How Much Is Aluminum Scrap Going For?

Aluminum is a widely recycled material with inherent value in the scrap market, making it an important commodity for individuals and industries. Recycling aluminum conserves significant energy compared to producing new metal, highlighting its environmental and economic importance. Understanding the factors that determine its worth can help maximize returns. Its fluctuating value is influenced by market dynamics and specific material characteristics.

Current Aluminum Scrap Prices

The value of aluminum scrap varies significantly by type and market conditions. Common aluminum cans range from $0.25 to $0.55 per pound. Cast aluminum fetches between $0.45 and $0.68 per pound. Extruded aluminum, found in window frames and structural tubing, commands higher prices, from $0.70 to $1.10 per pound. Sheet aluminum typically sells for $0.50 to $0.70 per pound.

Prices are dynamic and can fluctuate by 10-15% monthly. Local market conditions, transportation costs, and proximity to recycling facilities contribute to regional differences. For accurate pricing, contact local scrap yards directly or check their websites. Digital platforms and mobile applications also provide real-time price information and help compare rates.

Factors Affecting Aluminum Scrap Value

The purity and cleanliness of aluminum directly impact its price. Clean, contamination-free metal fetches higher rates. Contaminants like dirt, grease, paint, rust, or non-aluminum attachments such as steel screws, plastic, or rubber significantly reduce value. Removing these foreign materials before sale helps maximize profit.

The specific alloy type and physical form of the aluminum also affect its market price. Different aluminum alloys, like the 1xxx series (pure aluminum) versus 6061 or 7075 alloys, have varying values, with purer forms commanding higher prices. The form of the scrap, whether extrusions, sheet, cast aluminum, auto rims, or siding, affects its classification and pricing. Heavy aluminum plate and structural components are typically more valuable than lighter, painted aluminum or mixed breakage.

Broader economic forces also influence aluminum scrap prices. Global supply and demand dynamics are primary drivers; increased industrial activity in sectors like construction, automotive, aerospace, and electronics leads to higher demand and elevated prices for scrap metal. Economic indicators such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, industrial production rates, inflation, and interest rates correlate with scrap prices. Robust economic conditions generally lead to higher metal values. Supply chain factors, including transportation costs, international trade policies, and currency fluctuations, contribute to the overall price volatility in the global market.

Preparing Aluminum Scrap for Sale

Proper preparation of aluminum scrap can substantially increase its value. First, sort different types of aluminum. Separate aluminum cans from extrusions, and cast aluminum from sheet aluminum. A simple magnet test can help differentiate non-ferrous aluminum from ferrous metals, which are typically less valuable.

Beyond sorting by type, cleaning the material is important. This involves removing any non-aluminum attachments, such as steel screws, plastic components, rubber gaskets, or insulation, and cleaning off contaminants like dirt, grease, paint, or rust. For items like engine parts, ensuring all liquids and fluids are drained is necessary. If feasible and if the scrap yard offers differentiated pricing, separating aluminum by specific alloy can further maximize the payout. This preparation reduces the processing effort for the recycling facility, allowing them to offer a better price for the material.

Selling Aluminum Scrap

Once aluminum scrap is properly prepared, the next step involves finding a reputable local scrap yard or recycling center. It is beneficial to research several facilities in your area to compare their current rates and policies, as prices can vary between buyers. Some yards may offer more competitive prices for specific types of aluminum or for larger volumes of material. Establishing a relationship with local recyclers can lead to more favorable terms and smoother transactions over time.

The selling process at a scrap yard typically begins with material inspection, where yard staff examine the aluminum for purity, ensuring it is sorted correctly and free of contaminants. Following inspection, the material is weighed to determine the payout. Most scrap yards utilize large digital scales, often truck scales for larger loads or platform scales for smaller quantities. The weighing procedure usually involves recording the gross weight (vehicle plus scrap), then the tare weight (the empty vehicle or container), with the net weight (gross minus tare) being the basis for payment. Reputable recycling facilities use scales that are certified to meet state and national fair trade requirements, often indicated by a yearly certification from organizations like the National Conference on Weights and Measures, for accuracy and fairness.