Average Aluminum BX Price

180-day market: price lists from 2 yards. As of 2/17/2026.
$1.83/ lb -$0.45 (10.8%)
GT = Gross Ton (2240 lbs)
Avg: $1.83
Lowest price $1.80
Highest price$1.85Who pays the most? ⟶
How to read a yard's offer
  • Low (up to $1.80): Floor price, typically for small loads.
  • Mid ($1.83): A fair deal for standard quantities.
  • High ($1.85+): Top-dollar rate. Offered for large commercial loads or by the most competitive buyers.
52-week price range
Over the past year, prices ranged from $0.71 to $1.85.
Mar '25Jun '25Sep '25Dec '25Today
Market response to LME pricing
Spread vs. exchange (180-day avg): ~82.1% (+$0.82/lb). Typical spread for this grade: 5%–20%
⚠️ Local prices haven’t caught up with the exchange yet
Market snapshot
Stable market. Prices have held steady over the past 6 months.
Pricing verified from 2 live board rates today.

Top Scrap Yards Buying Aluminum BX in Ohio

Don't just hand over your armored cable to the first buyer you see. Yards in Ohio will offer varying rates depending on whether your BX has copper or aluminum wire inside. The national average is hovering around $1.98 per pound, but calling the local yards below can help you lock in the highest payout before you unload.

💼 Scrap yard owners: Post your buy prices and get more customers
By price
By date
Updated 32 days ago

Columbus Metal Recycling

Listed as: Insulated Aluminum BX / MC
533 N Nelson Rd, Columbus, OH 43219 Get Directions
$1.80 / lb
Updated 138 days ago

Speedie Recycling

Listed as: AL BX Wire
7021 Eberhart Rd NW Get Directions
Today: 8-11AM
$1.85 / lb

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How Aluminum BX Compares to Other Grades

The #1 rule at scrap yards: if you mix grades, they’ll weigh everything at the lowest rate. See the price gap below — if you have higher-value metal, always sort and weigh each grade separately to avoid leaving money on the table.

Aluminum 5052 (Plate) Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$1.28 / lb
Trend (30d): 0.0%
Price analytics
Lithographic Plates (Litho) Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$1.03 / lb
Trend (6m): +23.4%
Price analytics
Painted Aluminum Extrusion Based on 1 scrap yards
Avg price:$0.91 / lb
Trend (30d): 0.0%
Price analytics
Clean Aluminum Auto Wheels (Alloy 356) Based on 2 scrap yards
Avg price:$0.90 / lb
Trend (30d): 0.0%
Price analytics
Chrome Plated Aluminum Wheels Based on 1 scrap yards
Avg price:$0.82 / lb
Trend (30d): 0.0%
Price analytics
Aluminum 6063 Extrusion (Clean) Based on 2 scrap yards
Avg price:$0.80 / lb
Trend (30d): 0.0%
Price analytics
Aluminum 6061 Structural Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$0.77 / lb
Trend (30d): +7.6%
Price analytics
Aluminum Siding & Gutters Based on 2 scrap yards
Avg price:$0.75 / lb
Trend (30d): 0.0%
Price analytics
Dirty & Irony Aluminum Wheels Based on 1 scrap yards
Avg price:$0.70 / lb
Trend (30d): 0.0%
Price analytics
Clean Truck & Semi Wheels (Alloy 6061) Based on 2 scrap yards
Avg price:$0.69 / lb
Trend (30d): 0.0%
Price analytics
Aluminum Cans (UBC) Based on 3 scrap yards
Avg price:$0.68 / lb
Trend (6m): +4.2%
Price analytics
Aluminum Clips & MLC Based on 2 scrap yards
Avg price:$0.63 / lb
Trend (30d): 0.0%
Price analytics
Thermal Break Aluminum Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$0.60 / lb
Trend (6m): +1.1%
Price analytics
Clean Aluminum Sheet Based on 2 scrap yards
Avg price:$0.58 / lb
Trend (30d): 0.0%
Price analytics
Aluminum Wire (EC / Clean) Based on 2 scrap yards
Avg price:$0.54 / lb
Trend (30d): 0.0%
Price analytics
Cast Aluminum Based on 2 scrap yards
Avg price:$0.50 / lb
Trend (30d): 0.0%
Price analytics
Dirty Aluminum Extrusion Based on 1 scrap yards
Avg price:$0.40 / lb
Trend (30d): 0.0%
Price analytics
Aluminum Turnings Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$0.26 / lb
Trend (6m): -38.8%
Price analytics
Painted & Old Sheet Aluminum Based on 1 scrap yards
Avg price:$0.25 / lb
Trend (30d): 0.0%
Price analytics
Aluminum Wire (Insulated / ACSR) Based on 2 scrap yards
Avg price:$0.25 / lb
Trend (30d): 0.0%
Price analytics
Irony & Breakage Aluminum Based on 2 scrap yards
Avg price:$0.20 / lb
Trend (30d): 0.0%
Price analytics
Aluminum Foil & Light Gauge Estimated U.S. prices
Avg price:$0.10 / lb
Trend (30d): 0.0%
Price analytics

Aluminum BX Price Trends & Market History

This chart shows where the market is headed. If the line is climbing, prices are rising — you might get a better deal in a few days. If it’s dropping, don’t wait: sell today before yards lower their buy prices further.

Aluminum BX: Scrap Yard Price vs. World Market (LME)

Avg scrap yard price

$1.83
Scrap metal dealers
Spread: +$0.82/lb
vs. exchange

World market price (LME)

$1.0024
✓ For 99.9% pure refined metal
💡 Why is the yard paying a premium over the exchange? The LME price is the global benchmark for primary refined metal in large institutional contracts. U.S. scrap buy prices can sit above that level when regional premiums apply (for aluminum, the Midwest Premium is a familiar example), because clean, furnace-ready grades are already sorted and molten-ready—without the same import and ingot logistics—while local supply and demand still set the final scale price.

Aluminum BX: Spread vs. Exchange — Monthly History

Analyst take: This month’s average spread between scrap yard prices and the world market for Aluminum BX is 82.1%. That’s in line with the typical range for this grade (79%–85%). Local yards are offering fair market rates. Check offers in your area ↑
PeriodWorld price (per lb)Scrap yard price (per lb)Spread vs. exchange
March 2026 (current)$1.097176$1.25+$0.15 (13.6%)
February 2026$1.2032$1.24+$0.04 (3%)
January 2026$1.051423$0.89-$0.16 (15%)
December 2025$0.982942$0.84-$0.15 (14.8%)
November 2025$0.930043$0.90-$0.03 (3.6%)
October 2025$0.887584$0.93+$0.04 (4.6%)
September 2025$0.86119$0.73-$0.13 (15%)
August 2025$0.866703$0.74-$0.13 (15%)
July 2025$0.837774$0.71-$0.12 (14.9%)
June 2025$0.802343$0.68-$0.12 (15%)
May 2025$0.807171$0.69-$0.12 (15.1%)
April 2025$0.744003$0.63-$0.11 (15%)
March 2025$0.878574$0.75-$0.13 (15%)
February 2025$0.893382$0.76-$0.13 (15%)
January 2025$0.812942$0.69-$0.12 (15.2%)
December 2024$0.805026$0.85+$0.05 (5.8%)
November 2024$0.80919$0.69-$0.12 (15.1%)
October 2024$0.84811$0.72-$0.13 (14.9%)
September 2024$0.84145$0.72-$0.13 (14.9%)
August 2024$0.838665$0.71-$0.13 (15%)
July 2024$0.905877$0.77-$0.14 (14.9%)
June 2024$0.957757$0.81-$0.14 (15%)
May 2024$0.995197$0.85-$0.15 (15%)
April 2024$0.9588$0.87-$0.09 (9.7%)
March 2024$0.916803$0.78-$0.14 (15%)
February 2024$0.908876$0.77-$0.14 (15.1%)
January 2024$0.981155$0.83-$0.15 (15%)
December 2023$0.992781$0.84-$0.15 (14.9%)
November 2023$0.936113$0.80-$0.14 (15%)
October 2023$0.91751$0.78-$0.14 (14.9%)
September 2023$0.946997$0.80-$0.14 (15.1%)
August 2023$0.930013$0.79-$0.14 (15.1%)
July 2023$0.934068$0.79-$0.14 (15%)
June 2023$0.944237$0.80-$0.14 (15%)
May 2023$0.9455$0.80-$0.14 (14.9%)
April 2023$0.971563$0.83-$0.15 (15.1%)
March 2023$1.031729$0.88-$0.16 (15.1%)
February 2023$1.081664$0.90-$0.18 (16.5%)
January 2023$1.063787$0.90-$0.16 (15.4%)
December 2022$1.03949$0.88-$0.16 (15%)
November 2022$1.026153$0.87-$0.15 (14.9%)
October 2022$0.962755$0.85-$0.12 (12.1%)
September 2022$0.9553$0.84-$0.11 (11.8%)
August 2022$1.002665$0.85-$0.15 (15%)
July 2022$0.932735$0.79-$0.14 (15.1%)
June 2022$1.03653$0.88-$0.16 (15.2%)
May 2022$1.104181$0.94-$0.17 (15.1%)
April 2022$1.12712$0.96-$0.17 (14.9%)
March 2022$1.070248$0.99-$0.08 (7.9%)
February 2022$1.12205$0.95-$0.17 (14.9%)
January 2022$1.156365$0.98-$0.17 (14.9%)
December 2021$1.092839$0.93-$0.16 (14.9%)
November 2021$1.072407$0.91-$0.16 (15%)
October 2021$1.051368$0.89-$0.16 (15%)
September 2021$1.110613$0.94-$0.17 (14.9%)
August 2021$1.181813$1.00-$0.18 (15%)
July 2021$1.106519$0.94-$0.17 (15%)
June 2021$1.065053$0.91-$0.16 (15%)
May 2021$1.079274$0.92-$0.16 (14.9%)
April 2021$1.063943$0.91-$0.16 (14.9%)
March 2021$1.038232$0.88-$0.16 (15%)
February 2021$0.997864$0.85-$0.15 (15%)
January 2021$0.978155$0.83-$0.15 (15.1%)
December 2020$0.912668$0.78-$0.14 (15.1%)
November 2020$0.788713$0.67-$0.12 (14.8%)
October 2020$0.748797$0.64-$0.11 (15%)
September 2020$0.74391$0.63-$0.11 (15%)
August 2020$0.681152$0.57-$0.11 (16%)
July 2020$0.682474$0.56-$0.13 (18.3%)
June 2020$0.707093$0.60-$0.11 (15%)
May 2020$0.667345$0.57-$0.10 (15%)
April 2020$0.655233$0.56-$0.10 (15.1%)
March 2020$0.63179$0.54-$0.09 (14.9%)
February 2020$0.865779$0.74-$0.13 (15.1%)
January 2020$0.8355$0.67-$0.17 (19.8%)

Aluminum BX Scrap Price History — Daily Data

A day-by-day market snapshot in exact numbers. Every day we aggregate buy prices from local scrap yards, recording the average, low, and high. Use this table to track real price movement over recent days.

DateAvg price (per lb)ChangeRange (Low/High)
2/17/2026$1.80 / lb-$0.05$1.80 - $1.80
11/3/2025$1.85 / lb+$0.50$1.85 - $1.85
12/12/2024$1.35 / lb+$0.35$1.35 - $1.35
4/18/2024$1.00 / lb+$0.15$1.00 - $1.00
2/6/2023$0.85 / lb-$0.15$0.85 - $0.85
10/4/2022$1.00 / lb-$0.25$1.00 - $1.00
3/31/2022$1.25 / lb+$0.80$1.25 - $1.25
8/2/2020$0.45 / lb-$0.05$0.45 - $0.45

Maximizing Your Payout on Aluminum BX Cable

When you are tearing out old electrical wiring from a commercial renovation or residential upgrade, Aluminum BX cable is a common find that can yield a solid payday. This armored cable features a flexible aluminum jacket protecting insulated wires inside. Depending on the core wires and current market conditions, scrap yards are paying a national range of $1.80 to $2.30 per pound. Knowing exactly what is inside your BX jacket is the key to negotiating the best price when you pull up to the scale in Ohio.

What is Inside Counts: Copper vs. Aluminum Cores

Not all Aluminum BX is created equal. The flexible aluminum armor is standard, but the internal conductors can be either copper or aluminum. Aluminum BX with copper wire inside is significantly more valuable. If you fail to identify the core and just sell it as generic aluminum scrap, you are letting the yard pocket your profits.

Yard Pro Tip: Always take your lineman pliers and snip a clean cut across a piece of your Aluminum BX cable before you load the truck. Look at the exposed wire core. If you see shiny copper, make sure the scale master grades it specifically as 'Aluminum BX with Copper Wire'. Also, run a magnet over the outer casing—if it sticks, it is steel BX, not aluminum, which pays a much lower irony or shred rate.

Sorting Tactics to Protect Your Profits

Scale masters love it when peddlers throw all their material into one gaylord box because mixed loads get downgraded. If you get sloppy and toss your valuable Aluminum BX into a bin with low-grade Aluminum Foil & Light Gauge, the yard will pay you the lowest grade's price. Our data shows that this specific mixing mistake can cost you up to $1.88 per pound. Keep your armored cable strictly separated from bare grades like Aluminum 6061 Structural or $1.20 to $1.32/lb to ensure you get full value for every pound you scrap.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current average price for Aluminum BX?

Nationwide, the average payout for Aluminum BX is currently $1.98 per pound. This price fluctuates based on the LME market, usually sitting around 82.1% below the spot price depending on yard margins and processing costs.

Is it worth my time to strip Aluminum BX cable?

For most scrappers, stripping the aluminum armor off BX cable is not worth the time or labor. The spiral metal jacket binds tightly and is notoriously difficult to remove efficiently without specialized commercial wire strippers. You are usually much better off selling it as-is.

Why did the yard pay me less for my BX cable?

If your payout came in lower than expected, check the jacket with a magnet. Many scrappers confuse Steel BX for Aluminum BX. If the jacket is magnetic steel, it pays a significantly lower rate than bare aluminum. Additionally, heavily corroded cable or loads mixed with trash will always receive a strict price deduction at the scale.