Aluminum grade
Used beverage cans (UBC)
Soda and beer cans — their own category, and often worth more at a can-buyback than a general yard.
Where you'll find used beverage cans (ubc)
Recycling bins, events, workplaces, roadside collection.
How to identify it
Standard aluminum drink cans. Crushed or loose, they are priced by the pound. Aluminum is light, non-magnetic, and forms a dull white oxide rather than red rust — always confirm with the magnet test before you grade it.
Sorting & what downgrades it
Keep cans separate from sheet and cast — do not bury them in a mixed pile. Empty and dry pays best; in deposit states, redemption usually beats scrap price.
What it pays
Used beverage cans (UBC) runs indicatively around $0.50/lb — so 100 lb is roughly $50 at that example price. Aluminum is a volume game and rates move week to week, so the number that matters is your own yard's. Run it on the Scrap Lot Deal Analyzer, and use the Unit & Price Converters if your yard quotes $/kg or per tonne.
How used beverage cans (ubc) compares
Every common aluminum grade, ranked by indicative price (this grade is marked):
| Grade | Indicative $/lb | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum/copper radiators (Al/Cu) | ~$1.30 | Clean |
| Aluminum extrusion | ~$0.85 | Clean |
| Aluminum wheels (clean) | ~$0.70 | Clean |
| Sheet aluminum | ~$0.60 | Clean |
| Cast aluminum | ~$0.55 | Clean |
| Used beverage cans (UBC) ← this page | ~$0.50 | Clean |
| Dirty / irony aluminum | ~$0.30 | Dirty/irony |
Sources
- iScrap App: Aluminum Cans (UBC) grade
- Can & Bottle redemption vs scrap comparisons
Prices are indicative US yard figures for July 2026 and move with the market — always confirm with your local yard. For the full picture of every grade, see the Aluminum Scrap Grades guide.
Used beverage cans (UBC): quick answers
What does used beverage cans (ubc) pay as scrap?
Indicatively around $0.50/lb at US yards (July 2026) — so about $50 for 100 lb. Rates move weekly and vary by yard, so confirm your local price before hauling.
How do I identify used beverage cans (ubc)?
Standard aluminum drink cans. Crushed or loose, they are priced by the pound. It's light, non-magnetic, and forms a dull white oxide instead of red rust.
How do I sort it for the best price?
Keep cans separate from sheet and cast — do not bury them in a mixed pile. Empty and dry pays best; in deposit states, redemption usually beats scrap price.
Price your own aluminum
Enter your yard's prices and total up a mixed load.