It's a recycling center so it's dirty, it's loud, it's busy, it's confusing, they close early (3:45PM), they aren't open weekends, the location can be difficult to get into or out of (depending on traffic), etc... So why the five star rating? They pay good money for your scrap metal and it's relatively quick and easy. I've been here several times over the past five or six years. My wife saves all our aluminum cans (crushed and in large trash bags) and other metal scraps. On my visit last week I had three large trash bags of soda cans which brought $25 plus old gutters we tore off the house before having new gutters installed brought us another $18 and a couple of old steel sconces brought us another $1. Okay, you're not going to get rich on this but it makes a difference. The whole experience is pretty quick and painless as it usually takes me about an hour to load the truck, drive to recycling center, unload, get paid and return home. Not a bad payout for minimal effort.
The yard is set back from S. Military Hwy. in Chesapeake just east of the Gilmerton Bridge. After you turn off S. Military into the business you will be mostly driving on dirt so don't head over there after a fresh wash job on your truck. Pull up on the scales and give the attendant your name then head into the yard. If you aren't familiar be sure to ask the attendant what to do. The attendant will ask you what type of scrap you have then direct you to the appropriate area where you will have to wait for another employee to assist you. It's all pretty quick and painless. You unload your scrap as directed, fear not as they will help you if you need or desire assistance. After you've unloaded just head to the inside scale area as directed where they will weigh your scrap then direct you into the office where you will show the attendant your ID then receive your cash. From there just get back into your vehicle and exit the yard. It's just that easy.
All the employees I've dealt with on my visits have been pleasant and very helpful so you don't have to worry about not knowing what to do when you get there. I think it's great to have this facility available where we can get rid of some scrap and get a few dollars. Thank you Elizabeth River Recycling for making it so easy.