Month late: Scrap yard to debut 'METAL' program

As previously reported, the CEO of the company that operates the Meade Avenue scrap yard long known as Coiner's Scrap Iron and Metal had promised to relaunch walk-in sales to artists and others in February.

"So I called the Charlottesville office," says artist Mike Fitts, who was featured in the Hook's story, "and they said they knew nothing about opening up again for walk-in sales."

Ditto for David Slezak, Director of Community Service at Tandem Friends School, and a former Boy Scout troop leader, who is advising an Eagle Scout candidate on putting up a bluebird trail.

"We need one-inch scrap metal pipes to mount the bluebird houses in public areas," says Slezak. "We used to get them from the scrap yard when I was a troop leader."

After calling, he says he emailed the company headquarters to complain.

Well, the company, Cycle Systems, seems to have finally gotten the message.

According to company spokesperson Jennifer Villa, the company is in the process of launching a program called 'Material Every Talented Artist Loves,' or METAL, in March at the Charlottesville location.

"We are in the process of developing a more robust initiative that will suit the needs of the Boy Scout troop," Villa says in an email. "Once a month, on a Saturday, we will open up our facility to allow artists– or any in the community, young or old– to enable them to purchase materials for their needs."

Villa goes on to say the Roanoke-based firm is finalizing requirements for the program, such as requiring long pants, hard-soled shoes, and signed liability waivers. Hard hats, she says, will be provided. The firm is also investigating safety concerns related to young children.

"We apologize for any confusion," says Villa. "We pride ourselves in making sure every customer leaves happy."

Beginning on March 31, the Cycle Systems facility at 100 Meade Avenue will welcome artists and other scrap combers on the last Saturday of every month from Noon to 1pm.

"Cycle Systems has long seen the potential for turning scrap into art," said Brenner in a company release. "We routinely commission art made from scrap for our locations throughout Virginia, and we're pleased to launch a program dedicated to making it easier for artists to find unusual and interesting material to create art in our community."