How to Identify This Grade
Standard drink cans — non-magnetic, thin-walled, lightweight. Steel food cans are magnetic and worth much less.
Common Sources
Soft drink cans, beer cans, energy drink cans
What Lowers the Value
Steel food cans mixed in (check with a magnet — steel is magnetic, aluminum is not), plastic lids and labels left on, and food residue or liquid all lower the value. Cans baled with dirt or non-aluminum attachments are downgraded.
Common downgrade mistakes:
How This Compares to Other Aluminum Grades
All grades of Aluminum — ranked by typical payout. Click any grade to see details.
| Grade | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Aluminium Cans current | $1.26/kg – $1.56/kg |
| Extruded Aluminium Clean aluminium extrusions like window frames, door frames, heat sinks, and structural profiles. | $1.86/kg – $2.16/kg |
| Cast Aluminium Aluminium that has been poured into moulds — engine blocks, transmission housings, and cookware. | $1.46/kg – $1.76/kg |
| Aluminium Rims Aluminium alloy car and truck wheels. | $1.56/kg – $1.96/kg |
Price ranges are estimates. Actual yard payouts depend on grade purity, condition, and quantity.
Check City Prices
Local rates for Aluminum — click a city to see yard-by-yard breakdown.