Scrap Aluminum Grades Explained: Canada Price Guide
Key Takeaway
Not all aluminum pays the same. Extruded, cast, cans, and rims all have different values. Here's how to tell them apart.
Aluminum is Canada's second-most-recycled metal after steel, but its value varies dramatically by grade.
Extruded Aluminum
The top non-cast aluminum grade. Window frames, door frames, curtain wall profiles, heat sinks, and architectural sections are all extruded aluminum. It's usually silver, straight-profiled, and relatively clean. This is the highest-value aluminum grade at most yards.
Cast Aluminum
Engine blocks, transmission housings, lawn mower decks, and cookware are cast aluminum. 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.
Aluminum Rims
Alloy car wheels are a specific cast aluminum form that yards buy separately. Remove the tires first — most yards won't accept rims with tires still on.
Aluminum Cans
Drink cans are 100% aluminum but pay the least per kg due to their thin gauge and mixed alloy content. Still worth selling in bulk.
Sheet Aluminum
Flat aluminum sheet from roofing, gutters, and signage varies in grade depending on alloy and contamination. Clean roofing sheet typically pays extruded-adjacent prices.
Identifying aluminum
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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