Aluminum grade
Aluminum/copper radiators (Al/Cu)
Fin-and-tube radiators made of aluminum fins on copper tubing — graded on their own because of the copper.
Where you'll find aluminum/copper radiators (al/cu)
Window and central AC units, some car and truck radiators, refrigeration condensers.
How to identify it
A block of thin aluminum fins with copper tubes running through it. You can see the reddish copper tube ends on the edges. 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 these out of your plain-aluminum pile — the copper content is why they pay more. Cut off any steel brackets and clear any refrigerant lines (AC systems must be reclaimed by a certified tech before cutting — see the appliance guide).
What it pays
Aluminum/copper radiators (Al/Cu) runs indicatively around $1.30/lb — so 100 lb is roughly $130 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 aluminum/copper radiators (al/cu) compares
Every common aluminum grade, ranked by indicative price (this grade is marked):
| Grade | Indicative $/lb | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum/copper radiators (Al/Cu) ← this page | ~$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) | ~$0.50 | Clean |
| Dirty / irony aluminum | ~$0.30 | Dirty/irony |
Sources
- iScrap App: Aluminum/Copper radiator grade
- ScrapMonster / MyScrapStop: Al/Cu coil pricing
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.
Aluminum/copper radiators (Al/Cu): quick answers
What does aluminum/copper radiators (al/cu) pay as scrap?
Indicatively around $1.30/lb at US yards (July 2026) — so about $130 for 100 lb. Rates move weekly and vary by yard, so confirm your local price before hauling.
How do I identify aluminum/copper radiators (al/cu)?
A block of thin aluminum fins with copper tubes running through it. You can see the reddish copper tube ends on the edges. 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 these out of your plain-aluminum pile — the copper content is why they pay more. Cut off any steel brackets and clear any refrigerant lines (AC systems must be reclaimed by a certified tech before cutting — see the appliance guide).
Price your own aluminum
Enter your yard's prices and total up a mixed load.