Aluminum grade
Cast aluminum
The catch-all clean-aluminum grade — anything poured into a mould, and where unsorted aluminum ends up.
Where you'll find cast aluminum
Engine blocks and transmission cases (cleaned of steel), BBQ housings, lawnmower decks, patio furniture, pistons.
How to identify it
Grainy, slightly rough surface from the casting mould; often thicker, chunkier pieces than sheet or extrusion. 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 steel bolts, bearings, and iron internals from engine/transmission castings — leftover steel makes it "irony" and drops the price. This is where mixed or unsorted aluminum gets graded, so it pays the least of the clean grades.
What it pays
Cast aluminum runs indicatively around $0.55/lb — so 100 lb is roughly $55 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 cast aluminum 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 ← this page | ~$0.55 | Clean |
| Used beverage cans (UBC) | ~$0.50 | Clean |
| Dirty / irony aluminum | ~$0.30 | Dirty/irony |
Sources
- iScrap App: Cast Aluminum grade
- Rockaway Recycling: cast aluminum 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.
Cast aluminum: quick answers
What does cast aluminum pay as scrap?
Indicatively around $0.55/lb at US yards (July 2026) — so about $55 for 100 lb. Rates move weekly and vary by yard, so confirm your local price before hauling.
How do I identify cast aluminum?
Grainy, slightly rough surface from the casting mould; often thicker, chunkier pieces than sheet or extrusion. 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 steel bolts, bearings, and iron internals from engine/transmission castings — leftover steel makes it "irony" and drops the price. This is where mixed or unsorted aluminum gets graded, so it pays the least of the clean grades.
Price your own aluminum
Enter your yard's prices and total up a mixed load.