Aluminum Recycling

What Is Aluminum Recycling?

Last reviewed by James Hartley on 01 April 2026

Aluminum Recycling is the process of collecting and processing used aluminum products into new materials and objects, reducing waste and conserving resources. This process saves up to 95% of the energy required to produce aluminum from raw bauxite ore according to the Aluminium Association.

Recycling aluminum cans makes a significant environmental impact by saving an estimated 95% of the energy needed compared to making aluminum from scratch. Every tonne of recycled aluminum reduces greenhouse gas emissions by about 10 tonnes CO2 equivalent, and it also cuts water usage significantly-around 40 gallons saved per pound of aluminum recycled.

According to the Consumer Technology Association, The average US household has 21 unused electronic devices.

Where to Recycle Aluminum

Aluminum Recycling can be done at curbside through your local recycling programme for cans. Other forms of aluminum are accepted at scrap yards. Buy-back centres, and bottle deposit centres in specific states like Michigan or California. For instance, the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association operates several bottle redemption facilities that pay a 10-cent refund per can.

How to Prepare Aluminum for Recycling

To prepare Aluminum Recycling, first remove any non-metallic parts such as plastic covers or rubber gaskets from aluminum products like window frames or gutters. Clean the items thoroughly by washing them with water and mild detergent to eliminate dirt and residues. Sort your aluminum cans separately from other forms of scrap aluminum like siding and sheet metal before delivery to the recycling centre.

What Is Aluminum Worth?

Aluminum Recycling pays differently based on the type of material: cans typically earn between $0.30 to $0.85 per pound, while sheets or siding are valued at around $0.15 to $0.40 a pound according to iScrap App and local yard boards. Prices fluctuate due to market demand but generally follow the trends set by global commodity prices.

According to the UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, The value of raw materials in global e-waste was estimated at $91 billion in 2022.

Environmental Impact

Recycling aluminum significantly reduces environmental impact by saving 95% of the energy required for primary production, which is approximately 132 million BTU per tonne. This translates into a reduction in CO2 emissions by about 10 tonnes per tonne of recycled aluminum compared to producing new aluminium from raw materials. Additionally, recycling one pound of aluminium saves roughly 40 gallons of water.

Safety and Regulations

When handling Aluminum Recycling, safety is important. While cans pose minimal risk, sheet or siding can have sharp edges that may cause cuts. Workers should wear gloves and long sleeves when sorting aluminum products to prevent injuries. Legal requirements vary by region; in the United States, 10 states have bottle deposit laws mandating a refund of $0.05 to $0.10 per can returned through programmes like Michigan's Bottle Bill.

Additional Tips for Recycling Aluminum

To maximise your earnings from Aluminium Recycling, ensure that you separate different types of aluminum and remove any non-metallic parts. Clean all items thoroughly before taking them to a recycling centre or scrap yard. Sorting by type also helps in getting the best prices-buy-back centres often pay more for clean. Sorted aluminium cans than mixed metal batches.

According to the World Economic Forum, e-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream globally.

For those interested in selling large quantities of aluminium scrap, visiting multiple local scrap yards and comparing their pricing can yield better returns. Websites like iScrap App provide up-to-date price information across different regions, helping you get the best deal possible.

Sources

• Consumer Technology Association
• UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024
• World Economic Forum