Understanding different grades of aluminium is crucial for maximising your recycling returns. Today’s market offers varying prices for different grades, making it essential to know what you’re selling. Whether
you’re a first-time seller or an experienced recycler, this guide will help you navigate the complex world of aluminium grades and ensure you get top dollar for your materials.
Understanding Aluminium Grades: The Basics
The value of your scrap aluminium depends primarily on three factors: purity levels (ranging from 96% to 99%), contamination, and processing requirements. Pure aluminium content significantly impacts value, with higher purity consistently commanding better prices. Contaminants like paint, steel fittings, or oil can substantially reduce worth, while materials requiring minimal processing always command better prices. Understanding these classifications isn’t just about getting better prices—it’s about contributing to efficient metal recovery processes.
High-Value Aluminium Grades
Premium Wire Scrap (TALON/TASSEL)
Clean wire (TALON) represents the highest value in the market, consisting of bare bright aluminium wire free from insulation. This category includes power transmission lines and clean telecommunications cable. While burnt wire (TASSEL) still holds significant value, it commands lower prices due to residual contamination and additional processing needs. The presence of any insulation or oxidation can impact the final price significantly.
Aluminium Extrusions
Think of aluminium extrusion like squeezing toothpaste through a tube—but with molten aluminium being forced through a die to create specific shapes. The 6063 extrusion grade (TATA) is widely used in commercial applications, while the stronger 6061/7075 grade (TUTU) comes from specialised sources. Common sources include:
- Commercial window and door frames
- Aircraft components and marine fittings
- Architectural elements and sign frameworks
- Heavy-duty structural materials and automotive frames
- Sheet aluminium products and specialised industrial components
The key to maximising value lies in proper separation and contamination removal. Keeping different grades apart and removing non-aluminium attachments can significantly boost your returns.
Mid-Tier Aluminium Grades
Sheet Aluminium (TAINT/TALE)
Clean sheet aluminium (TAINT) includes roofing materials, guttering, and signage panels. Painted sheet (TALE) commands lower prices due to processing requirements. Value depends on thickness consistency, coating presence, and overall cleanliness. Regular maintenance and proper storage can help preserve the material’s value before recycling.
Used Beverage Cans (TALC)
UBCs represent one of the most consistently recycled forms of aluminium, with established collection and processing systems nationwide. To achieve maximum value, ensure your materials are:
- Free from non-aluminium contaminants and foreign objects
- Clean and dry to prevent degradation
- Crushed when possible to optimise transport efficiency
- Separated from other grades to maintain purity
- Stored in covered areas to prevent weather damage
Most scrap yards offer better rates for significant quantities of pre-sorted UBCs, making them an excellent target for systematic collection efforts. Establishing regular collection schedules and proper storage systems can help maximise returns.
Entry-Level Aluminium Grades
Turnings and Mixed Grades
While less valuable, turnings from manufacturing processes and mixed grades still play an important role in the recycling ecosystem. Clean turnings (TEENS) include machine shop swarf, drilling residue, and manufacturing offcuts. Mixed grades encompass automotive components, household items, and general workshop scrap. Proper handling and storage can help maintain value even for these lower-grade materials.
Maximising Your Scrap Aluminium Value
Sorting Best Practices
Proper sorting significantly impacts your returns and helps establish you as a serious seller. Essential practices include:
- Maintaining separate storage areas for different grades
- Removing non-aluminium attachments and contaminants
- Keeping materials dry and covered to prevent degradation
- Preventing contamination from oils and chemicals
- Implementing clear labelling systems for different grades
Regular monitoring of market trends, building volume before selling, and developing relationships with reputable dealers can further optimise your returns. The effort invested in proper preparation and sorting directly affects your bottom line, with even small improvements leading to significant increases in value.
Ready to Sell Your Scrap Aluminium?
Metal Men Recycling makes selling scrap aluminium straightforward and profitable. With our streamlined weighing and payment process, you can turn your scrap into cash quickly and efficiently. Contact us at 03 5941 6677 or visit our website to learn more about our competitive pricing and professional service.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scrap Aluminium
Here are the most common questions we receive about aluminium recycling and grading:
Q: How Do I Identify Different Aluminium Grades Without Specialised Equipment?
A: Several simple tests can help you distinguish between grades:
- Check the weight (cast is typically heavier than sheet)
- Look for identifying marks or stamps
- Assess the material thickness and rigidity
- Consider the original application
- Use a magnet to test for steel contamination
Q: What’s the Price Difference Between Clean and Painted Aluminium Extrusions?
A: Clean extrusions typically command 15-30% higher prices than painted materials due to reduced processing requirements. This price gap makes paint removal worthwhile for larger quantities.
Q: Are Aluminium UBCs Worth Collecting Separately?
A: Absolutely! Used Beverage Cans (UBCs) are one of the most consistently priced scrap aluminium materials. Their standard composition and established recycling processes make them a reliable source of income when collected in volume.
Q: How Much Does Contamination Affect Scrap Metal Values?
A: Contamination can significantly impact value, potentially dropping material down several grade levels. Even small amounts of foreign materials can lead to:
- Reduced prices
- Grade reclassification
- Possible load rejection
- Additional processing costs
Q: What’s the Minimum Quantity Required for Premium Pricing?
A: While this varies by dealer, most scrap yards offer better rates for:
- Full ute loads
- Commercial quantities
- Regular supply arrangements
- Pre-sorted materials
Q: Should I Separate Different Alloys Like 6061 and 6063?
A: For larger quantities, separating these alloys is worthwhile. Aluminium scrap dealers often pay premium rates for properly sorted structural alloys, particularly for grades like 6061 and 7075 used in aerospace and high-end manufacturing.
