San Diego Recycling Information

San Diego is a city with a deep recycling culture. Our Blog is here to keep up with the many recycling activities and programs available. Please feel free to post comments and helpful information so all San Diegans can stay green.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Scrap metal dealers see prices fall



Following the financial slowdown, scrap metal prices have fallen and local recycles are feeling the pressure.
Maria Chavarria, who owns Clovis Recycling with her husband Francisco, said supplies of scrap metal have dwindled in the last two months because of the drop in scrap metal prices.
She said residents are holding on to their scrap metal while they wait for the price to rise.
The price of scrap aluminum dropped from 60 cents a pound to 40 cents a pound in the last two months while iron dropped from $200 a ton to $40 a ton, according to Michael Lingnau, who owns Ed’s Recycling.
He said mills who purchase scrap metals are not buying as much because of a drop in demand.
“Mills have no orders, so it trickles down to us,” he said.
Lingnau said he did see an increase in residents selling scrap metals two months ago.
“Before, the price was high enough to offset gas costs,” he said.
Francisco Chavarria said his recycling operation is selling half as much salvaged metals. He said the scrap yard usually produces about 640,000 pounds of aluminum a month and 2,400 tons of iron a month.
“(Price drops) happen, but not this bad,” said Chavarria who had been in the scrap metal business for 32 years.
The slowdown has also affected the number of his employees. He said he now has eight people after laying off five people.
Maria Chavarria said all they can do at the moment is wait until the prices rise again.
“When the market goes up, it goes up a little,” she said. “But when it drops, it drops a lot.”

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Monday, October 6, 2008

Exchange Used Motor Oil Filters for Free!

There are several good opportunities for residents to receive brand new motor oil filters at local Kragen Auto Parts stores in October. Just bring in a used motor oil filter during the dates and times below to receive one new filter.

Unincorporated residents can choose from five locations on October 4th from 10am – 2pm. Click here to view the event flyers with each location.

Southbay residents can go to the following location on October 18th from 9am – 1pm:
Kragen1396 Third Ave.Chula Vista, 91911