Scrap Metal Recycling FAQs

Petersen Iron & Metal accepts listed steel, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, copper, brass, wire, radiators and other metals. Review our Acceptable Materials page for the full list and exclusions, or call 319-351-1331 about a specific item.

No appointment is needed for accepted materials at Petersen Iron & Metal. Visit during our posted weekday hours. For unusual items or a large load, call ahead so we can discuss the details.

Petersen Iron & Metal is located at 420 1st Street, Coralville, IA 52241. Our yard serves customers from Coralville, Iowa City, North Liberty, Tiffin and surrounding communities.

Petersen Iron & Metal is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on weekends. Call 319-351-1331 to confirm holiday hours before making a trip.

Call Petersen Iron & Metal at 319-351-1331 and describe the type and amount of metal you have. Pricing can change, so contact our team for current information rather than relying on an older online price.

Petersen Iron & Metal works with individual consumers and large commercial clients. Our services include accepted scrap metal recycling and container service for projects with a sizable amount of metal.

From our Coralville location, Petersen Iron & Metal serves Iowa City, North Liberty, Tiffin and other surrounding communities in the greater Iowa City and Johnson County area. Contact us to discuss container service at your project location.

Petersen Iron & Metal offers semi trailers, lugger containers and roll-off containers for sizable scrap metal projects. Call 319-351-1331 to discuss your material, location and container needs.

Petersen Iron & Metal does not purchase or recycle whole automobiles or appliances. Some listed metal components are accepted separately; check the Acceptable Materials page before bringing items to the yard.

Cans are on the list of products Petersen Iron & Metal does not purchase or recycle. Other listed aluminum materials, including siding, gutters, sheet and wheels, are accepted.

In addition to cans, appliances and whole automobiles, Petersen Iron & Metal does not accept gas tanks, ballasts, glass, televisions, computer monitors, tires, wood or products containing PCBs.

Keeping different recognizable metal types separate can make it easier to discuss your load. Call Petersen Iron & Metal for guidance specific to your material, especially if parts are attached or the load includes mixed products.

Petersen Iron & Metal has partnered with the City of Coralville’s Holiday Light Recycling Program. Call 319-351-1331 to confirm the current seasonal program and participating drop-off locations.

Petersen Iron & Metal has served the greater Iowa City area for over 40 years. Owner Mark Petersen began with one truck and a maul, growing the company into a full-scale scrap iron and metal recycling business.

Call 319-351-1331 during business hours or use the contact form on our Contact page. Tell Petersen Iron & Metal what material you have and whether you need yard recycling or a container for your project.

Compare each item with the accepted and excluded lists, rather than assuming everything metal can be recycled here. Call Petersen Iron & Metal at 319-351-1331 about any items you cannot identify before loading your vehicle.

Stainless steel is listed as an accepted material at Petersen Iron & Metal. Call with details about attached materials or unusual stainless items so our team can discuss your load.

Yes. Whole automobiles, appliances, gas tanks and ballasts are among the items excluded by Petersen Iron & Metal, even though they may contain metal. Use the published product list to plan your visit.

Our Acceptable Materials page lists aluminum, steel and iron, stainless steel, brass and bronze, copper, radiators, wire and other accepted metals, followed by items Petersen Iron & Metal does not purchase or recycle.

Call Petersen Iron & Metal at 319-351-1331 and describe the item, its condition and any attached materials. Our team can confirm whether it is suitable before you bring it to Coralville.

Ferrous scrap contains iron; common examples include steel and cast iron. Nonferrous categories include copper, aluminum and brass. Petersen Iron & Metal accepts listed materials in both groups.

Rebar and fencing are included on the steel and iron list at Petersen Iron & Metal. Call about attached concrete, wood or other materials before bringing a mixed item to our Coralville yard.

Petersen Iron & Metal lists #1 and #2 cast among accepted steel and iron materials. If you are unsure how your cast iron will be classified, call 319-351-1331 with a description.

Unprepared steel is listed among our accepted materials. Contact Petersen Iron & Metal before transporting large pieces to discuss the size, condition and any handling considerations.

Petersen Iron & Metal offers container service for sizable scrap projects. Tell our team about the steel, project location and expected volume so we can discuss an appropriate container.

Aluminum siding and gutters are listed as accepted materials at Petersen Iron & Metal. Ask about attached nonmetal materials or mixed debris before bringing your load.

Wheels and cast aluminum are on the accepted list at Petersen Iron & Metal. Call 319-351-1331 about your items and any attached materials; tires themselves are not accepted.

Aluminum scrap comes in different forms, including extrusions, sheet, plate and cast material. Petersen Iron & Metal can discuss your specific load and current pricing when you call.

Petersen Iron & Metal lists old sheet aluminum, plate aluminum, litho and diamond plate, among other aluminum products. View the full materials list and call if you are unsure which category fits.

Fire extinguishers appear on the aluminum list, but call Petersen Iron & Metal first to confirm condition and preparation requirements. Do not assume a pressurized or unidentified item is ready to bring in.

Petersen Iron & Metal lists bare bright, #1 and #2 copper, and sheet copper. Our team can discuss your material and current pricing at 319-351-1331.

Brass faucets, pipes and valves are included on the Petersen Iron & Metal accepted list. Call about mixed assemblies or attached materials before your visit.

Bronze is included in the brass category on the Petersen Iron & Metal materials list, along with red brass and yellow brass. Contact our Coralville team about your particular items.

Keep easily identifiable materials separate when practical and call Petersen Iron & Metal about anything you cannot identify. We can discuss your load before you travel to our yard at 420 1st Street.

Sheet copper is on our accepted list. Call Petersen Iron & Metal with details about the amount, condition and any attached materials to discuss your recycling needs.

Petersen Iron & Metal lists #1 and #2 insulated copper wire as acceptable. Call to discuss the wire you have before spending time removing insulation.

Romex and communication wire are both listed among accepted wire materials at Petersen Iron & Metal. Contact us about any mixed or unfamiliar cable.

The Petersen Iron & Metal aluminum list includes bare EC wire, ACSR wire and insulated aluminum wire. Ask our team about your material if you are unsure of its type.

Call Petersen Iron & Metal at 319-351-1331 with a description of the wire and any markings you can read safely. Our team can discuss whether it matches an accepted category.

Petersen Iron & Metal serves both individual and commercial customers. Call with the wire type and approximate quantity to discuss recycling and whether container service fits your project.

Petersen Iron & Metal offers semi trailers, lugger containers and roll-off containers. We work with customers to determine the container type and size that fits their project.

Petersen Iron & Metal serves a broad range of industries, including agriculture, manufacturing and auto repair. Container service is intended for projects with a sizable amount of scrap metal.

Call with a description of the metal, approximate volume and project location. Petersen Iron & Metal will work with you to determine the most effective container type and size for the job.

Call 319-351-1331 to discuss the project and schedule delivery. Ask Petersen Iron & Metal about availability, placement, collection arrangements and any charges before confirming your container.

Contact Petersen Iron & Metal about permitted materials before loading a container. Our service is for scrap metal; wood, tires, glass and other excluded products do not belong in your metal load.

Petersen Iron & Metal lists automobile, copper/brass, aluminum and copper/aluminum radiators as accepted. Call before bringing a radiator if you are unsure about its condition or preparation.

Electric motors are listed among other accepted materials at Petersen Iron & Metal. Call 319-351-1331 about your motor and any attached equipment before transporting it.

The current Petersen Iron & Metal list names batteries without specifying every type. Call to confirm your exact battery chemistry and condition before bringing any batteries to the yard.

A/C coils are on our accepted list, but call Petersen Iron & Metal to discuss condition and preparation first. Do not assume a complete air conditioner is accepted; appliances are excluded.

Magnesium and lead are listed among accepted metals at Petersen Iron & Metal. Contact our team with the material type, amount and condition so we can discuss your specific items.

Recycling unwanted holiday lights helps divert recyclable material from the waste stream. Petersen Iron & Metal has worked with the City of Coralville to support local collection through its seasonal program.

Program collection locations can change. Call Petersen Iron & Metal at 319-351-1331 to ask about current participating Coralville drop-off locations before you travel.

The existing program is described as seasonal. Contact Petersen Iron & Metal to confirm current collection dates and whether your lights can be accepted outside that period.

Petersen Iron & Metal has an annual partnership with the City of Coralville’s Holiday Light Recycling Program. Call us to confirm this season’s arrangements and how to participate.

Ask Petersen Iron & Metal about accepted program items before bringing decorations or accessories. The holiday light program should not be treated as general household waste collection.