How Much Is Aluminum Per Pound in Ohio?

Understanding the value of aluminum per pound involves navigating a dynamic market influenced by economic and material factors. This article clarifies how aluminum is priced, focusing on the scrap metal market in Ohio. The price of aluminum scrap is not static; it fluctuates daily based on global and local conditions, making it important to understand its underlying determinants.

Factors Influencing Aluminum Scrap Prices

The price of aluminum scrap is shaped by broad economic forces and market dynamics. Global supply and demand play a significant role; increased industrial production and construction activity drive up demand for metals, raising scrap prices. Conversely, a surplus of metal leads to lower prices. Economic indicators like Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth impact demand, as robust economic activity means higher consumption of aluminum in sectors like automotive, aerospace, and packaging.

Energy prices are a significant component, influencing production costs for new aluminum and scrap processing. High energy costs increase recycling expenses, affecting prices scrap yards pay. International trade policies and geopolitical events disrupt supply chains, influencing global market trends and causing price volatility. Tariffs or trade disputes alter aluminum flow, impacting regional prices.

Local market conditions in Ohio also determine the final price offered for aluminum scrap. Factors like industrial activity density, competing scrap yards, and transportation costs to processing facilities influence local rates. A higher concentration of industrial output might increase local supply, potentially affecting prices. Logistical costs for collecting and transporting scrap are factored into pricing.

Common Aluminum Scrap Types and Their Value

The type and condition of aluminum scrap determine its per-pound value. Scrap yards categorize aluminum based on purity, contamination levels, and ease of processing. Clean, unalloyed aluminum commands a higher price than mixed or contaminated materials. Contaminants like paint, steel, rubber, or plastic reduce worth, as additional processing is required to remove them.

Common aluminum scrap types include Used Beverage Cans (UBCs), widely collected and consistently priced due to their uniform composition. Aluminum siding and old sheet aluminum are common, though their value can be affected by coatings or attachments. Extruded aluminum, found in window and door frames, is valued highly when clean and free of other materials like glass or plastic.

Cast aluminum, found in automotive parts or grill components, has a different value due to its alloy composition and density. Aluminum wire, especially clean, bare wire, is among the most valuable forms of scrap. Scrap yards provide different pricing tiers for these types, with clean, sorted materials receiving rates from approximately $0.40 to $0.70 per pound for common types. Purer forms may fetch higher amounts.

How to Find Current Aluminum Scrap Prices in Ohio

To find the current per-pound price for aluminum scrap in Ohio, direct communication with local scrap metal recycling centers is most effective. Prices change daily, making real-time inquiries essential for accurate information. Call multiple scrap yards to compare rates, as prices vary between different facilities and locations within the state.

When contacting a scrap yard, describe the specific type and estimated quantity of aluminum scrap. Clearly distinguishing between aluminum cans, clean extrusions, or painted siding helps the yard provide a precise quote. Some yards may also inquire about non-aluminum attachments or contaminants. Many scrap yards list general price ranges online, but these often represent averages or ideal conditions and are subject to change.

Online resources and industry publications offer a general overview of market trends and average prices in Ohio. These platforms provide state or regional averages, but should be used as a guide, not a definitive quote. The final price is determined upon inspection and verification of the material’s grade, cleanliness, and the yard’s current inventory needs.

The value of aluminum per pound is not a fixed figure but a dynamic market price, especially when dealing with scrap aluminum. This article clarifies how these prices are determined, focusing on the market in Ohio. Understanding the factors that influence these fluctuations is key to comprehending the overall pricing structure.

Factors Influencing Aluminum Scrap Prices

The price of aluminum scrap is shaped by global and local economic forces. Global commodity markets, particularly the London Metal Exchange (LME), set benchmark prices for primary aluminum, influencing scrap values. Supply and demand dynamics are fundamental; high demand from industries like automotive, aerospace, and construction can increase prices, while a surplus of aluminum can lead to decreases. Economic indicators like Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth also play a part, as robust economic activity means higher consumption and demand for metals.

Energy prices significantly impact the cost of new aluminum production and recycling, affecting scrap prices. Fluctuations in fossil fuel costs and shifts towards alternative energy sources can alter production costs. International trade policies and geopolitical events can introduce volatility by disrupting supply chains, influencing global market trends. These broader economic conditions create the underlying price movements in the scrap market.

Local market conditions in Ohio also contribute to the final price offered for aluminum scrap. Industrial activity level, the number of scrap yards, and transportation costs to processing facilities influence local rates. A region with high manufacturing output may generate more scrap, potentially affecting local supply and demand. Logistical expenses for collecting and transporting scrap are factored into pricing.

Common Aluminum Scrap Types and Their Value

The type and condition of aluminum scrap determine its per-pound value. Scrap yards categorize aluminum based on purity, contamination levels, and ease of processing. Cleaner, less contaminated aluminum fetches a higher price because it requires less effort to reprocess. Contaminants like steel, rubber, plastic, or paint reduce worth, as they must be removed before recycling.

Common aluminum scrap types include Used Beverage Cans (UBCs), widely collected and consistently priced due to their uniform composition. Aluminum siding and old sheet aluminum are frequently recycled, though their value can vary depending on whether they are clean or contain attachments. Aluminum extrusions, found in window and door frames or other structural components, are valued highly, especially when they are free of foreign materials.

Cast aluminum, found in auto parts or cooking utensils, has a different alloy composition and density, which affects its price. Aluminum wire, particularly clean, bare wire, often commands a premium due to its high purity. Prices for common aluminum scrap types in Ohio range from approximately $0.40 to $0.70 per pound for clean materials. Less pure forms or those with high contamination might be lower, sometimes as low as $0.04 per pound for specific types like aluminum shavings.

How to Find Current Aluminum Scrap Prices in Ohio

To determine the current per-pound price for aluminum scrap in Ohio, direct contact with local scrap metal recycling centers is most effective. Prices are subject to daily fluctuations, making real-time inquiries important for accurate information. Contact several scrap yards to compare their offerings, as rates can differ significantly between facilities across the state.

When calling a scrap yard, clearly describe the specific type and estimated quantity of aluminum scrap. Specifying if it is clean aluminum cans, painted aluminum siding, or extruded aluminum helps the yard provide a more precise quote. Some yards may also inquire about non-aluminum attachments or contaminants, which can affect the material’s value.

Online resources and industry publications offer a general overview of market trends and average prices in Ohio. These should be considered estimates. Such platforms may provide state or regional averages, but they do not guarantee the price you will receive. The final price is determined by the scrap yard upon physical inspection and verification of the material’s grade and cleanliness.