Scrap Aluminium Grades Explained: Canada Price Guide
Key Takeaway
Not all aluminium pays the same. Extruded, cast, cans, and rims all have different values. Here's how to tell them apart.
Aluminium is Canada's second-most-recycled metal after steel, but its value varies dramatically by grade.
Extruded Aluminium
The top non-cast aluminium grade. Window frames, door frames, curtain wall profiles, heat sinks, and architectural sections are all extruded aluminium. It's usually silver, straight-profiled, and relatively clean. This is the highest-value aluminium grade at most yards.
Cast Aluminium
Engine blocks, transmission housings, lawn mower decks, and cookware are cast aluminium. It has a rougher, moulded surface and is heavier for its size than extrusions. Cast pays less than extruded because it contains higher alloy content.
Aluminium Rims
Alloy car wheels are a specific cast aluminium form that yards buy separately. Remove the tires first — most yards won't accept rims with tires still on.
Aluminium Cans
Drink cans are 100% aluminium but pay the least per kg due to their thin gauge and mixed alloy content. Still worth selling in bulk.
Sheet Aluminium
Flat aluminium sheet from roofing, gutters, and signage varies in grade depending on alloy and contamination. Clean roofing sheet typically pays extruded-adjacent prices.
Identifying aluminium
Non-magnetic. Light for its size. Silver-grey colour. Doesn't rust. A magnet test quickly distinguishes it from steel.
Estimate your haul value before heading to the yard.
Hours, materials, and payment info for yards near you.
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