How Can I Tell What Type of Aluminum I Have for Scrap Recycling?

Scrap metal recycling could potentially be a source of extra money. In addition to knowing what sort of aluminum you have wound up with, you will also need to to prepare that aluminum for proper recycling and maximum profit.

UBC

• Aluminum cans are usually thinly constructed and easily crushed. This aluminum falls under the category of UBC (used beverage cans). You can tell the aluminum is proper for recycling if there is no heavy corrosion present on the metal.

Other Accessible Forms

• For people who do not work in an industrial setting that produces aluminum, the other forms of immediately accessible aluminum are automotive aluminum, alumifoil and utensil scrap. Alumifoil, or aluminum foil as well as ordinary kitchen utensils made of aluminum can be reused in factories. If you find your aluminum in a vehicle, then that's automotive aluminum, especially if you find it in wheels, transmissions or radiators.

Industrial

• Industrial workers have access to different forms of scrap than the general public. Waste that occurs during production is usually called dross, while that used by electricians in the field for wiring purposes is labeled cable scrap. Any aluminum with a ferrous component is iron aluminum, and the ratio of its iron content is reflected in its resale value. You can typically tell if your aluminum is ferrous by seeing if it attracts a magnet.