Aluminum grade
Aluminum wheels (clean)
Cast or forged aluminum rims — a well-paying grade at most yards once the tire and steel weights are off.
Where you'll find aluminum wheels (clean)
Cars, trucks, trailers, motorcycles — anywhere alloy wheels are used.
How to identify it
Solid, heavy aluminum car/truck rims. Confirm with a magnet — the wheel itself is non-magnetic. 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
Remove the tire, the steel valve stem, and any steel or lead wheel weights, or it grades down to "dirty." Chrome-plated alloy wheels are still aluminum underneath.
What it pays
Aluminum wheels (clean) runs indicatively around $0.70/lb — so 100 lb is roughly $70 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 wheels (clean) 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) ← this page | ~$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 Wheels (clean) grade
- Rockaway Recycling: clean aluminum rim 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 wheels (clean): quick answers
What does aluminum wheels (clean) pay as scrap?
Indicatively around $0.70/lb at US yards (July 2026) — so about $70 for 100 lb. Rates move weekly and vary by yard, so confirm your local price before hauling.
How do I identify aluminum wheels (clean)?
Solid, heavy aluminum car/truck rims. Confirm with a magnet — the wheel itself is non-magnetic. It's light, non-magnetic, and forms a dull white oxide instead of red rust.
How do I sort it for the best price?
Remove the tire, the steel valve stem, and any steel or lead wheel weights, or it grades down to "dirty." Chrome-plated alloy wheels are still aluminum underneath.
Price your own aluminum
Enter your yard's prices and total up a mixed load.