Average Cost of Scrap Aluminum 2011

The prices of scrap aluminum keep fluctuating daily, though in small margins for the most part. The average cost of scrap aluminum in 2011 hovers at approximately $1 per pound. Recycling aluminum scrap is a profitable business as the process is less expensive compared to extracting new aluminum from bauxite ore. Aluminum cans are the most common recyclable household waste as well as the most valuable component in the solid waste stream. Aluminum is a very lightweight metal that is generally used in car trim, ladders, hand rails and gutters, besides soda and beer cans. While a single aluminum may not fetch more than a few cents, a big load of aluminum cans may provide a lot of scrap aluminum.