Aluminum Scrap Prices
Scrap aluminum in Canada is about $1.58/kg ($0.72/lb) on our national index as of November 10, 2026, calculated from the aluminum spot price. Extruded Aluminium ranges $1.73/kg to $2.01/kg. Yards set their own prices, so call ahead.
Aluminum appears in almost every home and job site — but not all aluminum is worth the same. Extruded window frames, cast engine parts, sheet metal, and cans all carry different grades and prices. Sorting before you sell puts more money in your pocket.
2.70 g/cm³
LME Al
Sheet, extrusion, cast, cans
Aluminum Grades & Prices
Per kilogram, CAD| Grade | Price Range ($/kg) |
|---|---|
| Extruded Aluminium Clean aluminium extrusions like window frames, door frames, heat sinks, and structural profiles. | $1.73/kg – $2.01/kg |
| Cast Aluminium Aluminium that has been poured into moulds — engine blocks, transmission housings, and cookware. | $1.35/kg – $1.63/kg |
| Aluminium Cans Used aluminium beverage cans, ideally crushed and clean. | $1.15/kg – $1.43/kg |
| Aluminium Rims Aluminium alloy car and truck wheels. | $1.43/kg – $1.81/kg |
Click any grade name to see identification tips and what lowers the value.
Where this price comes from
These are index estimates, not quotes from any scrap yard. Yards set their own buying prices, so call ahead.
| Figure | Value | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| National aluminum benchmark | $1.58/kg | Calculated: aluminum spot price × a fixed 40.7% ratio | November 10, 2026 |
| Aluminum spot price | $3.88/kg | Daily feed from MetalpriceAPI (metalpriceapi.com) | November 10, 2026 |
| Ratio | 40.7% | Set on August 23, 2026 so the index started at $1.65/kg, then held constant. Daily moves are capped at 12%. | August 23, 2026 |
| Grade ranges | per grade | Ranges set by this site, moved each day by the same percentage as the benchmark | November 10, 2026 |
Full method: how we calculate prices. Spot a mistake? Report it.
About Aluminum
Aluminum (also spelled aluminium) 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 Aluminum
Aluminum 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 Aluminum
Sort by alloy type: clean extruded aluminum (frames, profiles), cast aluminum (engine parts), sheet aluminum, rims, and cans all pay different rates. Remove steel fasteners, bolts, and non-metallic attachments. Drain automotive parts of oil and coolant.
Aluminum Prices by City
We have no city-level price source yet, so city pages show this national benchmark together with local selling notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is scrap aluminum worth in Canada?
Aluminum prices vary significantly by grade. Clean extruded aluminum (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 aluminum drink cans worth taking to a scrap yard?
Yes — aluminum 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 aluminum?
Extruded aluminum is produced by pressing through a die to make profiles (window frames, door frames, structural shapes). Cast aluminum 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 aluminum vs other metals?
Aluminum 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 aluminum?
Yes, if possible. Steel contamination pushes aluminum 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