He’s known as “El Presidente” around the yard and if you get on his good side, Dov Dimant just might show the myriad of tools he’s assembled should a zombie apocalypse descend upon East Vancouver.
Indeed, Dimant is involved in heavy-duty work at Capital Salvage Metal and Recycling—but he emphasizes a light-hearted, community-based approach.
“I have a solid collection of medieval weaponry and I joke that I’m getting ready for the zombies to attack – I call it my zombie kit,” Dimant says with a laugh.
Established in 1992, Capital Salvage Metal and Recycling is a local, family-owned metal recycling facility that’s proudly grown alongside its surrounding East Vancouver community. The Capital Salvage team buys, sells, trades and recycles scrap metals including copper, aluminium, brass, steel, stainless steel, lead, zinc, insulated copper wire, catalytic converters and more.
Their clientele includes everyone from weekend warriors cleaning out their garage, to binners and tradespeople of all stripes: plumbers, electricians, construction and demolition crews, among others.
Part of the Capital Salvage promise is the company-wide belief in transparency and fairness, offering honest, competitive pricing while ensuring every customer is treated with respect. From first-timers to regulars, the team takes pride in creating a welcoming space where recycling isn’t just a transaction — it’s a partnership that makes a positive impact on both the environment and a client’s wallet.
Dov credits the success of Capital Salvage to the strong partnership he shares with his wife, Jen. For nearly 10 years, they’ve worked side by side to build a thriving business. Jen’s invaluable contributions have played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and its commitment to excellence. Together, their shared vision and dedication not only drive the business forward but also create a positive environment for their team and the surrounding community.
“It’s not just about making money, you have to do things in a responsible fashion,” Dimant says. “We’re looking after the land, the environment, our employees and the community around us.”
Capital Salvage offers a range of convenient pickup services for larger loads, along with an easy drop-off process at its facility on Triumph street in East Vancouver. Whether pickup or drop-off, commercial or residential, the team is dedicated to making the process simple, accessible and rewarding for everyone.
“Our mission is to guide you every step of the way, whether you want to earn some extra cash or learn the best ways to recycle,” Dimant says.
The company also offers a unique reward program that allows customers to earn points with every transaction, which can be redeemed in the form of gift card or tickets to see the Vancouver Canucks, Vancouver Whitecaps, Vancouver Warriors or the BC Lions.
That flair for customer buy-in extends to Capital Salvage’s exceedingly flexible schedule – open 362 days a year and only closed on Canada Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
And beyond the day-to-day rigours of the business, Capital Salvage also makes a concerted effort to give back: sponsoring local sports teams, fundraising for the less fortunate, donating to animal welfare groups and establishing a community garden on the property that’s available to everyone in the surrounding area.
“With some of the bigger companies, it’s cut and paste and it’s very corporate,” Dimant says. “Good luck trying to talk to a manager, let alone someone in ownership. With us, I am the owner and I think we’ve built a good reputation here.”
And if you’re feeling inspired by Dimant’s zombie kit, why not make your own? The public is welcome to stop by Capital Salvage and pick up everything they need to create their own DIY zombie kit or tackle their next recycling project.