BY LIZ WITBECK
Recycling is an important part of creating a
sustainable environment. At Metro Metal Recycling,
the Van Hall family that operates the
new facility allows people to bring in ordinary
household items and receive cash in return.
Many Americans do not realize they can
receive money simply by recycling items that
are found in their home, they said.
The Van Hall family has more than 40 years
of experience in the recycling and scrap metal
industries.
Charlie Van Hall grew up in Rock City Falls
and has worked for several scrap metal companies
in the area. He started Metro Metal
Recycling in 2001, opening up a first location
in Watervliet. The company recently added
two locations, one in Albany and one in Middle
Grove at 222 Sodeman Road.
Charlie’s son Ryen Van Hall is now vice president
of the company. The Van Halls believe
the fact they are family owned-and-operated
is an advantage. “You have the same people
to deal with everyday,” said Ryen. “There’s no
fancy corporate structure.”
Metro Metal Recycling accepts any kind
of recycling – steel, aluminum, bronze and
copper. They are able to recycle kitchen appliances,
batteries, lawn furniture, and more.
Once the scrap metal is weighed, customers
are offered payment. Metro Metal Recycling
pays fully in cash. Customers must bring their
own scrap metal to the yard. Metro Metal
Recycling does not offer pickup.
Metro Metal Recycling also has a “pick and
pull” automobile yard. In the yard are several
hundred vehicles that can be used for parts.
Customers can bring their own tools and find
spare parts for their vehicle from the scrap
yard. There are a variety of vehicles available,
including Fords, Toyotas, Subarus, Volvos and
more.
The company also has an auto parts store
on site. They sell mirrors, tail lights, engines,
tires and other products.
The yard is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to noon
on Saturday. No appointment is necessary to
visit. For more information, call 584-1647 or
visit metal-recycling.albany-biz.com.