Harris Metals & Recycling at 1213 N 11th St, Mattoon, IL
Harris Metals & Recycling is a self-service auto salvage yard and scrap metal recycling center at 1213 N 11th Street in Mattoon. The business handles two main services: customers can remove their own auto parts from a selection of used vehicles, or they can sell scrap metal like old cars, appliances, and other metal materials. Unlike some larger yards, Harris Metals keeps both operations under one roof, making it a go-to spot for local car owners, mechanics, and scrap dealers.
Services & What to Expect
Harris Metals offers two main services: self-service auto parts and scrap metal recycling. The yard has a stock of used parts from vehicles like Ford, Toyota, and Honda. Customers find and remove parts themselves, though staff can point you in the right direction or rent you tools if needed. This self-service setup helps keep prices lower than full-service yards.
For scrap metal, the yard takes old car bodies, engines, appliances, and other metal items. They follow Illinois rules for vehicle disposal and recycling, so materials are handled properly. The yard is open to the public for both services, though hours vary by day.
What to Bring
- Tools for removing parts (or rent them on-site)
- A truck or trailer to haul parts or scrap
- Cash (preferred) or a card for purchases
- ID if selling scrap (some transactions need it)
How Self-Service Works
During open hours, customers enter the yard and browse the parts inventory. Staff can help locate specific parts if asked, but you handle the removal yourself. Tools like wrenches, sockets, and pry bars are available to rent. Once you’ve got your parts, you pay at the office before leaving. For scrap, unload your metal onto the scale, and staff weigh and pay you based on the material.
What to Know Before Visiting
Hours: The yard runs on a split schedule—morning and afternoon sessions. Saturdays have extended morning hours, but weekdays close by 4:30 PM. Full hours are below .
Payment: Cash is the usual way to pay for parts or scrap. Some transactions might take a debit card, but it’s best to call ahead to check.
Inventory: Parts come and go, so call ahead if you’re looking for something specific. The yard doesn’t list parts online.
Selling a Junk Car: Harris Metals buys old cars for scrap. If you’d rather skip the trip, check out local cash-for-cars services that handle pickup and paperwork for you.
Location & Hours
Harris Metals & Recycling is at 1213 N 11th Street, Mattoon, IL 61938. It’s easy to reach from US-45 and nearby roads. For real-time traffic updates, check Waze for directions.
Business Hours
| Day | Morning Hours | Afternoon Hours |
| Monday | 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM | 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM | 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM | 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM | 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM | 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed | Closed |
Some customers have found the yard closed or empty during listed hours, especially on weekends. Call ahead to confirm they’re open, particularly if dropping off scrap.
Customer Experiences
Harris Metals & Recycling has gotten mixed reviews from customers. Some praise the straightforward service and helpful staff. Becky Lemaster Weller gave it 5 stars, saying, “Quick and easy. The guys there knew their stuff and didn’t waste my time.” Bill Foran agreed, calling it “no-hassle, no-attitude service—just what you need for parts or scrap.”
Others have run into issues with inconsistent hours, particularly on Saturdays. Samantha Howell left a 1-star review after arriving at 11:45 AM on a Saturday to find the yard locked with no staff, even though it was supposed to close at 12:00 PM. Joe Gingerich had the same problem: “The website said they were open, but when I showed up with a truckload of metal, the place was dead. No sign, no answer—just a wasted trip.” These reviews suggest calling ahead on weekends is a good idea.
A few customers have also noted lower-than-expected payments for scrap. Noah Pals got $54 for 183 pounds of copper wire, which worked out to about 30 cents per pound. Scrap prices change with the market, so it’s worth checking rates at other yards if you’re looking for the best deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours for Harris Metals & Recycling?
The yard operates on a split schedule:
- Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (closed after noon)
- Sunday: Closed
Some customers have found the yard closed or unattended during listed hours, so calling ahead is a good idea.
Does Harris Metals & Recycling buy junk cars?
Yes, they take junk cars for scrap. If you’d rather not deal with the trip, local cash-for-cars services can pick up your vehicle and handle the paperwork.
What kind of parts can I find at Harris Metals & Recycling?
The yard carries used parts from vehicles like Ford, Toyota, and Honda. You’ll find engines, transmissions, body panels, and other common components. Inventory changes often, so call ahead if you’re looking for something specific. They don’t list parts online.
How does self-service auto salvage work at Harris Metals & Recycling?
During open hours, customers browse the parts inventory. Staff can help locate parts or rent you tools, but you remove parts yourself. Once you’ve got what you need, pay at the office before leaving. Tools like wrenches and sockets are available to rent on-site.
What should I bring when visiting Harris Metals & Recycling?
Bring:
- Tools for part removal (or rent them there)
- A truck or trailer to haul parts or scrap
- Cash (preferred) or a card for purchases
- ID if selling scrap (some transactions need it)
Are there any restrictions on selling scrap metal at Harris Metals & Recycling?
The yard takes old car bodies, engines, appliances, and other metal items. Some customers have reported lower payments for scrap, especially copper wire, so compare rates at other yards if you’re looking for the best deal. Always confirm payment rates before dropping off scrap.