How Much Is Aluminum Worth Per Pound?

Recycling aluminum offers environmental benefits and financial opportunities. Understanding the factors determining its value and how to prepare and sell it can significantly impact your return. The price of aluminum scrap fluctuates due to market dynamics, so staying informed is beneficial. This guide helps maximize your scrap’s value.

Understanding Aluminum Scrap Value

Aluminum scrap value per pound is not static; it changes based on global market forces and the aluminum’s characteristics. Prices for aluminum scrap in the United States can range broadly, from around $0.15 per pound for contaminated or “dirty” aluminum to over $1.00 per pound for clean, higher-grade forms like auto rims or extrusions. For instance, aluminum cans might fetch about $0.70 to $0.75 per pound, while clean sheet aluminum could be around $0.70 per pound.

Global supply and demand significantly influence price fluctuations, similar to any commodity. When industrial production, such as in the automotive or construction sectors, increases, the demand for aluminum rises, often leading to higher scrap prices. Conversely, a surplus of aluminum in the market or a downturn in industrial activity can cause prices to drop. Energy prices also affect the cost of producing new aluminum and processing scrap, influencing overall market value.

The purity and form of the aluminum are also determinants of its per-pound value. Clean, uncontaminated aluminum commands a higher price because it requires less processing before it can be re-melted and reused. Conversely, aluminum mixed with other metals, plastics, or materials, often termed “dirty” or “breakage,” yields a lower price due to additional sorting and cleaning required by the recycling facility. For example, aluminum breakage containing steel or other contaminants might be priced significantly lower than clean cast aluminum. Different forms of aluminum, such as beverage cans, extrusions (like window frames), cast aluminum (from car parts or grills), and wire, are categorized and priced differently based on their alloy composition and ease of recycling.

Identifying and Preparing Aluminum for Sale

Proper identification and preparation of aluminum scrap directly influence the price you receive. Common types of aluminum scrap encountered by individuals include beverage cans, window frames, siding, car parts, and aluminum foil. To distinguish aluminum from other metals, especially steel, use a magnet test: aluminum is non-magnetic, while steel is. Aluminum is also lighter and scratches more easily than steel.

Once identified, sorting aluminum by type is important because different forms and purities have varying values. Separating beverage cans from window extrusions or cast aluminum parts, for example, can prevent a lower overall payout. Contaminants like steel screws, plastic components, rubber, or excessive dirt and rust must be removed to increase the scrap’s value. Scrap yards pay less for mixed metals or materials that require them to perform extensive cleaning and sorting, as this adds to their processing costs.

Removing non-aluminum attachments, such as insulation from wires or rubber from aluminum rims, significantly improves the scrap’s quality and, consequently, its price. For example, stripping insulation from aluminum wire will yield a higher price for the bare aluminum. Ensuring that aluminum is clean and free of liquids or other foreign materials before transport also helps maximize its per-pound worth. This careful preparation reduces the labor and processing required by the buyer, allowing them to offer a better price for the material.

Finding Buyers and Maximizing Your Return

After preparing your aluminum scrap, locate suitable buyers and navigate the selling process for the best return. Local scrap metal yards and recycling centers are the primary buyers for aluminum scrap from individuals. You can often find these facilities through online searches or local directories. Before making a trip, it is advisable to call ahead to inquire about their current prices for the specific types of aluminum you have, as prices can fluctuate daily.

Upon arrival at a scrap yard, expect your materials to be weighed and inspected for contaminants. The facility will assess the cleanliness and type of aluminum to determine the final price per pound. Many recycling centers require sellers to present a valid, government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or state ID card, to comply with regulations aimed at preventing metal theft. You must be at least 18 years old to sell scrap metal.

Payment methods vary among scrap yards; some may offer cash for smaller transactions, while others issue checks or electronic payments, particularly for larger amounts. To maximize your return, always sell sorted and cleaned aluminum. Scrap yards pay a lower rate for mixed metals because of the additional effort required for separation. Building a relationship with a local scrap yard can also be beneficial, as regular customers might receive more competitive pricing or insights into demand for certain materials. Consider accumulating a larger volume of scrap before selling, as some facilities may offer better prices for bulk quantities.