How to Identify This Grade
Irregular shape, often with visible casting marks or sand texture. Grey, rough surface. Heavier than extrusions for the same volume.
Common Sources
Engine blocks, transmission parts, lawn mower decks, cookware
What Lowers the Value
Embedded steel (bearings, bolts, iron cylinder sleeves in engine blocks) and heavy grease or oil lower the value. Cast with a lot of attached ferrous material is often priced as a lower 'irony aluminum' grade — remove steel where you can.
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 |
|---|---|
| Cast Aluminium current | $1.46/kg – $1.76/kg |
| Extruded Aluminium Clean aluminium extrusions like window frames, door frames, heat sinks, and structural profiles. | $1.86/kg – $2.16/kg |
| Aluminium Cans Used aluminium beverage cans, ideally crushed and clean. | $1.26/kg – $1.56/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.