Hereford Scrap Metals LLC

Our company was founded in 1956 by Joe H. Hereford of Birmingham, Alabama. After moving to Attalla in the late 50's Mr. Hereford opened Hereford Auto Parts in Reece City, Alabama and supplied automotive cores for rebuilding and also purchased scrap metals from the general public.
 
In 1970 Hereford Auto Parts moved to our current location and changed the name to Hereford Scrap Metals. In 1984 we changed our focus from automotive cores to the purchase of scrap metals from both the general public and business accounts. We currently have over 5,000 registered customers and look forward to serving your recycling needs.
 
On November 29, 2010, Joe H. (Big Joe) Hereford passed away after complications from a stroke. His sons Joe W. and Tony Hereford continue to operate the business.
 
Joe W. Hereford retired as chief of police for the City of Attalla in 2010, and served as Director of Public Safety for the City of Attalla in 2013-14.  Tony Hereford also retired in 2010 from Averitt Express. Both Joe and Tony Hereford have worked in the in the scrap metal recycling business for over 25 years.
Customer Convenience is Our Goal

We offer our customers quick drive through service and do not close during lunch hours. Our employees will work hard to get you unloaded and paid for your material, and there is no walking from building to building to receive your payment. All of our weight masters are certified by the State of Alabama. Our scales have public viewing display and are certified by the State of Alabama.

We purchase all types of scrap metals including:

Copper, brass, radiators, lead, batteries, aluminum cans, sheet and cast, mixed steel, cast iron, old car parts and complete automobiles. We also purchase heavy equipment, tractors and other commercial machinery, call for pricing.

Commercial Accounts

We pick-up heavy equipment and provide free roll-off container service for business and industrial accounts (call for details). We have containers from 20 to 80 yard and a fleet of trucks, including lowboy trailers to handle all types of scrap equipment. We provided certified weight tickets and pick-up service is available six days a week. Payment on commercial accounts are made immediately after pickup.
 
Hereford Scrap Metals LLC operates in full compliance of all local, state and federal laws regulating the purchase of scrap metals. We employee both active and retired police officers at our location. If we feel their is any question about the ownership of the material we will immediately notify the police and prosecute anyone that sells us stolen material.  
 
According to Alabama Code 13A-8-37, it is unlawful to purchase the following, unless verifiable documentation can be provided:
 
Cemetery metals: statues, plaques, vases, makers, memorials or other bronze items 
All railroad scrap
Copper wire that has been burned (only with official fire report)
Scrap from utility companies: telephone, electric, cable, gas and water (Business accounts only)
Beer kegs
Manhole or drain covers
Loose catalytic converters ( must be left on scrap vehicle)
A copper, aluminum or copper/aluminum condensing or evaporating coil, including its tubing or rods, from a heating or a air conditioning unit, excluding scrap from a window air conditioning units and automotive condenser coils
 
Automobiles require a title if less than 12 years old, all vehicles purchased must be ran through the Alabama Scrap Vehicle site to check for liens and stolen. All fuel must be drained safely and the tank removed or a visible hole in the tank
 
You must be at least 18 years to sell scrap ( except aluminum cans) and have a state, or federal ID or passport
 
Non-commercial sellers: we are required to pay by check for the following:
Over $50 for copper, copper/alum radiators, converters
Over $500 for all other scrap
Commercial customers: a business or trade license is required 
 
We do not purchase propane tanks or other sealed containers unless they have been safely drained and cut in half according to environmental standards. We do not purchase any hazardous materials including CFC's, petroleum products, freon,  radioactive materials, or any non metallic materials. We reserve the right to refuse purchase of any scrap material if we feel environmental regulations have not been met.    
 
Please call us for questions regarding the scrap law, we can still purchase most scrap items if you have the proper documentation.
 
We reserve the right to refuse any scrap material if we feel the above requirements have not been met and will fully prosecute any one that sells stolen material.