If you’ve ever driven past that massive concrete yard on North 12th Street, you’ve seen it. Pile upon pile of twisted steel, old appliances, and copper piping waiting for a second life. Most people think of Sims Metal Management Sacramento as just another junkyard. Honestly? That’s like calling a five-star restaurant a "place to eat." It’s technically true, but it misses the entire point of the operation.
Dealing with scrap metal is kinda messy business. It’s loud. It’s heavy. But in 2026, it’s also one of the most vital hubs in Northern California’s circular economy. Whether you're a contractor with a truckload of demo debris or just a guy with a busted water heater in his garage, knowing how this place actually functions can save you a ton of time—and put some decent cash in your pocket.
Why Sims Metal Management Sacramento Isn't Just Your Average Scrap Yard
Most folks don't realize that Sims is actually a global titan. We’re talking about a company, Sims Limited, that basically lives at the heart of the "circular economy." Their Sacramento facility at 130 North 12th Street is a cog in a massive machine that spans five continents.
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You’ve probably heard people complain about "junk yards" being muddy, disorganized pits of despair. Sims is different. They’ve got a concrete yard. That might sound like a small detail, but when you aren't ruining your truck's tires in a foot of sludge after a Sacramento rainstorm, you’ll appreciate it. They even have a regular spray-cleaning schedule to keep the driveways clear of the tiny metal shards that love to eat through rubber.
The Two-Entrance System You Need to Know
One of the biggest mistakes first-timers make is showing up and getting stuck behind a line of massive semi-trucks. Don't do that.
The Sacramento site uses separate entrances for ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Basically, if you’re bringing in the "big stuff"—iron, steel, old cars—you’re heading to the main ferrous scales. If you’ve got the high-value "shiny stuff"—copper wire, brass fittings, aluminum cans—there’s a separate entrance and scale. Using the right gate can be the difference between a 15-minute "in and out" and an hour-long ordeal.
What They Actually Buy (and What They Won't Touch)
It’s frustrating to load up a trailer only to be told "we don't take that." Here’s the real talk on what moves at Sims Metal Management Sacramento.
The "Yes" List:
- Non-Ferrous Metals: This is where the money is. Copper (tubing, wire, bare bright), brass, aluminum (siding, gutters, wheels), and stainless steel.
- Ferrous Metals: Heavy stuff. Cast iron, structural steel, and tin.
- Appliances: They are a Certified Appliance Recycler. That means they can handle refrigerators, freezers, and AC units—things that have those nasty refrigerants that require special legal paperwork.
- Vehicles: Got a junker? They buy end-of-life vehicles from the public and auto dismantlers. They’ve even got a stationary car crusher on-site.
The "No" List (Or "Go Somewhere Else" List):
- Electronics: This is a big one. The 12th Street yard generally doesn't take your old laptops or TVs. For e-waste, you usually have to look toward their sister division, Sims Lifecycle Services, which has a spot over in Roseville on Washington Blvd.
- Plastic and Glass: They are metal specialists. Don't bring your soda bottles here.
- Hazardous Waste: No paint cans, no sealed pressure vessels, and nothing leaking oil all over their clean concrete.
A Note on Copper and "The Law"
California doesn't play around with metal theft. If you show up with a load of copper wire, expect to show ID. A lot of people find the fingerprinting and the "wait for your check" laws annoying, but it’s the reality of the industry. Sims follows these state regulations to the letter. If you’re looking for a "no questions asked" handshake deal, this isn't the place. They use state-certified scales and digital indicators, so you know the weight is honest, but the paperwork is non-negotiable.
The Sustainability Factor: More Than Just "Greenwashing"
It’s easy to roll your eyes when a multi-billion dollar corporation talks about "saving the planet." But the math at Sims Metal Management Sacramento is actually pretty compelling.
Producing steel from scrap uses about 75% less energy than making it from virgin iron ore. As of 2026, the push for "green steel" is massive. Electric Arc Furnaces (EAFs) are taking over the industry, and those things run almost entirely on the recycled material that places like Sims provide.
By the way, Sims has been pushing hard to hit a target of 100% renewable electricity for their shredding and separating operations. They aren't just moving junk; they’re trying to run the most carbon-efficient logistics chain possible. They’ve even started looking into "waste-to-energy" plants that turn the leftover bits of plastic and foam from cars into electricity. Pretty wild.
Pro Tips for Getting the Best Price
Look, prices for scrap metal change faster than the weather in the Sierras. You can't just assume the price you got last month is what you'll get today.
- Clean Your Metal: This is the #1 way people lose money. If you have "dirty" aluminum (aluminum with steel screws or plastic still attached), they’ll pay you the lower "mixed" rate. Spend twenty minutes with a screwdriver and a pair of snips. It literally pays for itself.
- Check the iScrap App: While Sims doesn't always post every single daily price on their main site, users often report local Sacramento prices on third-party apps. It gives you a ballpark before you burn the gas to get there.
- Timing is Everything: Avoid Monday mornings and Friday afternoons. That's when the commercial accounts and the "weekend warriors" clog up the scales. Mid-week, mid-morning is usually the sweet spot.
- Bulk Matters: If you're a business or a contractor, ask about their bin and container services. They’ll drop a 20, 30, or 40-yard roll-off container at your job site. It saves you the hauling headache and ensures your scrap doesn't just end up in a landfill.
The Reality of Working With Sims
Let’s be honest: some reviews of scrap yards are brutal. You’ll see people complaining about wait times or "rude" staff.
The truth is, Sims Metal Management Sacramento is a high-volume, industrial environment. It’s not a retail boutique. The staff is there to move hundreds of tons of metal safely. They’re generally helpful—they’ll even give you safety gear like vests or glasses if you need them—but they expect you to have your act together. Have your ID ready. Know what's in your load. Follow the signs.
If you treat it like the professional industrial site it is, you’ll usually have a great experience. They even have forklifts and employees ready to help unload the bulky stuff, which is a lifesaver if you’re flying solo.
What to Do Next
If you've got a pile of metal taking up space, your first move should be a quick sorting session. Separate your "magnets stick to it" (steel/iron) from your "magnets don't stick" (copper/aluminum/brass).
Once you’ve got a rough idea of what you have, give them a call at 916-444-3380. Ask for the current "peddler" rates for your specific materials. Prices fluctuate daily based on the global market, so a five-minute phone call can prevent a lot of "sticker shock" when you get to the scale.
Drive in through the North 12th Street entrance, follow the painted lines for your specific metal type, and make sure you’ve got a valid government-issued ID in your pocket. Clearing out the clutter and getting a check for it is a solid way to spend a Saturday morning in Sacramento.