Wondering what types of aluminum scrap earn the most money? Whether you’re sorting cans, window frames, or auto parts, knowing the difference between clean and dirty aluminum — and how to separate them — is key to getting top dollar at the scrap yard.
Below is a complete guide to the most common types of aluminum scrap, how to tell if it’s clean or dirty, and what you can do to boost your payout every time you sell.
What Are the Main Types of Aluminum Scrap?
Scrap yards pay different prices for aluminum depending on type, alloy, and cleanliness. Here are the most common categories:
- Sheet Aluminum
- Common items: lawn chairs (without fabric), light pots/pans, window frames, MC cable jackets.
- Tip: Remove any steel screws or plastic before scrapping to improve grade.
- Cast Aluminum
- Identified by: molded shape, rough surfaces.
- Common items: BBQ grills, light pole bases, engine components.
- Aluminum Cans
- Ubiquitous and easy to collect.
- Tip: Clean and crush cans to save space and improve grade.
- Aluminum Gutters/Siding
- Often found in roofing/construction.
- Remove nails, paint, or vinyl attachments to maximize price.
- Aluminum Wire
- Found in home or industrial cables.
- Tip: If it’s non-magnetic and silver-colored, it’s likely aluminum, not copper. Strip insulation when possible.
- Aluminum Rims
- Found on cars/trucks.
- Remove tires and wheel weights to avoid downgrading.
What Is Clean Aluminum Scrap?
Clean aluminum is free of any non-aluminum materials — no plastic, rubber, paint, screws, or oils.
Examples of Clean Aluminum:
- Stripped aluminum wire
- Clean engine blocks (no oil or grease)
- Aluminum lawn chairs with fabric removed
- Window frames with glass and sealants removed
What Is Dirty Aluminum Scrap?
Dirty aluminum contains non-aluminum contaminants — like steel, rubber, wood, paint, or oil — which reduce its scrap value.
Common Dirty Aluminum Items:
- Aluminum cans: will have food residue and labels
- Insulated wire: plastic and/or rubber coatings
- Engine Blocks: Oil and grease
- Siding, extrusion or gutters: paint, caulk, glue, weather elements
Clean vs. Dirty Aluminum: At a Glance
| Feature | Clean Aluminum | Dirty Aluminum |
| Contaminants | None | Plastic, screws, paint, oil |
| Price per lb | Higher | Lower |
| Example | Stripped wire | Wire with insulation |
| Effort to Prepare | Higher | Minimal |
| Worth Cleaning? | Often yes | Depends on item |
Some yards accept small amounts of contamination (5–15%) and still pay clean prices. Call ahead and ask!
Grades of Aluminum Scrap (By Alloy Series)
Scrap yards may also grade aluminum by alloy series, which affects recyclability and value.
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.
How to Maximize 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.
