L & S Recycling at 551 Factory St, Valparaiso, IN 46385

L & S Recycling at 551 Factory St, Valparaiso, IN 46385

L & S Recycling is a self-service auto salvage yard and scrap metal recycling center in Valparaiso. Located at 551 Factory Street, it offers used auto parts for DIY repairs and scrap metal recycling. Customers can browse the yard on their own to find parts like engines, transmissions, doors, and wheels. Staff are available to answer questions but don’t help with part removal. The yard also buys scrap metal, including aluminum, brass, and copper.

Hours are Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The yard is closed on Sundays.

Services & What to Expect

L & S Recycling serves two main groups: those looking for used auto parts and those recycling scrap metal. The yard operates on a self-service model, meaning customers walk the rows of vehicles to find parts themselves. Common items available include engines, transmissions, doors, tires, wheels, and interior components. Parts are checked before being listed, but buyers should always inspect them closely before buying.

For scrap metal recycling, the yard accepts aluminum, brass, copper, and other non-ferrous metals. Customers bring their materials to the yard, where staff weigh and process them. Payment is based on current market rates for each metal type. The yard’s scales are calibrated regularly, but some customers have reported disputes over weight deductions for moisture or contaminants.

The business also buys used auto parts from individuals. If you have a vehicle you no longer need, you can contact L & S Recycling to discuss selling it for scrap or parts. For a faster process, consider selling your junk car for cash through a service that handles towing and paperwork.

How Self-Service Salvage Works

• Bring tools: Customers should come prepared with basic tools like sockets, wrenches, and pry bars to remove parts from vehicles.
• Inspect parts: While parts are tested before listing, buyers are responsible for checking their condition before purchase.
• Payment: Parts are paid for at checkout, usually with cash or card (confirm accepted payment methods before visiting).
• No entry fee: Unlike some salvage yards, L & S Recycling doesn’t charge to browse the yard.

Scrap Metal Recycling Process

• Sort metals: Separate aluminum, brass, copper, and other metals before arriving for faster processing.
• Weigh-in: Staff will weigh your materials and may deduct for moisture or contaminants.
• Payment: Rates change with market prices, and the yard displays current buy-back rates on-site.

Customer Experiences

Reviews for L & S Recycling show a mix of positive and negative feedback. Some customers praise the staff for being helpful, especially for those with mobility issues. Alice Olson, a 5-star reviewer, said, “They always go out of their way to help me, which I really appreciate since I’m not as mobile as I used to be. No fuss, no attitude—just good service.”

Others mention issues with scales and deductions for moisture or contaminants. Rob V, a 1-star reviewer, wrote, “Their scales are inconsistent, and today was the last straw. They docked me 14 cents for ‘water in my cans’—it’s not worth the hassle.” Some customers have reported similar complaints about weight discrepancies, so it’s a good idea to confirm the scales are working properly before unloading materials.

A few reviews mention political signage inside the yard, which some customers found distracting. Randy Y gave the yard 1 star, stating, “Why does a junkyard need to push a political agenda? The giant poster in the window is out of place—just focus on selling scrap metal.”

Despite these concerns, many customers return because of the yard’s convenience and selection. Dave E, a 5-star reviewer, said, “I’ve switched to this place for my recycling, and I’m glad I did. The staff is friendly, professional, and actually seem happy to help.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours for L & S Recycling?

L & S Recycling is open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The yard is closed on Sundays. Some customers have reported early closings, so plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before 4:30 PM.

Does L & S Recycling buy junk cars?

Yes, L & S Recycling buys junk cars and scrap metal. If you have a vehicle you no longer need, you can contact them to discuss selling it for parts or recycling. For a faster, more convenient process, consider selling your junk car for cash through a service that handles towing and paperwork.

What kind of parts can I find at L & S Recycling?

The salvage yard offers a wide range of used auto parts, including:

• Engines and transmissions
• Doors, fenders, and body panels
• Tires and wheels
• Interior components (seats, dashboards)
• Electrical parts (batteries, alternators, starters)
• Suspension and drivetrain parts

How does self-service auto salvage work at L & S Recycling?

Customers browse the yard on their own to find parts. Bring tools to remove parts from vehicles, as staff don’t assist with disassembly. Once you’ve selected a part, take it to checkout to pay. Payment is usually by cash or card (confirm accepted methods before visiting). No membership or entry fee is required.

What metals does L & S Recycling recycle?

The yard accepts non-ferrous metals for recycling, including:

• Aluminum
• Brass
• Copper
• Other scrap metal (check with staff for accepted materials)

Are there any fees to enter the salvage yard?

No, L & S Recycling doesn’t charge an entry fee for browsing the salvage yard. Some other salvage yards may have a small fee, so it’s worth checking before visiting.