Recycling aluminium scrap can be the best way to earn extra money and save the planet. As a tradesperson, business owner or disposing of some old materials, knowing the price of aluminium scrap, not to mention the numerous variables that affect the price of aluminium scrap can help you strike a better deal! This guide will explain all you will ever need in regards to what you need to know about the prices of all the various scrap of aluminium as well as the returns you can get most out of it!
What Is Aluminium Scrap
Recycled aluminium scrap-The recycled aluminium scrap consists of any remaining scrap of the aluminium metal. Aluminium scrap can occur in a variety of ways, including;
Aluminium cans – typically from household or commercial rubbish
Extrusions – used in constructions and window frames or door frames
Aluminium sheet metal – from roofing, signage and cladding.
Rims and wheels – which can come from vehicles and also machinery
Mixed aluminium scrap – may come from different types of aluminium.
It is really important to sort your aluminium scrap properly as clean and sorted scrap can attract a better price.
Current Overview of Aluminium Scrap Price
There is a lot of variability with aluminium scrap price, but here is a general guide of what to expect:
Prices generally range between $1.00 - $2.00 per kilogram depending on the type and quality of the scrap aluminium.
Prices do vary regionally, meaning the price may vary a little in different cities (for example, Melbourne price previous to Sydney or Brisbane).
Prices fluctuate based on market trends - for example, if demand
Main Variables that Affect Aluminium Scrap Price
Your aluminium scrap price is determined by a number of factors:
Purity and Cleanliness
Things that can reduce the value of the scrap include paint, screws and plastic. Cleaner, sorted aluminium can bring you better rates.
Type of Aluminium & Grade
Extruded aluminium can often command a higher price than mixed scrap.
Some types and grades of aluminium would be treated more preferentially in the recycling process due to it being easier to recycle.
Global Supply and Demand
Aluminium is bought and sold globally. Scrap prices will be determined by what is happening in the marketplace.
Matters such as trade regulations of aluminum and demand of commodities, can and do influence prices.
Volume and Weight
Selling larger quantities of material will usually give you better rates per kilo.
Smaller quantities of aluminium maybe have a lesser price.
Local Market Demand
Prices can be affected by how in demand the scrap items are in your local area, and the boundary date recycling facilities impose in selling scrapped, processed, unused materials.
Proximity to recycling plants can affect how much a buyer may offer you.
How Aluminium Scrap Prices are Determined
You would have noticed that general scrap yards or recycling facilities, take their pricing on scrap materials from what the global commodity markets offer. Scrap aluminium prices change every day, and even hourly when trading:
Changes in the stock market.
Changes in the manufacturing and industrial sector.
Changes in trade tariffs and regulations internationally.
Most credible buyers of scrap, will give you the current pricing and updates in real time.
Where to Check Aluminium Scrap Price
Before you sell your scrap, it makes sense to find out what the scrap yard is currently paying:
Online price listing: Some scrap yards update daily prices on their websites.
Local scrap yards: Call, or visit a few scrap yards to see what rates they are offering.
Trust website: Some businesses like Fast Copper Scrap will offer current pricing as well as a fair deal.
Ways to Improve Your Scrap Price for Aluminium
Here are a few simple ways to help maximize the amount of money you can get each time you sell your scrap:
Sorting and cleaning contaminates from your scrap is valuable.
Separate all different types of aluminium rather than putting it all in the same bin.
Sell your scrap in bulk to take advantage of volume pricing.
Continue to follow the daily market prices then sell your scrap when you see rates that suit you.
Develop good relationships with reputable scrap buyers that are transparent in their pricing and provide reliable service.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Be sure to avoid common mistakes which can significantly lower the amount of profit you can get from selling your scrap. These mistakes include:
Putting aluminium in with other metals.
Selling your scrap without checking current market prices.
Using unlicensed or non-reputable scrap dealers.
Not properly weighing.
Financial and environmental advantages of recycling aluminium
Recycling of aluminium does not only come with advantages that are cost effective on your side but also environmental competitive:
Conserves up to 95 percent of energy compared to manufacture of new aluminium.
Helps to reduce pollution and decrease the landfill waste.
Assists in promoting green-manufacturing and the circular economy.
Conclusion
It is also important to be conversant with the aluminium scrap price and the things which are likely to drive it so that you have a better choice to make when selling aluminium scrap. You can establish good results by cleaning up and sorting your aluminium, keeping abreast of the market vagaries, dealing with the right dealers and you can achieve maximum returns by benefiting the environment.