three rivers iron and metal In Fairmont WV

About Three Rivers Iron & Metal: Your Go-To Scrap Yard in Fairmont, WV

Looking to clear out some old metal or get some cash for that clunker? Salvage yards in West Virginia play a big role in keeping our communities clean and helping you make a buck. In the heart of Fairmont, WV, you'll find Three Rivers Iron & Metal. Located at 500 Virginia Ave, Fairmont, WV 26554, this place isn't your typical used auto parts store. Instead, they're a top-notch scrap metal recycling facility, helping folks get rid of unwanted metal and even old cars, all while putting some money in your pocket.

While we don't have all the historical details about when they first opened their doors or who started it all, what we do know is they've been serving the community for over two decades. Their main goal? To recycle all sorts of metal, from old appliances to parts from your old car, keeping our planet a little greener. It's a bit like finding hidden treasure, except the treasure is made of steel and aluminum!

Services Provided by Three Rivers Iron & Metal

Three Rivers Iron & Metal isn't just a place to dump your junk; they offer a range of services designed to make recycling easy and rewarding. They focus on being a full-service facility, which means they handle the heavy lifting of processing the scrap metal you bring in.

Scrap Metal Recycling for Everyone

They accept a huge variety of scrap metals. We're talking everything from old appliances that finally kicked the bucket to various car body parts and other metal items you might have lying around. It's a great way to clean up your garage and do some good for the environment. Did you know that places like this are super important in helping reduce waste and boost the circular economy? It's a win-win!

Cash for Your Scrap

Who doesn't love getting cash for stuff they don't need? Customers can snag up to $250 in cash for their scrap metal. Now, for the real valuable stuff like those pesky catalytic converters, they pay by check. Plus, if you've got over 100 pounds of clean, non-ferrous materials (that's metal without iron, like aluminum or copper), they'll give you an extra five cents per pound. Every penny counts, right?

Commercial Services

For businesses, they've got you covered too. They offer commercial container bin rentals. This means if you're a business with a lot of metal waste, they make it super easy to collect and dispose of it properly.

Buying and Selling Used Cars? Not Quite.

Just to be clear: Three Rivers Iron & Metal focuses on recycling scrap and metal. They do not sell used cars or used auto parts for re-use. Their game is vehicle recycling. Also, a heads-up for anyone bringing in a vehicle: as of April 1, 2024, your ride needs to be trailered in, and the gas tank needs to be removed or have a big, visible hole in it. And sorry, no electric or hybrid vehicles accepted for scrap.

No Shipping Parts

Since they're all about recycling scrap, they don't ship parts. If you're looking for a specific part, you'll need to check out places that specialize in selling used car parts.

Services at a Glance

Vehicle Types & Popular Auto Parts (for Scrap)

At Three Rivers Iron & Metal, their focus is on taking in scrap vehicles for recycling. This means they handle a variety of old cars and trucks that are ready to be turned into raw materials again. Remember, they don't sell whole, working vehicles or specific used parts for you to put on your daily driver.

While they accept things like engines, transmissions, and body panels for recycling, these items are melted down, not sold as individual replacement parts. However, a common valuable item they specifically mention is the catalytic converter, which they pay good money for due to the precious metals inside. So, if you're dismantling an old vehicle, that's one part worth knowing about!

Most Recent Scrap Metal Prices

When it comes to pricing, Three Rivers Iron & Metal focuses on the weight and type of scrap metal you're bringing in, not the price of individual used auto parts for sale. They are known for offering competitive rates for various industrial scrap metals, including certain automobile parts like catalytic converters.

For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing on your specific materials, your best bet is always to give them a call directly at (304) 366-8099. They can give you the lowdown on what they're paying today.

A Glimpse at Some Scrap Prices:

• Prepared HMS #1 (2′ x 3′): $10.00/CWT
• Hubs & Rotors: $12.00/CWT

These are just examples, and prices can change, so a quick call will get you the real scoop!

Who They Serve: The Service Area

Located in Fairmont, Three Rivers Iron & Metal draws folks looking to recycle metal from all over the region. You'll find customers coming in from nearby cities and towns who know a good deal when they see one.

Likely Places Customers Come From:

• Morgantown, WV: A bustling college town, always a source of various scrap materials.
• Clarksburg, WV: With its industrial roots, there's always a need for reliable metal recycling.
• Uniontown, PA: Just over the state line, folks might trek for good pricing.
• Kingwood, WV: Smaller towns often rely on regional facilities for their recycling needs.
• Philippi, WV: Another local community that benefits from accessible scrap services.

So, whether you're clearing out your garage or a local business, chances are Three Rivers Iron & Metal is a convenient spot for your recycling needs.

No Auto Parts Interchange System Here

If you're hunting for a specific auto part that fits multiple car models, you might be looking for a place with an auto parts interchange system. This is where a salvage yard or wrecking yard helps you find a compatible part from a different vehicle.

However, Three Rivers Iron & Metal in Fairmont, WV, doesn't offer this kind of service. Their business is all about scrap metal recycling, which means they buy metal and old vehicles to break down and recycle the materials. They don't keep an inventory of used parts for sale, so they won't be able to help you find that specific engine or transmission you're looking for. For that, you'd need to check out other specialized auto salvage yards in the area.

Warranty Information: What to Expect

When you're buying used auto parts from a traditional salvage yard, you might often look for a warranty. It's like a safety net, right? Gives you peace of mind that the part you're putting in your ride won't quit on you after a week.

However, for Three Rivers Iron & Metal, since they are a scrap metal recycling facility and don't sell used parts, they don't offer any warranty, extended warranty, or associated costs for parts. Their business is about buying metal to recycle, not selling functional auto parts. So, if a warranty on used parts is crucial for your repair, you'll need to find a different kind of salvage yard that specializes in selling those types of items.

Entry Fee & Special Deals

Good news! You don't need to pay an entry fee to visit Three Rivers Iron & Metal. They are a business where you bring them stuff, and they pay you, not the other way around for entry!

Special Discounts & Programs:

• Bulk Non-Ferrous Bonus: If you bring in over 100 pounds of clean, non-ferrous materials (metals that don't stick to a magnet, like copper or aluminum), you get an extra five cents per pound! That's like getting paid more for being neat.
• “Cans for Cash” or “Metal for Money”: This is a cool program for schools, clubs, and organizations. They help you set up fundraising drives where collecting scrap metal turns into cash for your group. It’s a great way to raise funds and recycle at the same time.

Always best to call them directly for the most current information on pricing or any ongoing specials.

Tools & Equipment: What You Need (and What They Use)

If you're heading to a “U-Pull-It” style junkyard to grab used auto parts yourself, you'd usually pack a whole toolbox. Things like wrenches, sockets, and safety gear are a must. In fact, if you're ever visiting a self-service junkyard, you might want to check out what to bring to a junkyard to be fully prepared!

However, Three Rivers Iron & Metal is a scrap metal recycling facility, not a place where you pull your own parts. So, they won't be providing tools for you to dismantle cars. Their job is to process the scrap you bring in. They have their own heavy-duty equipment for handling and processing all that metal.

Tools Used by Similar Scrap Yards for Processing:

Cash for Junk Cars: What You Need to Know

Got an old junk car sitting in your driveway? Three Rivers Iron & Metal is definitely a place that will give you cash for it! But there are some important rules to follow now to make sure your vehicle gets accepted. You could even sell your car online today to make things even smoother.

Important Conditions for Junk Cars:

• Trailer It In! As of April 1, 2024, they no longer accept cars that are driven into the yard. Your vehicle must be brought in on a trailer.
• Gas Tank Prep is Key: This is super important for safety! The gas tank MUST be removed, or have a “basketball-sized hole” cut out (and visible to staff), or be cut in half and placed inside the vehicle. Don't skip this step!
• No Electric or Hybrid Vehicles: They do not accept electric or hybrid vehicles.
• Payment for Catalytic Converters & Commercial Vehicles: While most individual scrap metal sales might get you cash up to $250, catalytic converters and commercial vehicles are paid by check.

They also accept a variety of other scrap metals and car body parts, but remember, they don't take things like tires, refrigerators with Freon, or unprepared fire extinguishers. Make sure your items are clean and sorted for the best price!

Other Junkyards and Salvage Yards Nearby

While Three Rivers Iron & Metal is great for recycling your scrap metal, if you're specifically looking to buy used auto parts to fix up your ride, you might want to check out other places in the Fairmont area.

Alternatives for Used Auto Parts:

• Pick-Up City (White Hall, WV): This is more of a traditional auto salvage yard. They boast a huge inventory of over 65,000 auto and truck parts, including engines, transmissions, and body panels. Their parts are cleaned, inspected, and stored indoors. They even offer delivery and warranties on some parts and have a computerized inventory to help you find the part you need.
• SOS Salvage (Fairmont, WV): Another local salvage yard option, though details about their inventory or services are limited online.
• Scrap It WV: This business is more aligned with Three Rivers Iron & Metal, specializing in buying scrap metal, including ferrous and non-ferrous metals, and unwanted vehicles. They focus on recycling and offer commercial metal bins.

So, if you're trying to fix up your ride with used parts, Pick-Up City might be your best bet. But if you're just looking to get rid of an old car or a pile of metal, Three Rivers Iron & Metal is your champion.

Common Questions About Three Rivers Iron & Metal

1. What types of scrap metal does Three Rivers Iron & Metal accept?

They take a wide range of scrap metal, including appliances, car body parts, light-gauge sheet metal, and other metals. They also accept lead-acid batteries. However, they DO NOT take electric or hybrid vehicle batteries, tires, fluids, gas cylinders, or refrigerators/AC units with refrigerant.

2. How do I get the best price for my scrap metal?

Make sure your materials are clean and sorted! For example, they offer an extra five cents per pound for clean, non-ferrous metals (like aluminum or copper) if you have over 100 pounds of a single type. Sorting can really help you get more money.

3. Can I recycle my car at Three Rivers Iron & Metal?

Yes, but with new rules! As of April 1, 2024, cars must be trailered in. The gas tank needs to be removed, have a basketball-sized hole cut out, or be cut in half and placed inside the vehicle. They don't accept electric or hybrid vehicles.

4. What are their hours of operation?

They are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. They are closed on Sundays and major holidays.

5. How do I organize a “Cans for Cash” or “Metal for Money” fundraiser?

Just give them a call to set up a donation account! Then your group can collect recyclable metals, and Three Rivers Iron & Metal will track the donations and send a check each month. Easy money for your cause!

6. What tools or equipment do they use for scrap metal processing?

While specific tools aren't listed, typically scrap yards like this use heavy machinery such as hydraulic shears (big metal cutters!), cranes or forklifts to move heavy items, shredder machines to break down scrap, sorting magnets to separate metals, and large scales for weighing.

7. How can I contact Three Rivers Iron & Metal for more information?

You can visit them at 500 Virginia Avenue, Fairmont, WV 26554, or give them a ring at (304) 366-8099. They're happy to answer your questions!

See Them in Action!

Curious to see what a scrap yard looks like and how they handle all that metal? Check out this video to get a better idea!