Angelenos create 979 tons of recyclable material every day. Beer cans from parties, dilapidated patio furniture and appliances are just part of the flotsam orbiting the city ready to be recycled.

Lily Alfonzo is a cashier at USA Recycle and metal yard. As she peers out through dirty windows partially shielded by black solid steel. She sees a post-apocalyptic wasteland guarded by a three-story yellow crane, constantly smashing discarded debris with its giant claws. The constant pounding, that she can handle.

But this afternoon, certain customers are driving her insane, as they try to get more money for what they’re metal is worth.

Reach Denise Guerra here or on Twitter here.