Kansas City Scrap Yard Weekend Guide: Recycle to Support Local Veterans
When you think of ways to support veterans in Kansas City, your local scrap yard may be the last thing on your mind. But this November it is a great option. Scrap Management Industries is turning everyday scrap metal into community impact through the Scrap for Service drive.
What is Scrap for Service?
Scrap for Service is a simple community drop-off tied to America Recycles Day on November 15. From November 12 to 18, 2025 the Kansas City scrap yard will donate a portion of proceeds from consumer loads to a local veterans organization. Customers can also donate their payout at the scale.
You drop off scrap metal. We recycle it responsibly. Local veterans benefit.
When and where
All week from November 12 to 18.
Kansas City yard: 8116 Wilson Ave., Kansas City, MO 64125.
Saturday hours are offered, from 7:30am to noon. Check the yard page for details, accepted materials and notes for first time visitors.
Saturday hours made for the honey-do list
Weekends are the easiest time to clear out the garage and yard. Use Saturday hours to knock out that honey-do list. Load up old metal items from shelves and corners, sweep up loose pieces, and make a quick run to the scrap yard before the day gets busy. Two small trips are often faster than one oversized load. Sorted items unload quickly and keep your weekend moving.
Why your scrap matters
Recycling at a scrap yard keeps usable metal out of landfills, reduces the need to mine and refine new metal from ore and helps keep neighborhoods clean. During Scrap for Service your trip does even more by supporting veterans who have served our community.
What to bring
In Kansas City right now the hot items are old appliances.
Old appliances
Most appliances are primarily steel with copper in wiring and motors and aluminum in some parts. If Veterans Day sales helped you upgrade a washer, dryer, stove or water heater, this is the week to bring the old unit to the scrap yard.
How to prepare items
A little prep makes your visit faster and smoother.
Appliances
Unplug and empty the appliance.
Water heaters: drain fully and cap connections.
Washers and dishwashers: remove standing water and loose hoses when safe.
Stoves and grills: remove propane cylinders and any fuel sources.
Refrigerators and A/C units: refrigerants must be removed before drop off.
Tape doors shut for transport.
Bring items that are safe to lift and free of fuels or oils.
General tips
Secure your load before driving.
Bring a valid state or federal ID.
If you have a question about a specific item, ask at the scale house when you arrive.
How the Scrap for Service drive works
During the campaign week, Scrap Management Industries will donate a portion of proceeds from consumer loads to a local veterans group. You can also choose to donate your payout at the scale. Your receipt will reflect the transaction and the yard will handle the rest.
Kansas City beneficiary
Proceeds from loads dropped off at our Kansas City scrap yard benefit Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9997. The VFW supports veterans and their families through peer community, assistance navigating benefits and local service projects. Posts host outreach events and provide a place for veterans to connect and give back.
Proud to employ veterans in Kansas City
Scrap Management Industries is proud of the veterans who work at our Kansas City scrap yard and at our corporate headquarters in Kansas City. Team members with military service include:
Kansas City scrap yard
Brad Wingo, United States Marine Corps, 1983–1987
Ray Boyes, United States Air Force, 1985–1989
Corporate HQ in Kansas City
Matt McCarthy, United States Army, 2007–2016
What to expect at the scrap yard
Look for clear signs at the entrance. Follow directions to the scale. Staff will guide you to the correct unloading zone for ferrous loads, nonferrous loads or mixed loads. After unloading you will receive a ticket with details on weight and material type. Bring that ticket to the main scale house for payment or to donate your payout if you choose.
Most visits are quick when loads are sorted and safe to handle. If it is your first time, let the team know and they will walk you through each step.
Join Kansas City in Scrap for Service
Make a quick plan, load your items and drop them off during November 12 to 18. If you post about your visit on social media, tag @SMIRecyclers and use #ScrapForService. Your photos can inspire friends and neighbors to recycle too.
FAQs
What is Scrap for Service and when does it run?
It is a community recycling week from November 12 to 18, 2025. A portion of proceeds from consumer loads goes to a local veterans organization. Customers can also donate their payout at the scale.
Which items are most helpful right now in Kansas City?
Old appliances. They are largely metal and feed domestic mills that rely on recycled inputs.
Do I need to strip wire or clean items before I come?
Yes, that is preferred. Please sort materials and strip wiring only if it is safe and you have the right tools. The yard does not clean or strip items on site.
Can I bring refrigerators or A/C units?
Yes if they are safe to move and refrigerants have been removed. Tape doors shut for transport and keep items free of oils or fuels.
Do I need a photo ID?
Yes. Bring a valid state or federal photo ID for each visit.
How do I get paid and can I donate my payout?
After unloading you will get a ticket with details on weight and material type. Bring it to the scale house for payment. You can choose to donate your payout to the local veterans group during Scrap for Service week.
Where can I find hours and directions?
Visit the Kansas City yard page for address, Saturday hours and notes for first time visitors.