Guide Metal Recycling Inc. at 18710 US-301 N, Starke, FL 32091
Guide Metal Recycling Inc. is a self-service auto salvage yard and scrap metal recycling center at 18710 US-301 N in Starke, Florida. The business has been operating for over 35 years, serving Starke and nearby areas in Bradford and Clay counties. It runs on a simple self-service model where customers find and remove their own auto parts from dismantled vehicles. The yard also handles scrap metal recycling for individuals and businesses, with pickup services available. Unlike some salvage yards, Guide Metal doesn’t charge for part removal—customers do the work themselves. The business also offers custom metal fabrication for local customers.
Services & What to Expect
Guide Metal Recycling is a self-service salvage yard, meaning customers handle part removal themselves. The yard stocks used auto parts from dismantled vehicles, including engines, transmissions, radiators, alternators, lights, body panels, and interior components. Parts are organized by vehicle type when possible, but inventory availability isn’t guaranteed.
Self-Service Salvage Process
Customers browse and remove parts during business hours. The process is straightforward:
- Find the part you need in the yard
- Remove it yourself (basic tools may be available for use or purchase)
- Pay for the part at the front office
Staff won’t remove parts for you but can point you to the right location or confirm compatibility. The yard doesn’t clean or test parts before sale.
Scrap Metal Recycling
Guide Metal Recycling accepts scrap metal from:
- Old appliances
- Construction debris
- Farm equipment
- Industrial scrap
- Household metal items
The business offers on-site drop-off and pickup for larger quantities. Pricing is based on metal type and weight—no upfront quotes are given. Payment is made after weighing.
Custom Metal Fabrication
Guide Metal provides basic custom metal fabrication for local customers, including:
- Welding and cutting
- Structural modifications
- Custom work for agricultural or industrial equipment
Fabrication is done on-site and requires advance coordination with staff.
What to Bring
For part removal:
- Basic hand tools (ask about yard tools if you don’t have your own)
- A vehicle to transport parts (a trailer helps for larger items)
- Cash or card for payment (some parts may require a deposit)
- Part numbers or vehicle details for compatibility checks
For scrap metal drop-off:
- A valid ID (required for payment)
- Separated metals (if possible) for faster processing
Customer Experience
Reviews show the staff keeps things simple and helpful. Customers appreciate:
- No unnecessary delays or hassle
- Straightforward guidance without attitude
- Fair pricing on parts and scrap
- No pressure to buy extra items
Some customers note the yard can get busy, so arriving early is best. The self-service model means you’ll need to be prepared to handle part removal on your own.
Location & Hours
Guide Metal Recycling Inc. is at 18710 US-301 N in Starke, Florida (32091). The yard is easy to reach from Highway 301, with plenty of parking for vehicles and trailers. GPS coordinates are about 29.9512° N, 82.1021° W.
Business Hours
| Day | Hours |
| Monday | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The yard closes for lunch from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM daily, though this can change. Call ahead at (904) 964-6243 if you need parts during this time.
Directions
From Starke:
- Take US-301 N toward Palatka
- Turn right at 18710 US-301 N (signs are visible from the highway)
- Park in the customer area near the front office
From Palatka:
- Take US-301 S toward Starke
- Watch for the Guide Metal Recycling sign on your right
- Turn in at the next entrance (18710 US-301 N)
The yard has one entrance/exit, so traffic flows steadily during business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours for Guide Metal Recycling?
Guide Metal Recycling is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The yard is closed on weekends and major holidays. Hours can change due to weather or inventory, so call (904) 964-6243 to confirm before visiting.
Does Guide Metal Recycling buy junk cars?
Guide Metal Recycling doesn’t publicly buy junk cars, but they do accept vehicles for scrap metal recycling. For cash offers on junk cars, contact local cash-for-junk-cars services that specialize in vehicle purchases.
What kind of parts can I find at Guide Metal Recycling?
The yard carries used auto parts from dismantled vehicles, such as:
- Engines and transmissions
- Radiators and cooling system parts
- Alternators, starters, and electrical components
- Body panels and bumpers
- Suspension and drivetrain parts
- Interior parts (seats, dashboards, door panels)
- Lighting and wiring
Inventory changes daily as vehicles are dismantled. The yard doesn’t specialize in rare or high-end parts.
How does self-service auto salvage work at Guide Metal Recycling?
The self-service process is simple:
- Arrive during business hours and check in at the front office
- Browse the yard to find your part
- Remove the part yourself (tools may be available)
- Bring the part to the front office for payment
- Pay and leave with your part
Staff can help locate parts but won’t remove them for you. You’ll need to handle the physical work yourself.
Can I get a quote for my scrap metal before dropping it off?
Guide Metal Recycling doesn’t provide upfront quotes for scrap metal. Pricing depends on:
- Metal type (copper, aluminum, steel, etc.)
- Current market rates
- Weight of the material
You’ll receive payment after your metal is weighed on-site. For an estimate, call ahead with details, but final pricing is set during drop-off.
Are there any restrictions on what I can bring to the yard?
Yes, the yard has a few rules:
- No hazardous materials (oil, tires, batteries) unless pre-approved
- No stolen property (basic checks are done)
- No commercial waste without prior arrangement
- No large items requiring heavy machinery
- No pets in the yard area
Violations may result in refusal of service. When in doubt, call ahead to confirm.
Customer Reviews & Experience
Guide Metal Recycling holds a 4.6/5 star rating from 65 Google reviews, with consistent praise for staff professionalism and straightforward service. Customers frequently mention:
Positive Experiences
- Helpful staff: Many reviews note the staff’s willingness to assist without attitude. Freddie Rhoden said, "They don’t act like they’re doing you a favor—just straight-up help." Karen Bowen added, "No drama, no runaround—just good service."
- Fair pricing: Customers often mention prices being reasonable for both parts and scrap. Vanessa Renfroe commented, "Prices aren’t cheap, but they aren’t outrageous either."
- Efficient self-service: Joy Harrell observed, "It’s not a five-star hotel—you’ve gotta dig around a little—but if you can handle that, you’re good."
- No pressure sales: Several reviews highlight the lack of upselling, which customers appreciate.
Common Challenges
- Busy periods: Some customers report waiting times during peak hours. Arriving early helps avoid delays.
- Part availability: Like any salvage yard, inventory varies daily. What you need may not be in stock.
- Physical demands: The self-service model requires customers to handle part removal, which can be tough for larger or heavy components.
- Occasional issues: One 2-star review mentioned long waits and what they saw as dishonest weighing. This seems to be an exception in an otherwise positive set of reviews.
Recent reviews continue this pattern of satisfied customers who value the no-nonsense approach and helpful staff. For the latest feedback, check the Guide Metal Recycling Google page .
Recent News & Updates
Guide Metal Recycling has kept its operations steady with no major changes in recent years. The business continues serving Starke and nearby areas with its self-service salvage and scrap metal recycling. For the latest information, check:
The yard hasn’t announced any major expansions or service changes, so it remains focused on its established self-service model.
