Aluminum is a lightweight, silver metal. Many everyday items, like pots and pans, are made primarily out of aluminum. If they aren't electronics (like small appliances), they become aluminum scrap when no longer wanted. Put small pieces of unwanted aluminum into your recycling bin.

What about aluminum foil?

Clean aluminum foil and pie plates can be recycled at home, too; however, if food is baked on, it's best to throw it in the trash. Read more tips on our Recycling FAQ page.

What about industrial scrap?

If you have large pieces of aluminum scrap or too much to place in your recycling bin, please take them to the locations listed on this page. Some of these locations will even pay for large amounts of scrap aluminum! Others will accept foil, but don't expect a big payout. Always call ahead to find out details.

Why recycle aluminum?

Glad you asked! Recycling aluminum saves tons of energy in addition to keeping the metal out of the landfill. Find out more on our Why Recycle page.

Where to go

• All of Santa Barbara County (2)

  • Craigslist —
  • Junk Recyclers — 6520 Platt Avenue #650

• Santa Barbara Area (4)

  • *South Coast Recycling and Transfer Station — 4430 Calle Real
  • MarBorg Industries — 119 North Quarantina Street
  • MarBorg Industries’ Recycling /ABOP Center — 132 Nopalitos Way
  • Santa Barbara Iron and Metal Recyclers — 709 East Gutierrez Street

• Goleta & UCSB Area (2)

  • *South Coast Recycling & Transfer Station — 4430 Calle Real
  • MarBorg Industries Recycling/ABOP Center — 20 David Love Place

• Santa Ynez Valley (1)

  • *Santa Ynez Valley Recycling and Transfer Station — 4004 Foxen Canyon Road

• Lompoc Valley & VAFB (5)

  • AL&S, Incorporated — 101 South H Street
  • City of Lompoc Landfill (Scalehouse) — Avalon Rd (south end)
  • Drive-In Recycling — 2126 North H Street
  • Vandenberg Air Force Base Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services — Building 11590, 1205 Utah Avenue
  • Vandenberg Air Force Base Materials Diversion Center — Building 11510, 1205 Utah Avenue

• Santa Maria Valley (3)

  • Bedford Enterprises, Inc. — 1940 West Betteravia Road
  • City of Santa Maria Landfill, aka City of Santa Maria Regional Landfill — 2065 East Main Street
  • MarBorg Industries Recycling/ABOP Center — 1850 West Betteravia Road

• Cuyama Valley (2)

  • *New Cuyama Transfer Station — 5073 Highway 166
  • *Ventucopa Transfer Station — Highway 33

• Outside Santa Barbara County (1)

  • Earth911.com – Information Only — 3481 Plano Parkway