What Not to Bring – From Lulu
Last updated: July 2025
Hi there, Scrap Friend—Lulu here.
I’m all about recycling metal the right way. But some materials just aren’t safe for our team, our equipment, or the environment. Below is a quick list of what not to include in your load.
Hazardous or Unsafe Materials
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Asbestos
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Mercury items (like thermostats)
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Anything radioactive
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Explosives (ammunition, fireworks, etc.)
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PCBs (transformers, capacitors, ballasts)
Electronics and Batteries
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TVs, monitors, computers, and office equipment
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Car batteries, tool batteries, or anything rechargeable
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Anything that works without being plugged in
Leaky, Pressurized, or Contaminated Items
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Engines or parts with oil, gas, or diesel
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Fuel tanks, kerosene, solvents
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Sealed tanks or cylinders (propane, fire extinguishers, aerosol cans)
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Drums with any leftover residue
Appliances and Non-Metals
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Refrigerators or A/C units with refrigerant (unless pre-approved)
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Garbage, dirt, concrete, or non-metal items
What Happens If ANY of These Show Up
Your load may be rejected, cleanup or separation fees start at $500 per item and we’ll contact you to coordinate safe handling or pickup.
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This list is not exhaustive and provides examples of materials we cannot accept. Under regulations set by the EPA and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), these prohibited materials are considered hazardous in the metal recycling industry and must not be included in recycling loads. Non-compliance with laws such as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) can lead to penalties or fines.
