What do you currently get for a kilo of aluminum?
Depending on the type and quantity of aluminum scrap, the price per kilo is between 50 cents and 2 euros.
In our table you will find the current aluminum prices in euros per kilo.
Table of current scrap prices for aluminum
| Art | Average price per kilo in euros |
|---|---|
| Aluminum (bare, new) | 1.71 euros/kg* |
| Aluminum (mixed) | 0.90 euros/kg* |
| Aluminum rims (clean) | 1.67 euros/kg* |
| Aluminum rims (damaged) | 1.55 euros/kg* |
| Aluminum offset plates | 1.65 euros/kg* |
| aluminum shavings | 0.61 euros/kg* |
| Aluminum sheet (bare, new) | 1.71 euros/kg* |
| Aluminum sheet (old, colored) | 1.20 euros/kg* |
| Cast aluminum (new) | 1.20 euros/kg* |
| Cast aluminum (old) | 1.03 euros/kg* |
| Aluminum cooler (pure) | 1.03 euros/kg* |
| Aluminum cooler (affected) | 0.57 euros/kg* |
| Aluminum profiles (blank, new) | 1.68 euros/kg* |
| Aluminum profiles (colored) | 1.58 euros/kg* |
* Prices depend on quantity and location. There is a possibility that larger quantities can potentially achieve higher prices.
How much money do I get for aluminum?
Aluminum prices depend on the type of aluminum scrap and the situation on the world market.
The current scrap prices for aluminum are mainly driven by the London Metal Exchange determined, the primary exchange on which aluminum is traded.
Since every scrap dealer factors their own costs into the aluminum price, it is worth comparing different buyers if you have aluminum to sell.
You can find further tips on how to get the best price for your aluminum scrap further down on this page.
How are the prices for aluminum scrap developing?
Traditionally, aluminum prices always depend on supply and demand. But events such as the Corona crisis and political decisions can also impact aluminum prices.
Price development for aluminum in recent years
In 2015 and 2016, prices fell due to an oversupply of aluminum on the global market.
However, as metal production in China was cut back, aluminum prices recovered again in 2017. Higher tariffs then briefly drove up the price of aluminum in 2018, which corrected again in the following year.
The Corona crisis also left its mark on the aluminum industry: in 2020 there was a collapse in the price of aluminum. Due to the greatly reduced production in many companies, the demand for aluminum on the global market also fell.
From 2021 onwards, the economy began to recover, which also had a positive effect on the price of aluminum.
An investigation by Statista concludes that the positive development of aluminum prices will continue in 2024.
Overview of aluminum prices as of 2014
| Year | Average price per kilo in euros |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 1.87 euros/kg |
| 2015 | 1.67 euros/kg |
| 2016 | 1.60 euros/kg |
| 2017 | 1.97 euros/kg |
| 2018 | 2.11 euros/kg |
| 2019 | 1.63 euros/kg |
| 2020 | 1.55 euros/kg |
| 2021 | 2.25 euros/kg |
| 2022 | 2.47 euros/kg |
| 2023 | 2.19 euros/kg |
| 2024* | 2.23 euros/kg |
* Forecast
Higher energy costs affect the price of aluminum
Since a lot of energy is required to extract primary aluminum, aluminum prices have risen significantly in recent years. About 15 megawatt-hours of electricity are needed to produce one ton of aluminum. That's as much energy as a family of four uses in a year.
Recycling aluminum, on the other hand, is significantly less energy-intensive. According to an investigation by the Federal Environment Agency Reprocessing aluminum only requires 5 percent of the energy that would be needed to extract primary aluminum.
For this reason, the recycling of aluminum will become increasingly important in the coming years. According to an industry analysis by Hans Böckler Foundation The demand for recycled aluminum in Germany already exceeds the supply.
Will the price of aluminum rise?
Numerous industry experts agree that aluminum will continue to be a sought-after raw material in the future.
Due to the trend towards electromobility, demand in the automotive industry will continue to increase in the next few years. Because aluminum is very suitable for building lightweight bodies and battery boxes.
In addition, the planned network expansion as part of the energy transition will lead to higher demand for aluminum. However, in order to be able to cover the demand for aluminum primarily from recycled material, the raw material must be sorted better.
In addition, it is important to develop new processes to improve the recyclability of aluminum alloys. Later recyclability should be taken into account during product development.
If the aluminum industry manages to overcome these challenges, the price of aluminum can develop positively in the next few years.
Tips for Selling Aluminum
1. Take time to search your home for aluminum items you want to sell. This could include aluminum tableware, furniture, decorative items or electronics.
2. Use online research or visit flea markets and thrift stores to determine the current market value of similar aluminum items. This will help you set realistic prices.
2. Make sure the items for sale are clean and in good condition. Invest the time to thoroughly clean them, remove stains and bring them into attractive condition.
4. Decide where you want to sell the items. Online marketplaces like eBay, Etsy or local classifieds are good options. Alternatively, you can set up your own stand at a flea market or garage sale.
5. Be open to negotiation while sticking to a price that is acceptable to you.
How do I recognize aluminum?
The light metal has a silver to white color, is non-magnetic and rustproof.
Where is aluminum used?
The light metal is a real all-rounder: as an alloy with other metals, it is used in the automotive industry, construction, packaging production and even in aerospace.
According to a survey by Statista, aluminum in Germany is primarily used for the manufacture of vehicles.
In 2018, around 1,483 tons of aluminum were used by the automotive industry. No wonder, because aluminum is indispensable for the body, engine, radiator and rims.
Construction takes second place with 455 tons. The light metal is often used in new buildings for facade systems, structural parts and windows.
The packaging industry required 355 tons, which were primarily used to produce beverage cans and films. Due to the high demand for aluminum, good prices can be achieved for aluminum scrap depending on the degree of purity.
What do you get for old aluminum rims?
If you sell your old aluminum rims to a scrap dealer, you will receive between 1.50 and 2 euros per kilo.
Some scrap dealers even accept aluminum rims with tires. This means you don't have to go to the tire service to separate the tire from the rim. However, this means additional work for the dealer, which he will deduct from the purchase price.
The amount paid also depends on the condition of the aluminum rims (clean or damaged). Clean means without plastic and metal deposits such as valves or Balancing weights.
The type of alloy also plays a role in determining the price of aluminum. Since pure aluminum is too soft for the daily stress of road traffic, alloys are used for aluminum rims. Since some alloys are easier to recycle than others, the alloy also affects the price.
Which aluminum cables can I sell?
Your aluminum cables should have at least an aluminum content of 65% percent. Most scrap dealers will only accept the cables if they are completely stripped and the connector has been removed.
You can get around 50 cents for a kilo of aluminum cable from a scrap dealer.
Can you sell aluminum-copper coolers?
Yes, you can turn your old car radiator or CPU cooler into cash at a scrap dealer. The price per kilo for aluminum-copper coolers is between 2 and 3 euros.
Aluminum-copper coolers are used in air conditioning systems and vehicles from mopeds to low-loaders, but are also used in computers and other electronic devices.
In the recycling process, the copper can be separated from the aluminum relatively easily because the melting point of copper is several hundred degrees higher than that of aluminum.
Given the currently very high energy prices, separating the two metals via smelting is cheaper than using new raw materials.
That's why you should sell your old aluminum-copper cooler to a scrap dealer instead of simply throwing it in the trash. Beforehand, it is important to remove all foreign metals such as iron screws and rivets as well as plastic components. In order for your aluminum-copper cooler to be recycled, the remaining adhesions should not exceed 5 %.
How do I get the best price for aluminum from the scrap dealer?
If you want to sell larger quantities of aluminum, it is advisable to sort the scrap according to alloys, quality and purity.
Remove other materials such as iron screws or plastic components. Most dealers only accept aluminum that has a maximum of five percent buildup.
Compare aluminum prices from different scrap dealers.
Collect aluminum scrap over a long period of time. Because larger quantities are usually paid better.
Can aluminum be recycled infinitely?
In theory, pure aluminum can be recycled infinitely without any loss of quality.
But since aluminum is actually used for many different purposes, it most often occurs as an alloy with other metals.
There are over 450 different aluminum alloys. For example, in the automotive industry, aluminum is often hardened with magnesium or zinc. Beverage cans, on the other hand, are easy to shape and heat-resistant with a mixture of manganese and aluminum.
The problem: All of these metal mixtures end up in the same scrap heap. In addition, many alloys can no longer be separated from each other or the costs would be far too high.
When melted, a mixture of different metals is created. The melted aluminum mixture must then be mixed with pure primary aluminum so that industry can reuse the recycled aluminum for their products.
The more different aluminum alloys are melted together, the lower quality the recycled aluminum is.
Therefore, the aluminum price that a scrap dealer pays for your aluminum always depends on the specific alloy.
