Aluminum is one of the most commonly recycled metals in the United States. Its lightweight nature, corrosion resistance, and ability to be recycled indefinitely without loss of quality make it highly valuable. In Texas, where industrial operations, construction, and manufacturing are prominent, the aluminum market plays a significant role in the recycling industry. Whether you're a business looking to sell large volumes of scrap or an individual collecting cans and siding, understanding the aluminum price per pound in Texas is essential to maximizing your profits.

This article explores average aluminum prices across the state, different grades of aluminum, the factors that affect pricing, and practical tips to get the best rates when selling scrap aluminum.

Average Aluminum Price Per Pound in Texas

The price of aluminum varies depending on the form, grade, and condition of the scrap. Here are the typical ranges for aluminum prices per pound in Texas, as of recent local market averages:

• Clean Aluminum Sheet: $0.50 – $0.65 per pound

• Aluminum Cans (Clean, Crushed): $0.40 – $0.55 per pound

• Painted Siding or Gutters: $0.45 – $0.60 per pound

• Cast Aluminum: $0.40 – $0.55 per pound

• Extruded Aluminum (Clean): $0.70 – $0.90 per pound

• Dirty Aluminum or Mixed Scrap: $0.25 – $0.35 per pound

• Aluminum Radiators (Clean): $0.90 – $1.10 per pound

Prices may differ slightly based on location, with urban centers such as Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio offering competitive rates due to higher volume and market demand.

Types of Aluminum Scrap

Knowing the type of aluminum you're selling is crucial to determining its value. Here are the most common categories accepted at Texas recycling centers:

1. Aluminum Cans
   Common household items, usually from beverages. Clean and crushed cans are preferred for easy processing.

2. Clean Aluminum Sheet
   Flat sheets used in signage, home improvement, and appliances. Must be free of paint, plastic, or insulation.

3. Painted or Siding Aluminum
   Includes house siding, patio enclosures, and window frames. Some coatings are acceptable, but excessive contamination lowers value.

4. Cast Aluminum
   Found in car parts, cookware, and machinery. It often contains minor impurities but is still valuable.

5. Extruded Aluminum
   Typically used in structural frames, door and window frames, and construction. Clean extrusions fetch the highest rates.

6. Dirty or Mixed Aluminum
   Contains other metals, plastics, or fasteners. Lower price due to additional processing requirements.

7. Aluminum Radiators and Heat Exchangers
   Often mixed with copper or steel components. Clean versions are more valuable and need to be free of attachments.

Factors Affecting Aluminum Prices in Texas

Several factors influence aluminum pricing across Texas:

1. Global Market Trends
   Aluminum is traded as a commodity on global exchanges. Prices can fluctuate daily based on supply, demand, trade policies, and geopolitical events.

2. Local Supply and Demand
   Industrial hubs like Houston and Dallas may have higher demand for aluminum scrap due to proximity to smelters or manufacturing plants.

3. Fuel and Transportation Costs
   Texas’s size means transportation can influence costs. Closer proximity to recycling centers often means better pricing.

4. Metal Purity and Preparation
   Clean, sorted aluminum scrap always commands higher rates than dirty or mixed material. Removing plastic, paint, and other non-metallic items is crucial.

5. Recycling Yard Policies
   Each recycling center may have its own pricing, inspection procedures, and quality standards. Some offer bonuses for large loads or repeat sellers.

Tips to Maximize Aluminum Scrap Value

Here’s how to make the most money when selling aluminum in Texas:

• Sort Your Scrap: Separate aluminum cans, extrusions, cast, and sheet metal. Mixed loads are often paid at the lowest price tier.

• Clean the Material: Remove any paint, plastic, or fasteners. This simple step can improve pricing significantly.

• Crush Cans and Bundle Light Items: Aluminum cans take up a lot of space. Crushing them allows for easier transport and more accurate weight measurement.

• Use a Reliable Scale: Weigh your scrap at home to estimate its value and verify the scrap yard’s scale reading.

• Check Prices Regularly: Scrap prices can change weekly. Monitor them and sell when rates are higher.

• Choose a Reputable Yard: Find a recycling center that’s licensed, uses digital scales, and offers transparent pricing.

Major Recycling Centers in Texas

Texas is home to hundreds of scrap yards and metal recycling centers. Large cities tend to offer more competitive prices due to higher volume and industrial activity. Look for reputable yards in:

• Houston – One of the busiest scrap markets due to port access and industrial demand

• Dallas/Fort Worth – A hub for construction and commercial recycling

• San Antonio – A fast-growing city with high demand for metal recycling

• Austin – Environmentally conscious community with efficient recycling systems

• El Paso and Lubbock – Regional centers for agricultural and household scrap

When selecting a yard, ask about their material requirements, payout methods, and whether they charge for sorting or additional labor.

Conclusion

Aluminum recycling in Texas is not only profitable but also environmentally responsible. Whether you're a small-scale recycler or operating a large scrap business, staying informed about aluminum prices per pound can help you make smart selling decisions. With a variety of scrap types and ever-changing market conditions, it's essential to sort and clean your materials and compare offers across different recycling centers. In a state as large and economically diverse as Texas, aluminum scrap continues to offer strong returns for those who approach the process with knowledge and care.