FAQs

Our typical service area is 200 miles from either location. However, we are more than happy to work with you on a case-by-case basis if your location falls outside of this area.

We take several factors into consideration when determining a price, including scrap market conditions, material type(s), volume(s), frequency, and freight cost.

Once your load has been picked up, you’ll receive an automatic pick-up confirmation email.

Our 50 plus company-owned trucks are available 24/7 and our average response time is 18 hours.

Our customer portal gives you control of your scrap metal receivable with convenient access to load details and payment information. With our portal, you will also view pictures of every load, receive market insight, retrieve historical data, and download exportable reports.

Industry standard is net-30, however each program is tailored to customer needs.

Yes, to help our clients protect their bottom line and secure profit margins, BL Duke offers fixed pricing options for up to a six-month period. How does it work? The same way as a traditional index price mechanism, except one key difference; you will know your scrap price at the inception of the agreement. Your company will enter a written contract with BL Duke that includes a fixed price, the monthly tonnage and duration of the arrangement. Learn more.

Our team will make the transition seamless. Prior to the scheduled transition date, our dispatch team will visit your facility to measure equipment and understand your pick-up requirements. All in-plant equipment will be delivered prior to the transition date. A BL Duke team member will be onsite to oversee the transition process, and your sales representative will schedule a time to walk you through our customer portal and share key contacts.

A gross ton (or long ton) imperial unit of weight is equivalent to 2240 pounds or 1016.046909 kilograms. A net ton (or short ton) US unit of weight equivalent to 2000 pounds or 907.184 kilograms.

No appointment needed. Deliveries must be made within regular business hours to either of our locations.

Certificates of Destruction can be provided upon request.

We provide all equipment necessary at no cost to service your business. See our equipment page for more details.

BL Duke operates state-of-the-art processing equipment to bale, sheer, and torch both ferrous and non-ferrous material. Our combined three balers alone are capable of processing 1500 tons daily of ferrous material. Our new 250,000 sq. ft. non-ferrous warehouse is equipped with a 200 horsepower baler capability of baling up to 1 million pounds of copper and aluminum per week. We are also equipped with copper wire processing capabilities.

B.L. Duke’s demolition services division specializes in dismantling, removing, and recycling obsolete structures and equipment for commercial and industrial properties. We are experienced in machine removal, plant clean ups, and surgical demolition.

Yes, our fleet includes flatbeds, drop decks, and step decks. See our entire list of equipment to see what best fits your needs.

We go above and beyond to be your partner. From servicing non-metallics to assisting with demolition and clean ups to getting you out of the office from time to time, we continuously find ways to deliver value to your business.

Yes. We provide temporary equipment. There is no additional cost for the equipment. Before we can schedule the delivery, we will need: company name, delivery address, billing address, onsite contact, hours, duration of time equipment is needed, types of material, and estimated volume.

Yes, we can service less than truckload quantities. Our fleet includes varies pieces of equipment to accommodate this request, including a straight truck with a lift gate if your facility does not have a loading dock.

This mode of transportation is the most cost efficient, safe, and most environmentally friendly way to transport material. One barge can haul the equivalent of 17 rail cars or 70 truckloads.

A gross ton (or long ton) imperial unit of weight is equivalent to 2240 pounds or 1016.046909 kilograms. A net ton (or short ton) US unit of weight equivalent to 2000 pounds or 907.184 kilograms. A metric ton is a metric unit of weight equivalent to 2204 pounds or 1000 kilograms.

Yes, we sell to both domestic mills and foundries. Our convenient locations on the Des Plaines River deliver direct access to the inland water way and abroad.

BL Duke is committed to supporting domestic mills. However, if there is no domestic demand, we will move material to the export market.

We transport by barge, class 1 rail, and truck. Learn more.

No, we do not require a contract. However, we will abide by any customer requirements.

BL Duke was established in 2000.

Please contact Lou Plucinski – President of BL Duke.

Please contact George O’Brien – Director of Non-Ferrous Materials.

Scrap prices are negotiated between BL Duke and the mills we sell to. Prices can change greatly based on scrap supply and mill demand. Click for our current prices, in English or Spanish.

A gross ton (or long ton) imperial unit of weight is equivalent to 2240 pounds or 1016.046909 kilograms. A net ton (or short ton) US unit of weight equivalent to 2000 pounds or 907.184 kilograms.

Ferrous metals are a metal class containing iron as a majority of its chemical composition. This includes, steels, pig irons, and cast irons. Non-ferrous metals are a metal class with little to no iron in its chemical composition. Common types of non-ferrous metals include aluminum, copper, brass, magnesium, nickel, titanium, and zirconium alloys.

See our pricing page, in English or Spanish, for the most current rates. We can also text you regarding price changes. You can join our group by texting 773.778.3000. Or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter for up-to-date market information.

You can find our public hours and locations here.

• Pull over the scale and weigh vehicle in full for gross weight
• Provide valid ID, if a new customer, or full name if returning customer
• Unload vehicle in designated area
• Load will be graded by BL Duke Team Member
• Pull over the scale and weigh in empty for tare weight
• Park your vehicle. Walk to Scale House. Scale clerk will provide a printed weight ticket with load value.
• Scan weight bar-code at ATM machine. Leave with cash in hand.

Payment is provided in the form of cash, with a valid ID.  BL Duke facilities are equipped with secure ATMs.

Yes. If the load is heavy, we will use a forklift or grapple to unload. BL Duke, however, is not responsible for any damage done to your vehicle.

Yes, the scale monitor is visible to the public.

Yes, we require a hard hat, protective eyewear, safety vests, gloves, and protective footwear.

BL Duke uses high-tech instruments that have the capability to read alloys by scanning material.

We do not purchase cars, trucks, or motorcycles. We do not purchase parts that include VIN numbers from vehicle, motorcycle or cars.

No, we do not sell any material or parts to the public.

We do not accept tires. If tires are attached to frames, a weight deduction will be taken.

Insulated copper wire is graded upon receipt based on the estimated copper recovery. Full recoveries can also be given upon request.

Unfortunately, we do not pick-up material from residential neighborhoods. You’re welcome to deliver to our Joliet or Forest View facilities. See our hours and locations.