♻️

About This Location

American Converter & Core is a scrap metal purchasing business — not a public drop-off recycling center — located at 2256 Charleston Hwy in Cayce, SC. The company pays cash for a wide range of ferrous and non-ferrous metals brought in by individuals and businesses, including catalytic converters, junk vehicles, heavy equipment, batteries, copper, aluminum, steel piping, appliances, electronics, and gutters. Sellers of detached catalytic converters must comply with South Carolina state law (SC 16-17-680), which requires documentation including the VIN of the vehicle the converter was removed from, the make and model, removal date, part number, and proof of ownership — valid SC ID is required. The facility serves the greater Columbia metro area including West Columbia, Lexington, Irmo, and surrounding communities, and offers free shipping for catalytic converters sent in from outside the area.

What American Converter And Core Accepts

✓ Catalytic converters (SC law requires seller documentation: VIN, make/model, removal date, part number, and proof of ownership. Only permitted secondary metals recyclers may purchase detached converters under SC 16-17-680.)
✓ Scrap cars / junk vehicles (Purchased for scrap metal value.)
✓ Heavy equipment (Listed as accepted material.)
✓ Batteries (Explicitly listed on official website.)
✓ Copper (Non-ferrous metal; purchased for recycling.)
✓ Aluminum (Non-ferrous metal; purchased for recycling.)
✓ Steel / piping (Ferrous and non-ferrous piping accepted.)
✓ Appliances (Listed as accepted material on official website.)
✓ Electronics / e-scrap (Listed as accepted material on official website.)
✓ Gutters (Listed as accepted material on official website.)
✓ Containers / tanks (Listed as accepted material on official website.)

Related recycling guides: Electronics · Batteries · Appliances

What they do not accept

✕ Detached catalytic converters without required documentation
✕ Paper, cardboard, plastics, glass

This is a scrap metal purchasing operation, not a municipal or public drop-off recycling center. It does not accept paper, plastic, glass, or other common curbside recyclables. Only metals and related items are purchased.

Fees

  • Scrap metal drop-off / sale — No fee — sellers are paid cash for accepted materials at market rates.
  • Catalytic converter shipping (mail-in) — Free shipping offered for catalytic converters shipped to the facility.

Access & restrictions

This is a commercial scrap metal buyer open to individuals and businesses. It is not a public drop-off recycling center; sellers bring materials in exchange for cash payment at market prices. · ID or proof of residency required · Walk-in (no appointment) · Valid government-issued ID is required for sellers of catalytic converters and nonferrous metals under SC law. Acceptable IDs include a valid SC driver's license, SC ID card, or military ID card per SC statute.

Programs & events

  • Free Catalytic Converter Shipping — American Converter & Core offers free shipping for catalytic converters mailed in from outside the local area, enabling sellers statewide and beyond to participate.
  • Daily Precious-Metal Price Tracking — The company tracks daily price changes for precious metals (platinum, palladium, rhodium) inside catalytic converters to offer sellers current market rates.

Materials, fees and hours can change — call ahead to confirm before your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get paid when I bring in scrap metal?

Yes. American Converter & Core pays sellers cash for accepted metals — catalytic converters, copper, aluminum, steel, batteries, appliances, and more — at competitive market rates. You are not charged a drop-off fee; you receive payment.

What documents do I need to sell a detached catalytic converter?

South Carolina law (SC 16-17-680) requires you to provide: the VIN of the vehicle the converter came from, make and model of that vehicle, date of removal, part number or identifying number of the converter, and proof you have ownership. A valid SC driver's license, SC ID card, or military ID is required as identification. Converters brought without this documentation cannot legally be purchased.

Is this a public recycling drop-off center for household items like paper, plastic, or glass?

No. American Converter & Core is a scrap metal buyer, not a municipal or public household recycling drop-off. They purchase metals and related items only. For paper, plastic, glass, or electronics recycling, contact Lexington County Solid Waste.

Can I ship my catalytic converters to them if I'm not local?

Yes. The company offers free shipping for catalytic converters, allowing sellers from across South Carolina and beyond to mail in their converters. Contact them at (803) 252-6565 or info@AmericanConverterandCore.com for details.

What are the hours, and is Saturday available?

Per the official website, the facility is open Monday through Saturday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and closed Sunday. Note: at least one customer has reported the gate being closed on a posted business day, so calling ahead at (803) 252-6565 is recommended.

Last verified: November 2026. Sources: source · source · source · source. Spotted something wrong? Suggest a correction.

Contact & Location

📍
Address
2256 Charleston Hwy, Cayce, SC 29033
📞
🌐
🏙
City / State
Cayce, South Carolina

Opening Hours

Monday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday Closed
← All centers in Cayce