How Much Is Aluminum Per Pound At The Scrapyard?
Aluminum is one of the most valuable and widely recycled non-ferrous metals globally, including in Canada. If you are willing to sell or buy aluminum from a Scrapyard or Auto Recycling Center, you should be aware of the current scrap aluminum price. In this detailed guide, we will explore the current market rates for aluminum per pound at scrapyards, what factors affect those prices, and how to get the best return.
Scrap Aluminum Price Per Pound
In the Canadian scrap market, the scrap aluminum price ranges roughly from $0.25 to $1.40 per pound for most everyday aluminum scrap. However, the value of aluminum scrap can vary widely by type or grade, local market conditions, and various other factors.
Prices by common aluminum types
The following are the rates the Canadian facilities, like scrap yards or recycling centers, are offering:
- Clean extruded aluminum, due to its purity and recyclability, has a higher value and is priced at $0.80 – $1.20.
- Aluminum wheels/rims are primarily found in auto components, priced at approximately $0.95 β $1.15 per pound. This type of aluminum typically contains dirt, paint, or steel inserts, which slightly reduces the price.
- Aluminum sheet (clean & sorted) has the value between $0.70 and $1.00 per lb.
- Dirty or mixed aluminum typically has the lowest value and is often priced below $0.55 per pound (sometimes much lower).
Note: The rates of scrap metals can fluctuate daily; for accurate pricing, contact the local facilities or check the guide on current aluminum prices.
Factors Influencing Aluminum Prices
Here are some common factors that directly or indirectly influence the price of aluminum in Canada:
- Grade, quality, and condition
- Supply and demand
- Global market conditions
- Economic factors
- Government policies
- Regional differences
- Volume you bring in
Tips to Get Paid More
To get the best price for your aluminum scrap, follow our tips:
- Clean Your Aluminum: Always ensure the aluminum is free of contaminants. Clean aluminum will fetch a higher price because it saves on the labour costs of a scrapyard or recycling center.
- Check Multiple Scrapyards: Contact different scrapyards and compare prices to find the best facility to work with.Β
- Keep an Eye on Market Trends: Monitor current market trends and aluminum prices to stay informed about the latest developments in the market. You can visit various online portals, apps, and local recycling centers to get an idea about the trends.Β
- Always Sell in Bulk: If you have a large amount of aluminum, don’t try to sell it in small quantities; always try to sell it in bulk. Some scrapyards might offer a higher price for the metal due to the large volume that you’re selling.
Aluminum scrap prices fluctuate based on several factors. It’s recommended that you check the expected rates of aluminum per pound at the scrapyard so that you can sell or buy this scrap metal with confidence.

