Aluminium Recycling
Aluminium is the second largest recycled metal in the world.
Aluminium, as with most metal products is never found to be 100% pure. Most consumer metal products are alloyed to match an industry precision that defines hardness, texture and strength. The alloy varies from product to product. Although you will find hundreds of different aluminium products, less than 50 common recycling terms exist. Purity and demand will determine the price given for each aluminium product.
Aluminium Cast. Cast aluminium can be produced using several different casting processes that include sand, permanent mould and die. Common products will be found with engine parts, transmissions as well as other not so common products. Cast can be bought as clean as long as all foreign material has been removed.
Aluminium Old Rolled. This category is for almost all alloys of sheet aluminium that have been used in fabrication. 1% foreign contamination is allowable.
Clean Aluminium Extrusion. Aluminium extrusions will commonly be found in the alloys of 6063 and 6082; Common uses include ladders,and window and door frames.
Aluminium Radiators. You will find an aluminium radiator in most modern cars. These are purchased for recycling with or without the plastic ends, of course increasing the value by removing the plastic.
Aluminium Wheels. Usually cast from 1 or 2 HIGH grade alloy and found on most modern cars.
Loose Aluminium Swarf / Baled Aluminium Swarf / Briquettes. Turnings or shavings are usually found at machine shops and left after drilling holes into a block or sheet of aluminium. These turnings have less value than aluminium sheet because recovery is less in the melting processes and also more likely to be contaminated with oil used for cooling the drilling tools.
Briquettes
Loose Turnings/Swarf