Aluminium Scrap Prices
Aluminium appears in almost every home and job site — but not all aluminium is worth the same. Extruded window frames, cast engine parts, sheet metal, and cans all carry different grades and prices. Sorting before you sell puts more money in your pocket.
2.70 g/cm³
LME Al
Sheet, extrusion, cast, cans
Aluminium Grades & Prices
Per kilogram, CAD| Grade | Price Range ($/kg) |
|---|---|
| Extruded Aluminium Clean aluminium extrusions like window frames, door frames, heat sinks, and structural profiles. | $1.80/kg – $2.10/kg |
| Cast Aluminium Aluminium that has been poured into moulds — engine blocks, transmission housings, and cookware. | $1.40/kg – $1.70/kg |
| Aluminium Cans Used aluminium beverage cans, ideally crushed and clean. | $1.20/kg – $1.50/kg |
| Aluminium Rims Aluminium alloy car and truck wheels. | $1.50/kg – $1.90/kg |
Click any grade name to see identification tips and what lowers the value.
About Aluminium
Aluminium (also spelled aluminum) is one of Canada's most recycled metals. Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and infinitely recyclable, it turns up in everything from beverage cans to aircraft components.
Primary use: Vehicles, packaging, construction
Common Sources of Aluminium
Aluminium is found in beverage cans, window and door frames, car wheels and rims, cast engine blocks and heads, cookware, roofing sheets, gutters, commercial ladders, and marine hulls.
How to Get More for Your Aluminium
Sort by alloy type: clean extruded aluminium (frames, profiles), cast aluminium (engine parts), sheet aluminium, rims, and cans all pay different rates. Remove steel fasteners, bolts, and non-metallic attachments. Drain automotive parts of oil and coolant.
Aluminium Prices by City
Prices vary between cities based on local supply, demand, and yard overhead. Click a city to see local rates and available yards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is scrap aluminium worth in Canada?
Aluminium prices vary significantly by grade. Clean extruded aluminium (window frames, door profiles) pays more than cast alloy (engine parts), which pays more than drink cans. Rims typically pay at the extruded or cast rate depending on alloy. Check the Price Index for current rates by grade.
Are aluminium drink cans worth taking to a scrap yard?
Yes — aluminium cans are 100% recyclable and every yard buys them. The price per kg is lower than other grades, so it's worth collecting in bulk. A large bag of crushed cans can add up to a meaningful payout over time.
What is the difference between cast and extruded aluminium?
Extruded aluminium is produced by pressing through a die to make profiles (window frames, door frames, structural shapes). Cast aluminium is poured into moulds and includes engine blocks, cookware, and marine parts. Cast alloys typically contain more silicon and other additives, which slightly affects their value versus extruded.
How do I identify aluminium vs other metals?
Aluminium is very light for its size, non-magnetic, and will not rust. A simple magnet test rules out steel. It's typically silver-grey with a dull or slightly matte finish. It is much lighter than copper, brass, or lead at the same volume.
Do I need to remove steel bolts or inserts before selling aluminium?
Yes, if possible. Steel contamination pushes aluminium into a lower mixed grade. Removing visible steel fasteners and bolts takes only a few minutes and can meaningfully increase the rate you're offered per kilogram.
Quick Facts
- Density
- 2.70 g/cm³
- Market Code
- LME Al
- Common Forms
- Sheet, extrusion, cast, cans
- Primary Use
- Vehicles, packaging, construction