’d stop using the cans if that’s the rule. But that wasn’t enough for him. He started yelling, saying, “I don’t care what the other guy told you,” even though *no one* had said a word to me. I was just trying to follow the rules, but he acted like I’d done it on purpose. Then he refused to pay me for the fridge and recyclables I brought in, slammed the window in my face, and asked if I had a problem—like he was itching for a fight. How am I supposed to know rules that weren’t even told to me? And after years of bringing my stuff there without a single issue, this is how I get treated? Unbelievable. If you’ve got rules, just say them like a normal person instead of screaming and acting like a jerk. And refusing to pay me after throwing a tantrum? That’s just petty. ---

Paid $160 for a 6,200-pound machine—fine, whatever. Then the forklift guy asks if he can try flipping it off the trailer like it’s some kind of game. Before I can even answer, the excavator operator swings his machine toward it while it’s still strapped down with three bright yellow straps. I had to wave him off before he actually hit it. $160 for three tons of metal? Not worth the hassle. Won’t be back. ---

Look, these guys have always been solid with me. It’s recycling—you’re not gonna get rich off it unless you’re the one running the place. People need to chill. It’s not like they’re out here scamming anyone. Give ‘em a break, seriously. ---

This place is usually packed, so I showed up early on a Tuesday to beat the rush. They paid more for my bottles and cans than I expected—I wasn’t even hoping for that much. Every time I’ve been here, they’ve been straight with me. No surprises, no shortchanging. I’ll definitely be back, and if you’re collecting scrap, this is the spot to go.