What Are the Different Types of Aluminum Scrap?
Aluminum is one of the most commonly scrapped metals, found in everything from soda cans to aircraft parts. While all aluminum might look similar, scrap yards classify and price it based on type and alloy composition. Understanding how to sort and separate aluminum scrap can help you maximize your earnings when selling it.
Below, we break down the most common types of aluminum scrap, where to find them, and how to get the best price at your local scrap yard.
Common Types of Aluminum Scrap
- Sheet Aluminum—This category includes materials like lawn chairs (without the webbing), lighter gauge pots and pans, window frames with small amounts of plastic or steel attached, and jacketing from MC cable.
- Cast Aluminum—This is aluminum that looks to have been poured into a mold—something like a BBQ grill, molds for specific applications, or larger light pole bases.
- Dirty Aluminum—This would be anything with steel, rubber, or plastic attached. If steel bolts are going through something, we would also classify this as dirty. When scrap yards see any non-aluminum material mixed in with the “clean” aluminum you are trying to sell, it is difficult to get clean prices.
- Aluminum Cans—Aluminum cans are one of the more common items brought to scrap yards. With the abundant availability of soda and food cans, many people clean out, crush, and collect cans before bringing them to a yard. Be sure to call your yard for pricing.
- Aluminum Gutters/Siding—Mainly collected by general contractors and roofers, aluminum gutters and siding are common types of aluminum that end up in the scrap yard. With many people opting for vinyl siding, residential buildings have less aluminum.
- Aluminum Wire—When pulling out cables and stripping wires, you may find wires you first assume will be copper, but instead, they are silver in color. As long as they are not magnetic, these will be aluminum wire. Be sure to sort through and separate these wires from copper.
- Aluminum Rims—Common to automobiles and trucks, aluminum rims are another type of aluminum scrap that should be sorted. Remove any rubber tires and Lead Wheel Weights from them to maximize profit.
Suggested Reading: Best Handheld Wire Strippers
Grades of Aluminum Scrap & Their Value
Beyond aluminum type, scrap yards may also classify aluminum by alloy grade, which impacts its strength, corrosion resistance, and price.
Aluminum Alloy Series Breakdown:
- 1xxx Series: 99% pure aluminum—highest scrap value (used in electrical wiring, food packaging).
- 2xxx Series: Alloyed with copper—standard in aircraft parts.
- 3xxx Series: Alloyed with manganese—found in cookware, heat exchangers.
- 4xxx Series: Alloyed with silicon—used for automotive structural parts.
- 5xxx Series: Alloyed with magnesium—standard in marine and storage tanks.
- 6xxx Series: Alloyed with magnesium & silicon—used in automotive, bicycles, and electronics.
- 7xxx Series: Alloyed with zinc—the strongest aluminum, found in aircraft components.
Maximizing Your Aluminum Scrap Profits
Scrap yards pay different prices based on how clean and well-sorted your aluminum is. Here’s how to ensure you get the best rates:
- Remove all non-aluminum materials (screws, plastic, rubber)
- Sort by type (sheet aluminum, cast aluminum, wire, rims)
- Separate alloys (1xxx, 2xxx, 6xxx, etc.) if your yard pays differently for them
- Check local scrap prices before hauling your load.
By taking these extra steps, you can boost your aluminum scrap earnings and maximize your materials.