Hitchcock Scrap Yard In Canton IL

Looking to get rid of some metal junk or perhaps curious about how a major scrap operation works? Let's dive into the world of Hitchcock Scrap Yard in Canton, IL!

About Hitchcock Scrap Yard in Canton, IL

Located at 22501 N. IL-78, Canton, IL 61520, Hitchcock Scrap Yard isn't your typical pick-and-pull junkyard where you wander around with a wrench looking for a specific car part. Instead, this place is a powerhouse for scrap metal processing and recycling. Think big machines, tons of metal, and a whole lot of green effort!

A Family Legacy in Scrap

The story of Hitchcock Scrap Yard starts way back in 1971. While it officially began then, the real growth spurt happened in 1974 when Michael Hitchcock, Sr. bought the business from his grandfather. What started as a small, three-person operation has blossomed into a significant local business that helps process and recycle tons of metal every month. Michael Hitchcock, Sr. still runs the show, and he's all about honesty, quality, and treating customers right. It's truly a multi-generational business, showing that some traditions, especially good ones, last a long time!

This long history means they really know their stuff when it comes to the recycling and scrap metal game. You can tell a business is doing something right when it's been around for over 50 years!

What Hitchcock Scrap Yard Does (and Doesn't Do)

Hitchcock Scrap Yard is a full-service scrap metal processor and recycler. This means they focus on buying, processing, and selling bulk scrap metal. They are equipped to handle everything from an old washing machine you drop off to massive industrial plant tear-downs. If you're looking to sell some metal, they are definitely a place to check out for competitive pricing.

Services They Provide:

• Scrap Metal Processing: They handle all kinds of metal – from your old car to big industrial waste. They use serious equipment like shears, balers, material handlers, and magnets to get the job done right.
• Industrial Demolition & Clean-up: This isn't just about small scraps; they do complete plant tear-downs and clean-up for big companies, even Fortune 500 giants like Caterpillar!
• Fleet Services: For their big industrial customers, they have a whole fleet of semi-trucks and hundreds of trailers and roll-off containers to pick up scrap or deliver processed materials. Talk about a full-service operation!
• Quality and Safety: They use high-tech gear like optical spectrometers (fancy way to test metal quality) and radiation detectors (super important for safety) to make sure everything is top-notch.
• Customer Service: Even though they work with huge companies, they still offer that friendly, small-town service for individuals. The yard itself is concrete paved, making it clean, safe, and easy to navigate for everyone.

What They Are NOT:

It's important to understand that Hitchcock Scrap Yard is NOT a self-service junkyard for buying used auto parts. You won't be walking around with your toolbox, pulling an engine or a transmission from a vehicle there. They also don't advertise selling individual used car parts directly to the public, nor do they ship them. Their main gig is processing scrap metal, period. So, if you're looking for a specific door or fender for your ride, you might need to check out other Salvage yards in Illinois.

Types of Vehicles Handled (as Scrap)

Since Hitchcock Scrap Yard is all about metal recycling, they process a wide variety of vehicles as scrap. This includes your typical cars, trucks, and vans, and sometimes even motorcycles. They don't typically highlight having newer or late-model vehicles for sale, as their focus is on the metal itself, not selling individual vehicles or their parts for reuse. If you have an old car you want to get rid of for its metal value, they're the folks to talk to!

Auto Parts & Pricing (For Scrap Metal)

While Hitchcock Scrap Yard doesn't sell individual used auto parts, it's worth noting what kind of metal and materials they process. They are primarily focused on the weight and type of metal you bring them. Here are some general scrap metal prices that have been seen from Hitchcock Scrap Yard:

• Yellow Brass: Around $2.05 per pound
• Light Iron: About $120.00 per ton
• Aluminum Cans: Approximately $0.43 per pound
• #1 Bare Bright Copper Wire: Roughly $3.75 per pound

Remember, these prices can change based on the market, so it's always best to call them directly for the most current rates for your scrap metal!

Who They Serve: The Service Area

People looking to recycle scrap metal at Hitchcock Scrap Yard often come from Canton itself and the surrounding cities and towns in central Illinois. These include:

• Pekin, IL
• East Peoria, IL
• Peoria, IL
• Morton, IL
• Galesburg, IL
• Macomb, IL
• Washington, IL
• Monmouth, IL

Being part of the larger Peoria–Canton Combined Statistical Area, they attract folks and businesses from a good distance, making them a key player in the region's recycling efforts.

No Part Picking Here: Tools & Equipment at Hitchcock Scrap Yard

Since Hitchcock Scrap Yard is a scrap metal processing facility and not a self-service auto salvage yard, customers won't need to bring their own tools to pull parts. Why? Because you won't be pulling parts! The equipment you'll see here is industrial-grade, used by their skilled team to efficiently process large volumes of scrap metal and even entire structures.

Here's a peek at the impressive machinery they use for their operations:

• Heavy-Duty Shears and Balers: These are for cutting and compacting metal, making it easier to handle and transport.
• Material Handlers & Magnets: Big machines with claws and powerful magnets to lift and move huge piles of scrap.
• Caterpillar Machines: They use a variety of Caterpillar models, including MH3040 material handlers, M325D, 322C, 318, and 345 series models, many equipped with hydraulic shears. These beasts are built for heavy lifting and cutting!
• Radiation Detectors: For safety, all their scales are equipped with these to ensure no hazardous materials enter the yard.

So, leave your socket wrench at home unless you're bringing a vehicle to scrap! Their equipment is for the pros who manage their huge metal inventory, not for DIY mechanics.

Selling Your Junk Car to Hitchcock Scrap Yard

If you're looking to get some cash for a junk car or any other large metal items, Hitchcock Scrap Yard is definitely a place to consider. They are set up to buy and process vehicles for their scrap metal value. While they might not offer “instant cash” on the spot like some dedicated junk car buyers, they provide competitive pricing based on market rates and their established payment schedules.

Their state-of-the-art facility, with its concrete paved drives and advanced processing equipment, ensures that your old vehicle will be handled efficiently and safely. They serve both individuals and industrial clients, so whether you have one old vehicle or a whole fleet, they're equipped to handle it.

News and Notable Mentions

Hitchcock Scrap Yard isn't just about business; they've made some notable contributions and have a solid reputation:

• Growth Story: From a small family business to a major player processing up to 10,000 tons of scrap steel monthly, their success is built on honesty, quality, and fair customer treatment.
• Caterpillar Partnership: They have a strong ongoing relationship with Caterpillar, both as a customer for equipment and as a supplier of processed materials. This is a big deal in the automotive industry!
• Community Involvement: Mike Hitchcock Sr. is also a local conservation hero! He was involved in dedicating the “Hitchcock Wetlands” project near Canton, which helps restore habitats for waterfowl. It's awesome when businesses give back to their community.
• Operating Hours: You can visit them Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. They're conveniently located along Illinois Route 78, just south of Canton.

Check out this video to see how some serious metal recycling works! It gives you a good idea of the type of heavy-duty operations happening at a place like Hitchcock Scrap Yard:

Other Scrap & Salvage Yards in Canton, IL

While Hitchcock Scrap Yard focuses on scrap metal processing, Canton does have other options if you're specifically looking for used auto parts. It's helpful to know the difference so you hit the right spot for your needs!

• Flynn’s Auto Parts Inc: Located at 390 E Alder Rd, Canton, IL 61520. These guys are more focused on used car parts and traditional auto salvage. They're likely where you'd go if you needed a used door or a headlight.
• Howard’s Auto Salvage: You can find them at 840 Grant Pl, Canton, IL 61520. Similar to Flynn's, Howard's specializes in salvage auto parts recycling and resale.

So, if your wife's car needs a specific part and you're thinking of a junkyard adventure, remember the distinction: Hitchcock for big metal scrap, and places like Flynn's or Howard's for actual used auto parts.

Common Questions About Hitchcock Scrap Yard

1. What services does Hitchcock Scrap Yard offer?

Hitchcock Scrap Yard specializes in buying, processing, and selling scrap metal. They serve both individuals and large industrial clients. Their services include shredding, baling, and handling various types of metals, alongside providing large-scale industrial demolition and clean-up services.

2. What kind of equipment does Hitchcock Scrap Yard use?

They use advanced, heavy-duty equipment like shears, balers, material handlers, and magnets. Their facility also features high-tech tools such as radiation detectors and optical spectrometers to ensure quality and safety in metal processing.

3. Who is the owner of Hitchcock Scrap Yard?

The owner is Michael Hitchcock, Sr., who took over the business from his grandfather in 1974. He's a second-generation scrap yard operator committed to high standards.

4. What is the history of Hitchcock Scrap Yard?

The business started in 1971 and has grown significantly under Michael Hitchcock, Sr.'s ownership since 1974. It has expanded from a small operation to handling major industrial demolition projects across the United States, including work for companies like Texaco and Mobil Oil.

5. What types of clients does Hitchcock Scrap Yard serve?

They serve a wide range of clients, from everyday individuals bringing in household scrap to small manufacturers, Fortune 500 companies, and government entities. They pride themselves on competitive pricing and friendly service for all.

6. What safety measures does Hitchcock Scrap Yard implement?

Safety is a top priority. Their facility has concrete paved surfaces for a clean and secure environment, and their scales are equipped with radiation detectors to prevent unsafe materials from entering the yard.

7. How can I contact Hitchcock Scrap Yard for more information or a quote?

You can reach Hitchcock Scrap Yard by phone at (309) 668-3217. For commercial inquiries, you can also email Ken Sidwell at [email protected]. Their physical address is 22501 N. IL-78, Canton, IL 61520.