Alter Metal Recycling - Waterloo at 1500 W Airline Hwy
Alter Metal Recycling has been a scrap metal recycler and auto salvage yard at 1500 W Airline Hwy in Waterloo, Iowa, since 1964. The business handles both ferrous and non-ferrous metals like aluminum, copper, brass, stainless steel, and nickel alloys. Customers can browse a self-service salvage yard with thousands of vehicles in various states of disassembly to find used auto parts. The yard also recycles scrap metal and used parts, offering fair pricing and eco-friendly processing.
Services & What to Expect
Alter Metal Recycling offers two main services: scrap metal recycling and self-service auto salvage. The scrap metal side takes in ferrous and non-ferrous metals, including aluminum, copper, brass, stainless steel, and nickel alloys. Prices for scrap are based on current market rates.
Self-Service Auto Salvage
The salvage yard holds thousands of vehicles from different makes and models, many partially disassembled. Customers can search for used car parts on their own during business hours. Tools for part removal are usually available to rent on-site. You’ll need to locate the part yourself, remove it, and pay for it before leaving.
What to Bring
- A valid driver’s license or ID
- Cash or a debit/credit card (some purchases may require cash)
- Tools for part removal (if you don’t rent on-site)
- A vehicle to haul parts away (if needed)
What to Know Before Visiting
- The yard is self-service—you find and remove parts yourself.
- Parts are sold as-is with no guarantees or warranties.
- Some vehicles are partially disassembled, so check carefully.
- Staff can help with pricing or part identification but won’t remove parts for you.
Selling a Junk Car
If you have an old car to get rid of, Alter Metal Recycling may buy it for scrap. For the best deal, check our cash for junk cars page to compare offers from local buyers.
Location & Hours
Alter Metal Recycling is at 1500 W Airline Hwy in Waterloo, IA 50703. The yard is easy to reach from nearby roads. For real-time traffic updates, use Waze or Google Maps.
Business Hours
| Day | Hours |
| Monday | 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM |
| Thursday | 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours can change, so call ahead at (319) 236-9856 to confirm before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours for Alter Metal Recycling in Waterloo?
The yard is open Monday through Thursday from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM. It’s closed Fridays, weekends, and holidays. Call (319) 236-9856 to confirm hours before you go.
Does Alter Metal Recycling buy junk cars?
Alter Metal Recycling focuses on scrap metal and auto salvage. If you need to sell a junk car, check our cash for junk cars page to find buyers in your area with good offers.
What kind of parts can I find at Alter Metal Recycling?
The yard has a large selection of used car parts from thousands of vehicles, including engines, transmissions, doors, fenders, bumpers, and interior pieces. Parts are sold as-is with no warranties. Inventory changes often, so check in person for what’s available.
How does self-service auto salvage work at Alter Metal Recycling?
You browse the yard to find parts yourself. Tools for removal are usually available to rent on-site. Once you pick a part, staff will give you a price. You remove and take the part away—no returns or warranties are offered.
Do I need to bring my own tools?
The yard typically rents tools for part removal, but bringing your own (like sockets or wrenches) can save time and ensure you have the right equipment.
Is there a fee to enter the salvage yard?
There’s no entry fee, but you may pay a small fee if you rent tools. Part prices are set by staff based on condition and demand.
Recent Listings & Updates
Alter Metal Recycling appears on several junkyard and scrap metal directories. Recent listings include:
These listings confirm the yard is active. For the latest inventory, visit in person or check the directories above.