Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc at 515 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35204
Schnitzer Steel at 515 1st Ave N in Birmingham, AL is a self-service auto salvage yard and scrap metal recycling facility. The yard focuses on dismantling old vehicles for reusable parts and recycling scrap metal from cars and industrial sources. Customers can search the yard for used auto parts like engines, transmissions, and body panels, or visit the on-site parts store for pre-cleaned inventory.
The yard operates on a self-service basis, where customers find and remove parts themselves. Staff are available to help with part identification or tool rentals. Schnitzer Steel also handles vehicle recycling and scrap metal sales to both businesses and individuals. The facility serves as a parts source for mechanics and a disposal option for junk cars in the Birmingham area.
Services & What to Expect
This Schnitzer Steel location offers several services for customers looking for auto parts or scrap metal.
Self-Service Auto Salvage
The yard runs on a self-service model. Customers can enter during operating hours to find and remove parts from dismantled vehicles. Common items available include:
- Engines and transmissions (domestic and foreign)
- Body panels (doors, hoods, fenders, quarter panels)
- Suspension parts (control arms, struts, shocks)
- Braking components (calipers, rotors, brake pads)
- Electrical parts (starters, alternators, wiring harnesses)
- Interior pieces (seats, dashboards, trim)
Bring your own tools, as customers are expected to locate and remove parts on their own. Staff can assist with part identification or tool rentals for an extra fee. A parts catalog is available on-site for reference.
On-Site Parts Store
Alongside the salvage yard, Schnitzer Steel has a parts store with pre-cleaned, pre-cataloged inventory. The store carries:
- Common wear parts (brakes, filters, belts)
- Electrical components (headlights, taillights, sensors)
- Interior accessories (mirrors, handles, switches)
- Aftermarket and OEM parts for popular vehicle models
The parts store has standard retail hours, which may differ from the salvage yard.
Scrap Metal Recycling
The facility accepts scrap metal from individuals and businesses for recycling. Common materials include:
- Steel and iron (vehicle shells, appliances, construction scrap)
- Non-ferrous metals (copper, aluminum, brass)
- Catalytic converters (proper documentation required)
- Industrial scrap (machinery parts, piping, structural beams)
Pricing for scrap metal changes with market rates. Call ahead for current buy-back prices.
Vehicle Disposal
Schnitzer Steel takes in junk vehicles for recycling. Customers can bring in non-running or totaled cars for dismantling. The process includes:
- Vehicle inspection and paperwork
- Draining fluids (oil, coolant, fuel)
- Dismantling for reusable parts
- Processing scrap metal
Before dropping off a vehicle, remove personal items and license plates. Cash payments are offered based on the vehicle’s weight and metal content.
What to Bring
When visiting, customers should have:
- Valid photo ID (required for entry)
- Payment method (cash, debit/credit for parts)
- Vehicle details (VIN or license plate for part matching)
- Tools for part removal (if using self-service)
- Transport for parts (truck, trailer, or vehicle with space)
The yard rents basic tools, but customers may want to bring their own for specific needs.
Location & Hours
Schnitzer Steel Industries is at 515 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35204 . The facility is in an industrial area near downtown Birmingham, with easy access from I-65 and I-20/59. On-site parking is available for customers.
Operating Hours
| Day | Open | Close |
| Monday | 7:30 AM | 3:45 PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30 AM | 3:45 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30 AM | 3:45 PM |
| Thursday | 7:30 AM | 3:45 PM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM | 3:45 PM |
| Saturday | 12:00 AM | 11:45 AM |
| Sunday | Closed | Closed |
Note: The salvage yard and parts store may have different hours. Check with the business directly, as hours can change.
Directions
The facility is about 2 miles north of downtown Birmingham. Nearby landmarks include:
- Birmingham-Jefferson County Civic Center (0.5 miles south)
- Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (5 miles east)
- University of Alabama at Birmingham (3 miles west)
For GPS, use the address 515 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35204 . The entrance is marked with Schnitzer Steel signage.
Contact Information
Phone: (205) 324-2482
Website: Schnitzer Steel Industries
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours for Schnitzer Steel Industries in Birmingham?
The salvage yard and scrap metal facility is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 3:45 PM. On Saturdays, hours are from 12:00 AM to 11:45 AM. The business is closed on Sundays. For the most current hours, especially for the parts store, call (205) 324-2482.
Does Schnitzer Steel buy junk cars in Birmingham?
Yes, Schnitzer Steel takes in junk vehicles for recycling. They offer cash payments based on the vehicle’s weight and metal content. Remove personal items and license plates before bringing in a car. Call (205) 324-2482 for current buy-back rates.
What kind of parts can I find at Schnitzer Steel's salvage yard?
The self-service salvage yard has a wide range of automotive parts, including engines, transmissions, body panels, suspension components, braking systems, electrical parts, and interior accessories. The on-site parts store also stocks common wear items like brakes, filters, and lights. Popular vehicle models usually have the most available parts.
How does self-service auto salvage work at Schnitzer Steel?
Customers enter the yard during operating hours and find parts themselves from dismantled vehicles. Staff can help with part identification or tool rentals. Bring your own tools unless you rent from the yard. After selecting parts, pay at the front office. The facility has a parts catalog for reference, and some common parts are pre-cleaned and ready for installation.
Are there any restrictions on what I can remove from vehicles at the salvage yard?
Schnitzer Steel has standard restrictions for safety and compliance. Customers cannot remove:
- Airbags or related components
- Fuel tanks or parts with residual fuel
- Batteries (must be removed by staff)
- Parts from vehicles with open recalls or safety issues
- Catalytic converters (require proper documentation)
Staff will check your selections before checkout to ensure compliance.
Does Schnitzer Steel offer any warranties on parts purchased from the salvage yard?
Schnitzer Steel does not offer warranties on parts bought from the self-service salvage yard. Parts from the on-site parts store may have limited warranties, depending on the item and supplier. Customers should inspect parts carefully before buying and test them when possible. The business operates on an "as-is" basis for salvage yard items.
Recent News & Updates
Schnitzer Steel Industries has stayed a key player in scrap metal and auto recycling. Recent changes include:
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New partnerships with local auto repair shops and dealerships to improve parts availability. This helps keep a steady supply of common vehicle models in the salvage yard.
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Updated safety rules in the salvage yard, including better signage and tool areas to prevent accidents during self-service operations.
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More focus on non-ferrous metal recycling, like copper and aluminum, to meet demand from manufacturers. This has led to better buy-back rates for these materials.
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Participation in local environmental programs, including proper disposal of automotive fluids and compliance with Alabama scrap metal rules. The facility has been recognized for its responsible recycling practices.
For the latest on services, hours, or special programs, check the Schnitzer Steel website or call (205) 324-2482.
