Scrap for Service: recycling for tomorrow’s environment and supporting local veterans
Scrap Management Industries works to be a good neighbor in every city we serve. That means operating clean, safe scrap yards, treating customers with respect and doing our part for the environment and our communities.
This November we are bringing those values to life with the Scrap for Service campaign. It is a simple way for families and small businesses to recycle metal the right way while helping local veterans.
What is Scrap for Service?
Scrap for Service is a weeklong community drop-off tied to America Recycles Day on November 15. From November 12 to 18, 2025 each Scrap Management Industries yard will donate a portion of proceeds from consumer loads to a local veterans organization. Customers also have the option to donate their payout at the scale.
You drop off scrap metal. We recycle it responsibly. Local veterans benefit.
Why this matters
Metal recycling keeps usable material 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 veteran groups that serve families right where you live.
When and where?
All week from November 12 to 18.
Find the yard nearest you on our Locations page. Each yard listing shows the address, hours, accepted materials and notes for first time visitors.
What to bring
Each market is focusing on metals that are in high demand today. If you have any of the items below, now is a great time to recycle them.
Kansas City, Wichita, and Oklahoma City
Old appliances. These are mostly steel with copper in the wiring and motors and aluminum in some parts. If Veterans Day sales helped you upgrade your appliances, bring the old unit to us.
St. Joseph
Short pieces of copper pipe, clean wire and brass fixtures.
Topeka, Lawrence, Ottawa, and Hutchinson
Aluminum cans. Clean and bagged cans recycle quickly back into new cans which helps supply U.S. beverage makers.
If you have a mixed load that is fine. The team at your local yard will direct you to the right scale and unloading area.
How to prepare items
A little prep makes your visit faster and smoother.
Appliances
Unplug and empty the appliance. Drain water heaters and cap connections. Remove loose hoses when safe. Remove propane cylinders and any fuel sources from grills or stoves. For 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.
Copper and brass
Strip wire only if safe and store clean dry pieces in a separate container. Remove obvious nonmetal parts when safe. Bundle small pieces so unloading is quick.
Aluminum cans
Rinse and drain. Crush if you want to save space. Bag tightly and keep glass or plastic out of the bag.
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 donation works
During the campaign week, Scrap Management Industries will donate a portion of proceeds from consumer loads to a local veterans organization in each city. At the scale you can also choose to donate your payout to the same group. Your receipt will reflect the transaction and the yard will handle the rest.
What to expect when you arrive
Look for clear signs at the entrance. Follow the 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, just let the team know and they will walk you through each step.
How Scrap for Service supports veterans
Each participating yard partners with a local veterans organization. Many Scrap Management Industries team members are veterans themselves, which is one reason we support veteran organizations year-round. Your metal turns into support for the people who have served our country.
Local veteran organizations benefiting from the Scrap for Service drive by city
Kansas City, MO: Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9997
Wichita, KS (Park City): Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3115
Oklahoma City, OK: American Legion Post 73
St. Joseph, MO: Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 6760
Topeka, KS: Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1650
Lawrence, KS: American Legion Post 14
Ottawa, KS: Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 5901
Hutchinson, KS: Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1361
Quick checklist before you go
- Sort by metal type when possible
- Strip wire only if safe and keep it separate from insulated wire
- Drain fluids from equipment and remove propane cylinders
- Rinse cans and bag them tightly
- Bring a valid photo ID
- Check the Locations page for hours and directions
Make it a community effort
If you are part of a neighborhood group, school, team or faith community, consider a simple collection effort during the week. Keep items safe to handle, follow the prep tips above, and make one or two short trips rather than one oversized load. Ask your local yard if you have questions about logistics. Share your commitment to your community on social media by snapping a photo during your drop-off, tagging @SMIRecyclers and using the hashtag #ScrapForService.
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?
Old appliances in Kansas City Wichita and Oklahoma City. Copper and brass in St. Joseph. Aluminum cans in Topeka Lawrence Ottawa and Hutchinson. Mixed loads are welcome.
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 by a licensed professional. 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. Then share a photo of your drop-off on social media, tagging @SMIRecyclers and using the hashtag #ScrapForService.
Will I see the exact price online?
Prices can change day to day with market supply and demand. Ask at the scale house when you arrive.
Where can I find hours and directions for my city?
Visit the Locations page and select your yard for address hours and notes for first time visitors.