Lakeside Auto Recyclers: Your Go-To Spot in Carter Lake, IA for Used Auto Parts and Scrap Metal

If you're in Carter Lake, Iowa, and need a reliable junkyard, look no further than Lakeside Auto Recyclers. Located at 2813 N 9th St, Carter Lake, IA 51510, this place has been a staple in the community for a long time. They're not just any old scrap yard; they've been around since 1977, helping folks find quality used auto parts and recycle their old vehicles and metal. It's a true family affair, now run by the third generation of the Levell family, showing they really know their stuff when it comes to the automotive industry and keeping things green.

What Lakeside Auto Recyclers Does Best: Services That Help You Out

Lakeside Auto Recyclers isn't just a place to toss your old car; they offer a bunch of services designed to make things easy for you, whether you're looking for a part or trying to get rid of some junk metal. They're a full-service operation, meaning they handle all the heavy lifting.

Service Offered	What it Means for You
Scrap Metal Recycling	They buy and recycle all sorts of metal like copper, aluminum, and stainless steel. Got old metal lying around? Bring it in and get some cash for it!
Vehicle Scrapping and Car Shredding	Time to say goodbye to that old ride? They'll take your junk car and recycle it properly. They even have a huge car shredder to handle it all!
Free Towing Service	One of the best perks! If you're recycling a vehicle with them, they offer free towing. No need to worry about how to get that clunker to the yard.
Container Services	For bigger jobs or regular scrap, they can provide containers to collect your scrap metal. Super convenient for businesses or big clean-ups.
Recycling Appliances & Electrical Items	They don't just do cars! Bring in old appliances, wires, cables, transformers, and light fixtures. They help keep tons of waste out of landfills.

So, you don't have to pull your own parts here like at a “u-pull-it” yard; they're a full-service junkyard. They handle the whole process from start to finish, making it easy for you to get what you need or get rid of what you don't.

Finding the Right Ride: Vehicle Types and Popular Parts

Even though Lakeside Auto Recyclers focuses a lot on recycling, they're still a great spot to find quality used auto parts. They deal with a wide variety of vehicles, from sedans and trucks to SUVs. While they might not always have the latest model year vehicles, their yard is packed with parts from many different makes and models that can help get your ride back on the road without breaking the bank.

What are people usually looking for at a salvage yard like this? Well, certain parts are always in high demand because they're expensive new or wear out often. Here's a quick look at some of the most sought-after used auto parts:

Commonly Purchased Used Auto Parts	Why They're Popular
Engines and Transmissions	These are big-ticket items when new, so finding a good used engine or used transmission can save you a ton of money.
Body Panels and Bumpers	Perfect for fixing dents, dings, or collision damage. Much cheaper than buying brand new body parts.
Suspension Components	Parts like shocks, struts, and control arms wear out over time and are frequently needed for repairs.
Doors and Side Mirrors	Commonly damaged, especially in parking lots or minor accidents. Easily replaceable with used options.
Starters and Alternators	Essential electrical components that can fail. Buying used can be a smart, cost-effective choice.
Water Pumps	A crucial part of your engine's cooling system, often needed for maintenance or repair in older vehicles.
Tires and Wheels	Though not always the first choice, used tires and wheels can be good for spares or temporary use.
Catalytic Converters	High value, making used ones a popular way to save on replacement costs.

If you're looking for a specific part you need, it's always a good idea to contact Lakeside Auto Recyclers directly. Their team can help you check their inventory and see if they have what you're looking for.

Get Cash for Your Clunker: Selling Your Junk Car

Got an old junk car just sitting there, taking up space? Lakeside Auto Recyclers will give you cash for junk cars! They specialize in recycling old vehicles, no matter their condition. So, whether your car is running or not, they'll likely accept it. And remember, they offer that super convenient free towing service for vehicles they're recycling. It's an easy way to sell your car and get some money for it, clearing up your driveway at the same time. Just give them a call for the most accurate pricing!

Scrap Metal Recycling: More Than Just Cars

Beyond cars, Lakeside Auto Recyclers is a big player in scrap metal recycling. They're a scrapyard that handles all sorts of metal. While specific public pricing for auto parts isn't readily available, they do provide competitive rates for various scrap metals. For instance, you might see rates around $3.65 per pound for #1 Copper Scrap or $2.38 per pound for #1 Insulated Copper Wire. Keep in mind, these prices can change, so it's always best to contact them directly for the most current rates.

Serving Your Community: Where Lakeside Auto Recyclers Helps

Thanks to their great location in Carter Lake, Lakeside Auto Recyclers is easily accessible to folks from several nearby cities and towns. Their main stomping grounds for customers include:

• Omaha, NE: Being right next door, many customers from Omaha come here.
• Council Bluffs, IA: Just across the river, it's a short trip for Council Bluffs residents.
• Bellevue, NE: Another part of the larger metro area that benefits from their services.
• Papillion, NE: A nearby city also within their convenient service area.

This wide reach means they're a trusted resource for vehicle recycling and used auto parts across a good chunk of Iowa and Nebraska.

Looking for more options in the state? You can find other Salvage yards in Iowa.

Finding Parts: No Complicated System, Just Good Service

While Lakeside Auto Recyclers doesn't mention a fancy interchange system for finding parts, they focus on being very customer-focused. This means you can likely talk directly with their staff about the part you need. They're a hands-on, family-owned business, so expect personalized help when trying to find a compatible part from their vast inventory of recycled vehicles. Just reach out, and they'll do their best to help you find parts and get that car back on the road!

What About a Warranty?

When you're buying used parts, a common question is about warranty. For Lakeside Auto Recyclers, specific information about a warranty on used auto parts isn't publicly available. Most salvage yards sell parts “as-is” because they are used. It's always a good idea to contact them directly to ask about their policy on returns or any limited guarantees they might offer on their used parts.

Do I Have to Pay to Get In?

There's no clear information about a standard entry fee for just walking into Lakeside Auto Recyclers. One old mention talked about a “$6 entrance fee,” but that might have been for a special event or specific situation, not a regular charge for customers looking to buy parts or drop off scrap. To be safe, it's always best to call them directly if you have any questions about fees before you visit.

Tools You Might Need: Gearing Up for Your Visit

Since Lakeside Auto Recyclers is a full-service yard, you typically won't be pulling parts yourself. However, if you plan to fix your car with the parts you buy, you'll need your own trusty tools. Here’s a list of common tools that come in handy when working on a car or even when you visit a self-service junkyard:

• Socket Set: The Swiss Army knife for mechanics! You'll need different sizes for all sorts of bolts.
• Wrenches (ratchet and extension, impact wrench): For loosening tough bolts, especially on wheels, engines, and transmissions.
• Pliers and Punches: Handy for grabbing small things or getting stubborn pins out.
• Tire Iron/Lug Wrench: If you're swapping out a tire or a wheel.
• Cutting Tools (e.g., bolt cutters, hacksaw): For parts that just won't budge or are rusted solid.
• Safety Gear: Always wear gloves and safety glasses. Nobody wants a trip to the ER because of a rusty piece of metal! For more safety tips for junkyard visits, check out our guide.

For more details on what to pack, check out our guide on what to bring to a junkyard.

Latest Buzz: News and What's New at Lakeside Auto Recyclers

Lakeside Auto Recyclers isn't just sitting around; they're always upgrading and staying involved in the community. Here are a couple of cool things they've been up to:

• Big Shredder Upgrade! They've got a massive 4,000 HP auto shredder, and they recently made it even better by adding a new SENNEBOGEN 840 M material handler. This new machine helps them feed the shredder more efficiently, meaning they can recycle vehicles even faster. It's like giving their big metal muncher a super-sized spoon!
• Community Champions: It's not all about cars and metal. Lakeside Auto Recyclers showed some serious community spirit by donating a brand new bicycle to the Carter Lake Police Department. This helps the police keep the community safe and reduce crime. Good folks!

See How They Do It: A Look Inside a Modern Salvage Yard

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a busy salvage yard? Take a quick look at this video to get a sense of the kind of operations that happen at places like Lakeside Auto Recyclers, showing how they handle the big stuff:

Pretty neat, right? It shows you the scale of vehicle recycling and why places like Lakeside Auto Recyclers are so important for keeping our environment clean.

Comparing Salvage Yards: What to Look For

While we don't have a list of other specific junkyards right in Carter Lake, IA, it's good to know what makes a place like Lakeside Auto Recyclers stand out. When you're comparing salvage yards, think about these things:

• Services Offered: Do they offer free towing? Cash for junk cars? Do they handle different types of scrap metal?
• Type of Yard: Is it a “u-pull-it” yard where you do the work, or a full-service place like Lakeside?
• Customer Service: A family-owned business often means more personalized help and a focus on customer satisfaction.
• What They Accept: Do they take only cars, or also appliances and other metals?

Lakeside Auto Recyclers really shines with its customer-focused approach, long history, and comprehensive services, making it a strong choice in the area.

Your Questions Answered: Common Things People Ask

We know you might have more questions about visiting a wrecking yard or finding high-quality used auto parts. Here are some common questions we hear, and the answers to help you out:

1. What services does Lakeside Auto Recyclers provide?

   They offer scrap metal recycling, full vehicle scrapping with a big car shredder, free towing for vehicles being recycled, container services for scrap, and recycling of appliances and electrical items. They're a full-service junkyard.

2. How do I find the parts I need at Lakeside Auto Recyclers?

   Your best bet is to call them directly or visit their location. Tell them what part you need, and their friendly staff can help you check their inventory. They focus on customer service to help you out.

3. Are the parts at Lakeside Auto Recyclers guaranteed or warrantied?

   Generally, used parts from salvage yards are sold “as-is.” It's always smart to ask them directly about any limited warranties or return policies they might have before you buy.

4. Can I return parts if they don't fit or work?

   Return policies vary greatly among junkyards. Always, always check their specific policy before you make a purchase. Some places have strict no-return rules.

5. How do I ensure the parts I buy are safe and functional?

   When buying used, it's like a treasure hunt! Inspect thoroughly for any damage or major wear before you buy. If possible, ask if they test parts. Learning about how to tell if a transmission is bad from a junkyard can give you a good idea of what to look for.

6. Are there safety precautions I should take when visiting Lakeside Auto Recyclers?

   Even though they are a full-service yard, it's always wise to be careful. Always wear protective gear like sturdy shoes and work gloves. Be aware of your surroundings, especially if heavy equipment is operating. And always follow any rules or instructions the staff give you.