Aluminium is the second most recycled metal in the world. More than one-third of aluminium comes from scrap. It can be recycled and reused 100%. You will be surprised that 1nearly 75% of the 1.5 billion tonnes of aluminium produced are still in use. However, to take a strategic step forward, we need a clear idea of the types of aluminium scrap available for recycling.
Understanding the types and sources of aluminium scrap will help us grade and recycle it better. Here is a list of the types and their respective commercially available sources.
Types of aluminium scrap and their sources
Aluminium wire scrap
Aluminium wire scrap offers a valuable grade of metal as the wires need better conductivity. The scrap has a purity level of 99%. The ISRI codes for aluminium wire scrap are TASSEL and TALON.
Sources of aluminium wire scrap
Electronic appliances
Cables and wires are the prime source of this scrap type. Electronics like refrigerators, air conditioning, computers, etc. contain aluminium. Once the sheath is removed, the aluminium is revealed and collected.
Electric motors
Electric motors, generally old ones, contain aluminium wires. Old heating and air conditioning systems carry such wires. This metal is collected when the wires are unsheathed or slightly burned.
Aluminium sheet scrap
These types of aluminium scrap can be found as thin-gauged and used in construction, commercial, and industrial applications. The ISRI codes for aluminium sheet scrap are TAINT and TALE.
TAINT is free from dirt, plastic, paint, insulation, and other non-metallic impurities. On the other hand, TALE is a category where aluminium sheets are painted or insulated on one or both sides. TALE is less valuable than TAINT as it takes additional processing of aluminium scrap recycling to remove those impurities.
Sources of aluminium sheet scrap
Construction and renovation
Aluminium is used for various purposes in construction sites and renovation projects. When buildings are demolished, thin-gauged aluminium is retrieved from castings, roofs, gutters, wall panels, and sidings.
Commercial and industrial applications
Aluminium sheets are widely used in manufacturing, castings, and cladding. Such scraps can be retrieved from industrial and commercial premises.
Aluminium extrusion scrap
One of the common types of aluminium scrap falls in the extrusion category. It offers 97 to 99% pure aluminium but is previously extruded in different profiles. Due to the different profiles, they have different ISRI codes such as TOTO, TUTU, and TATA.
Sources of aluminium extrusion scrap
TATA or Aluminium 6063 extrusion scrap
This type of extrusion scrap is collected from architectural applications. They are retrieved from window frames, pipe fittings, door frames, and other structural components. This type is considered high quality as they don’t have colour or impurities. Aluminium tense scrap, in this aspect, is referred to building materials, shreds, shavings, etc.
TUTU or Aluminium 6075/6061 extrusion scrap
Aluminium is commonly used in automotive and aerospace industries for durability and strength. Discarded parts of aeroplanes, vehicles, bicycles, etc are collected as scraps and recycled.
Aluminium wheel scrap refers to the used rims of tyres. On the other hand, tense scrap is gathered from castings and chassis of aeroplanes and vehicles. It must be free from dirt, iron, brass, grease, oil, etc.
TOTO or painted aluminium extrusion scrap
As the name suggests, painted or coated aluminium extrusion scrap is called TOTO. They may need additional processing but are still valuable to retrieve high-quality aluminium.
Aluminium UBC scrap
Here, UBC stands for used beverage cans. Used cans of soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, juices, sports drinks, etc are the sources of aluminium scrap. Its ISRI code is TALC. Such scrap is collected for its high-quality aluminium content.
Sources of aluminium UBC scrap
Public recycling bins
Public recycling bins are where the cans are dropped after usage. Such recycle bins have marks to direct the public to deposit used cans and other recyclable wastes only.
Recycling centres
Communities often conduct recycling programs targeting beverage can collections. Recycling facilities collect UBCs from such communities.
Aluminium borings and turnings
Borings and turnings are produced as scrap when aluminium sheets are bored or cut. This scrap is collected from manufacturing sites. The ISRI code for the scrap that offers 96 to 99% pure aluminium is TEENS. The ISRI code for unclean and impure borings and turnings is TELIC.
Source of aluminium borings and turnings
Manufacturing facilities
Manufacturing units using aluminium as a raw material generate such scraps. Scraps free from contaminants are priced higher.
Know your aluminium scrap for better outcomes
Aluminum scrap recycling becomes more profitable when you know your scrap and its sources. For more information, check these aforementioned five types of aluminium scrap with ISRI codes. Start your aluminium scrap venture and encode the products accordingly to make them easy to find. Collaborate with local partners and explore B2B aluminium portals to find buyers and suppliers to establish your aluminium recycling business.
