Aluminium Scrap Prices in the UK: Why There Is Such a Wide Spread
Aluminium scrap prices in the UK can vary from £0.30/kg for mixed low-grade material to over £1.20/kg for clean extruded sections. The spread comes down to alloy and contamination.
Aluminium scrap prices in the UK can vary from less than £0.30/kg for mixed low-grade material to over £1.20/kg for clean extruded sections.
The Main UK Aluminium Grades
**Extruded aluminium (6000-series alloys):** Window frames, door frames, structural sections, heat sinks. High-purity, consistent alloy. Attracts the best price — currently £0.90–£1.20/kg for clean sorted material.
**Cast aluminium:** Engine blocks, gearbox casings, manifolds. Dense, but contains various impurities. Mid-tier pricing, currently £0.50–£0.80/kg.
**Aluminium sheet:** Thin-gauge sheet from vehicle bodywork, building cladding, or packaging. Typically £0.50–0.80/kg.
**Mixed aluminium:** A combination of grades. Will be priced at or near the lowest grade in the mix.
The Contamination Factor
Aluminium mixed with steel fixings, plastic fittings, or rubber seals is heavily discounted. Sort aluminium carefully before visiting a yard to maintain the highest grade possible.