Aluminum is one of the most widely used metals in manufacturing — and one of the most valuable to recycle. Strong, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant, aluminum plays a role in everything from packaging to aerospace engineering. But when production processes generate scrap, that leftover material isn’t waste — it’s a resource.

Understanding the different types of industrial scrap aluminum can help manufacturers, fabricators, and other commercial operations maximize recycling value, reduce waste disposal costs, and support sustainability goals.

Why Sorting Aluminum Scrap Matters

Not all aluminum is created equal. Different alloys, coatings, and manufacturing processes can affect an aluminum scrap’s value and recyclability. By knowing the types, you can:

• Get higher payouts from scrap buyers.
• Streamline recycling processes in your facility.
• Reduce contamination in recycling streams.
• Support environmental compliance and sustainability goals.

The Main Types of Industrial Scrap Aluminum

Industrial scrap aluminum can be divided into several categories. Here’s an overview of the most common types found in manufacturing and commercial operations.

Aluminum Sheet Scrap

What it is: Flat, thin aluminum sheets often used in manufacturing signs, siding, or vehicle bodies.
Where it’s found: Sheet metal fabrication shops, automotive manufacturing, and construction.
Recycling note: Clean, unpainted sheets typically bring higher prices. Painted or coated sheets may require extra processing.

Aluminum Extrusions

What it is: Aluminum shaped by pushing it through a die to create long, uniform profiles.
Where it’s found: Window and door frames, curtain walls, conveyor systems, and industrial frameworks.
Recycling note: Bare extrusions (free of paint, plastic, or attachments) are considered premium scrap. Coated or anodized extrusions can still be recycled but may yield slightly lower returns.

Cast Aluminum

What it is: Aluminum shaped by pouring molten metal into molds, often containing small amounts of other metals.
Where it’s found: Engine components, machinery parts, and manufacturing molds.
Recycling note: Cast aluminum is durable but often alloyed with other metals, so separation is important before recycling.

Aluminum Turnings and Borings

What it is: Small shavings, chips, or curls produced during machining or drilling.
Where it’s found: CNC machining operations, metal fabrication, aerospace and automotive parts production.
Recycling note: Turnings are prone to contamination from cutting fluids, so they must be handled and stored properly to maintain value.

Aluminum Wire and Cable Scrap

What it is: Electrical wire or cable with an aluminum core.
Where it’s found: Electrical manufacturing, utility companies, and construction sites.
Recycling note: Wire should be stripped of insulation for the best value. Insulated wire can still be recycled but may be processed at a lower rate.

Aluminum Foil and Packaging Scrap

What it is: Thin aluminum sheets used for packaging and insulation.
Where it’s found: Food and beverage production, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and insulation fabrication.
Recycling note: Must be clean and free of food residue or adhesives to be accepted by most scrap buyers.

Painted, Coated, or Anodized Aluminum

What it is: Aluminum treated for corrosion resistance or aesthetic purposes.
Where it’s found: Architectural panels, outdoor signage, and equipment casings.
Recycling note: These coatings are removable during processing, but clean aluminum without coatings generally has a higher market value.

Frequently Asked Questions About Industrial Scrap Aluminum

How is industrial scrap aluminum priced?

Prices are based on aluminum grade, cleanliness, weight, and current market demand. Higher purity aluminum typically commands higher prices.

Can mixed aluminum scrap be recycled?

Yes, but mixed loads often bring a lower price since they require additional sorting. Keeping different aluminum types separated is more profitable.

How should aluminum scrap be stored?

Store it indoors or under cover to prevent contamination from dirt, moisture, or oils. Keep different grades separated in labeled containers or bins.

What’s the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous scrap?

Aluminum is non-ferrous, meaning it contains no iron. Non-ferrous metals, including aluminum, copper, and brass, generally have higher recycling value.

Best Practices for Recycling Industrial Aluminum Scrap

• Separate by type – Keep extrusions, cast, sheet, and turnings in separate bins.
• Remove contaminants – Strip insulation from wire, remove steel fasteners, and clean off oils or debris.
• Work with a trusted recycler – Partner with a scrap metal recycler experienced in handling large volumes of industrial aluminum.
• Track your scrap output – Monitoring quantities can reveal opportunities to reduce waste and improve efficiency.

Key Takeaways

• Aluminum scrap comes in many forms, each with its own recycling value and processing requirements.
• Separating and cleaning aluminum before recycling can significantly increase returns.
• Manufacturers can benefit financially and environmentally by working with a professional scrap metal recycler.

Partner with Greenway Metal Recycling for Maximum Value

At Greenway Metal Recycling, we help manufacturers and commercial operations turn aluminum scrap into profit while supporting sustainable manufacturing practices. Our team provides fast, transparent pricing, reliable pickups, and expert sorting to ensure you get the most value from your scrap.

Whether you have truckloads of extrusions or bins of turnings, we make the process efficient, compliant, and profitable.

Contact us today to schedule a pickup or request a quote — and turn your industrial aluminum scrap into a revenue stream.