What Are the Different Types of Aluminum Scrap?
When scrapping, aluminum is one of the most versatile materials you’ll come across. While several materials can be classified as “aluminum,” scrap yards sort and price them differently based on their type. Knowing how to identify and categorize aluminum scrap can help you earn the best rates at the scale. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of aluminum scrap.
Suggested Reading: Best Handheld Wire Strippers
IRWIN VISE-GRIP Wire Stripper
$25.99
$19.99
Buy Now
2 inch Jaw, Cuts 10-24 AWG, ProTouch Grip for Maximum Comfort
- Self-adjusting
- Adjustable Stopper, Crimping and Stripping
We earn a commission when you buy, with no additional cost.
12/13/2024 01:51 am GMT
- 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. To maximize profit, remove any rubber tires and Lead Wheel Weights from them.
Maximizing Aluminum Scrap Prices
Prices for aluminum scrap vary depending on how “clean” the material is. For instance, aluminum with contaminants or attached materials may sell for half—or even less—of the clean price. To get the best rates:
- Remove all non-aluminum materials.
- Sort your aluminum by type.
- Contact your local scrap yard to confirm their pricing and sorting policies.
You can significantly boost your aluminum scrap earnings by staying organized and doing a little prep work.
