Materials We Buy

Vista, CA

Competitive Pricing 

60+ Years of Experience 

Family-Owned Business

Hours:

Request Lorem Epsom

Hero Request Form

Turning Your Scrap Metal Into Cash

Since 1959, Lee's Iron & Metal has been the trusted name in scrap metal recycling throughout San Diego County. Our family-owned business brings over six decades of industry experience to every transaction, ensuring fair, competitive prices for your recyclable metals. We've built our reputation on honest dealings, quick service, and environmental responsibility. When you bring your scrap to our facility, you're getting paid while participating in a sustainable process that keeps valuable materials out of landfills and supports a local business with deep community roots.

At Lee's Iron & Metal, we make the recycling process simple and rewarding. Our team quickly evaluates your materials and offers competitive rates based on current market values and material quality. We've refined our operations over the years to reduce your wait time and increase your payout. Contractors with regular scrap metal, businesses with surplus materials, and customers clearing out garages all receive the same attentive service that has kept customers coming back for generations. Ready to convert your unwanted metal into money? See why we've remained San Diego's trusted recycling partner for over 60 years—just contact us to get started.

What We Don’t Accept

  • Cans and bottles/CRV
  • Gold
  • Silver
  • Platinum
  • Electronics
  • Lithium batteries of any kind/size
  • Plastic
  • Cardboard
  • Wood
  • Fluids of any kind
  • Fiberglass
  • Catalytic converters

Why Choose Us

A white checkmark inside a solid black circle.

Competitive Pricing

A white checkmark inside a solid black circle.

Quick Service

A white checkmark inside a solid black circle.

60+ Years of Experience

Lee's Iron & Metal
A white checkmark inside a black circle.

Locally Owned

A white checkmark inside a solid black circle.

Family Owned

A white checkmark inside a solid black circle.

In business since 1959

A black silhouette icon of a clothes iron.

Ferrous Metals

We purchase all types of ferrous metals, which contain iron and are typically magnetic. This includes steel appliances, vehicle parts, structural steel, cast iron, and industrial equipment. Our team uses heavy-duty machinery to handle large ferrous metal loads, making disposal simple and efficient for contractors and industrial clients.
A black silhouette icon featuring an I-beam structural steel shape next to a hexagonal metal nut.

Non-Ferrous Metals

Non-ferrous metals typically bring higher prices due to their valuable properties. We pay competitive rates for copper, aluminum, brass, bronze, stainless steel, and lead. From copper wiring and plumbing to aluminum siding and cans, our facility accepts all quantities of non-ferrous scrap, making even smaller collections worthwhile.
A black icon of a waste bin containing papers with a white universal recycling symbol on the front.

Other Items

Beyond standard metal recycling, Lee's Iron & Metal buys various specialty items. We accept electronic scrap containing precious metals, automotive catalytic converters, batteries, and certain appliances. Our staff can help identify if your unusual items have recyclable value, potentially turning overlooked items into cash.

Our Recent Projects

Aerial view of a crashing ocean wave with white foam and deep blue water.
An aerial view of a dark, winding river flowing through a lush, dense green coniferous forest.
A high-angle view of wind-swept sand dunes, featuring rhythmic, diagonal ridges of light and shadow in warm, earthy tones.
A black icon showing three overlapping speech bubbles with dots inside, representing group chat or communication.

Here's what our satisfied customers are saying...

At Lee's Iron & Metal, we take pride in providing exceptional scrap metal recycling services to our customers. We would be grateful if you could share your thoughts about our recycling center with others. Your feedback helps us improve and helps others make informed decisions. Please take a moment to leave a review of Lee's Iron & Metal and let others know what you think.