As one of the most valuable scrap metals on the market, aluminum is found in a wide range of consumer products and building materials. Because it’s relatively easy to recycle and extremely versatile, aluminum will usually fetch a higher price than ferrous metals like iron or alloys like tin and bronze. If you’re hunting for scrap metal or cleaning out the garage, be on the lookout for these common sources of aluminum.

5 Common Types of Aluminum Scrap

1. Sheet Aluminum

Products made out of flat sheets are extremely common, including everything from lighter-gauge pots and pans to lawn chairs. The trim on appliances and some auto body panels are also made from sheet aluminum.

2. Cast Aluminum

For sturdier products, manufacturers often pour aluminum into molds rather than pressing it into sheets. Barbecue grills are a common example, as are automotive parts and machine components.

3. Aluminum Cans

Up to 95% of all soft drinks and beer cans in the U.S. are made of aluminum, with approximately 100 billion produced every year. Crushed cans are fairly easy to store, so save them and bring them to a scrap metal recycler instead of throwing them away.

4. Aluminum House Cladding

While most houses feature stone facades or vinyl siding these days, you can still find a few covered in aluminum. Thanks to its corrosion-resistant properties, it is also used for roofing and gutters.

5. Dirty Aluminum

Aluminum is considered “dirty” if it’s mixed with any other type of material. If it has rubber or plastic attached or steel bolts running through it, the metal will require extra processing at the scrap yard.

As the area’s leader in scrap metal recycling, Metalico Rochester in New York offers a wide array of services and some of the most competitive prices in the industry. Their state-of-the-art facilities can take almost any type of aluminum, from barn doors to soda cans. Visit their website now to find your nearest location, and call (585) 436-0713 with any questions.