Desert Metals Recycling Inc at 3119 E Pennsylvania St, Tucson, AZ 85714
Desert Metals Recycling Inc is a Tucson scrap metal recycler and auto salvage yard at 3119 E Pennsylvania St. They buy and process scrap metal—both ferrous and non-ferrous—and dismantle vehicles for parts. Unlike some yards that focus only on metal, they also run a self-service salvage area where customers can remove parts from junked cars.
The business serves residential and commercial clients, taking everything from single car loads to bulk scrap shipments. While they don’t advertise cash-for-cars, they do process vehicles for recycling and may pay for scrap value.
The yard holds a license as a scrap metal dealer in Arizona, with operations including metal sorting, vehicle dismantling, and on-site crushing. They’re listed in scrap directories like recycletucson.com and industry sites such as RecyclingMonster . State recycling reports also reference their compliance with Arizona’s scrap metal rules.
Services & What to Expect
Desert Metals offers two main services: scrap metal recycling and self-service auto salvage. For scrap, they take ferrous metals (steel, iron) and non-ferrous (copper, aluminum, brass) in bulk or small loads. On-site weighing and pricing are standard, with payment at drop-off. They also process vehicles—dismantling, crushing, and extracting metal.
Self-Service Auto Salvage
The yard’s salvage area lets customers pull parts from junked vehicles. It’s a standard "u-pull-it" setup: bring your tools or rent theirs, pay by the part or by the pound. Prices aren’t listed online, so call ahead at (520) 741-0608 to confirm fees. Staff can help locate parts, and tools are available for rent.
What to Bring
- Valid ID (required for all transactions)
- Payment method (cash, check, or card—confirm with staff)
- Tools (if pulling parts yourself) or rental fee for on-site tools
- Vehicle title (if selling a car for scrap)
- Gloves and safety gear (recommended for salvage work)
What They Accept
| Category | Examples |
| Scrap Metal | Steel beams, aluminum siding, copper wire, car rims, brass fixtures |
| Vehicles for Recycling | Cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles (non-running or totaled) |
| Auto Parts (Salvage) | Engines, transmissions, doors, bumpers, catalytic converters (if allowed) |
| Appliances & Electronics | Washing machines, refrigerators, AC units (metal parts only) |
Note: Some items may not be accepted (e.g., tires, batteries, hazardous waste). Always call to confirm before visiting.
How It Works
- Scrap Metal: Arrive during business hours, unload at the scale, and get a quote. Payment is made after weighing.
- Vehicle Drop-Off: Bring the title (if you have it) and registration. The yard processes the vehicle for scrap and pays based on weight and metal type.
- Self-Salvage: Pay the entry fee (if any), pick a vehicle, and remove parts. Weigh the car before and after to set the fee. Tools can be rented on-site.
Location & Hours
Desert Metals Recycling Inc is at 3119 E Pennsylvania St, Tucson, AZ 85714 , in an industrial area east of downtown near Silverbell Rd. Parking is available for customers.
Business Hours
| Day | Open | Close |
| Monday | 7:30 AM | 4:15 PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30 AM | 4:15 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30 AM | 4:15 PM |
| Thursday | 7:30 AM | 4:15 PM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM | 4:15 PM |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM | 12:45 PM |
| Sunday | Closed | Closed |
Phone: (520) 741-0608 (call ahead for large loads or salvage questions)
Website: recycletucson.com (limited details; confirm services by phone)
Directions
From I-10: Take Exit 275 for Silverbell Rd, then turn left onto E Pennsylvania St. The yard is 0.3 miles east on the right.
From Tucson Airport: Head south on S Kolb Rd, turn right onto E Broadway Blvd, then left onto N Silverbell Rd. Turn right onto E Pennsylvania St after 0.5 miles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours for Desert Metals Recycling Inc?
The yard is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:15 PM and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12:45 PM. It’s closed Sundays. Hours can change, so call (520) 741-0608 to confirm before visiting.
Does Desert Metals buy junk cars?
Yes, they process vehicles for scrap metal. They take non-running or totaled cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Payment depends on the vehicle’s weight and metal content. For selling a car, bring the title (if you have it) and registration. Call ahead to check current pricing.
What parts are available at the salvage yard?
The salvage area has parts from junked vehicles, including engines, transmissions, doors, bumpers, and catalytic converters (if allowed). Inventory changes daily, so call (520) 741-0608 to ask about specific parts before visiting. Tools for removal are available to rent.
How does self-service salvage work?
To pull parts, arrive during business hours and pay any entry fee. Pick a vehicle, remove the parts you need, and weigh the car before and after to determine the cost. Tools can be rented on-site, and staff may help locate parts. Payment is due at checkout. Bring your own gloves and safety gear.
Do I need an appointment to sell scrap or a vehicle?
Appointments aren’t required, but calling ahead at (520) 741-0608 is a good idea—especially for large loads. This helps the yard prepare and gives you accurate pricing. Walk-ins are fine for smaller scrap or part-pulling visits.
Are there restrictions on what I can sell or salvage?
Yes. The yard doesn’t accept tires, batteries, or hazardous materials (like fluids or airbags). Some states also restrict catalytic converters due to theft laws. Arizona requires ID for all transactions, and a title may be needed for vehicle sales. Always call to confirm restrictions before arriving.
