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How to Recycle Aluminum Scraps

Aluminum is one of the most recycled materials used in industry and manufacturing. Recycling aluminum scrap is more efficient and cheaper than mining and processing new materials. According to Thomas Net, it takes only 5 percent of the energy to make aluminum can from recycled material as it does for new material. Recycling scrap aluminum can be done at home by the consumer or by industrial or small-time scrap collectors. By taking steps to prepare the aluminum scraps, industrial manufacturers and scrappers can maximize their profit from recycling.

Things You'll Need

  • Scrap aluminum
  • Scissors or knife
  • Collection Bin
  • Transportation
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Instructions

  1. Home recycling

    • 1

      Collect aluminum waste in your home. This can include beverage cans, aluminum foil, aluminum foil cookware pie tins or cans of pet food.

    • 2

      Clean the aluminum scrap. Clear food residue off of aluminum foil, pie tins and cookware. Use a knife or scissors to cut off any labels on food cans. Rinse residue out of aluminum beverage cans.

    • 3

      Throw the cleaned aluminum in a bin or container. If your neighborhood has curbside recycling, put the aluminum out on collection day. If curbside is not available, check if your community has drop-off locations for recycled scrap.

    • 4

      Collect aluminum beverage cans separately if your state has a deposit law. These can be returned to the store for the cost of the deposit.

    Industrial Recycling and Scrap

    • 5

      Contact local recycling firms to get quotes on aluminum recycling rates. Rates change based on market demand. Establishing a formal relationship with one scrap yard can often yield the best deals.

    • 6
      Scrap aluminum from manufacturing can be recycled.

      Collect and store scrap aluminum. Scrapping large amounts of material means fewer trips and more efficient use of resources. For industrial manufacturers, this can mean leftover scrap aluminum for the manufacturing process. Large containers should be used and secured to prevent theft. Local scrap yards may offer trucking services. For small scrap collectors, scrap should be saved in a secure location or storage unit to keep trips to the scrap yard efficient.

    • 7

      Clean scrap material of dirt and other material. Industrial customers using aluminum should keep aluminum in a container separate from other scrap or waste. Scrap collectors should strip aluminum from appliances and other items.

    • 8

      Separate aluminum from other scrap metals. Different metals yield different amounts based on the market prices. Separating material makes it easier for the scrap yard and gives you a higher price. Industrial customers should use separate containers for different metals. Small scrappers should make separate trips to the scrap yard for each metal type.

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