Scrap Aluminum Radiators (Clean) Prices in the US
Clean aluminum radiators are a solid payday if prepped right, currently fetching an average of $0.49 at the scale. Check local yard prices in the US to ensure you get top dollar before hauling your load.
Average Aluminum Radiators (Clean) Price
$0.49/ lb
-$0.45 (10.8%)
GT = Gross Ton (2240 lbs)Avg: $0.49
Lowest price ⓘ$0.40
Highest price$0.65Who pays the most? ⟶
How to read a yard's offer
- Low (up to $0.40): Floor price, typically for small loads.
- Mid ($0.49): A fair deal for standard quantities.
- High ($0.65+): 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 $0.25 to $0.62.
Mar '25Jun '25Sep '25Dec '25Today
Market response to LME pricing
Spread vs. exchange (60-day avg): ~51.2% (-$0.51/lb).
Typical spread for this grade: 39%–68%
✓ Scrap yards are offering fair market rates
Market snapshot
Upward trend. Prices have been rising over the past month.
Pricing verified from 22 live board rates today.
Pricing verified from 22 live board rates today.
Top Scrap Yards Buying Clean Aluminum Radiators in the US
Don't just dump your radiators at the first scale you see. Buyers in the US have different requirements and pricing structures, so use our list below to compare local rates against the national average of $0.49. Always call ahead to confirm their current grading rules and exact payouts for clean aluminum.
Updated 8 days ago
Astro City Scrap Metal
Listed as: Aluminum Radiator (Clean)
$0.65 / lb
Updated 10 days ago
AA Auto Salvage & Recycling LLC
Listed as: CLEAN ALUM RADS
$0.40 / lb
Updated 17 days ago
Sgt. Scrap
Listed as: Aluminum Rads Clean
$0.52 / lb
Updated 17 days ago
Sgt. Scrap
Listed as: Aluminum Rads Clean
$0.52 / lb
Updated 32 days ago
Metro Group
Listed as: Aluminum Radiators
$0.62 / lb
Updated 32 days ago
Columbus Metal Recycling
Listed as: Aluminum Radiators clean / Dirty
$0.60 / lb
Your competitors are already here. Is your yard missing from the list?
Hundreds of people search here every day for the best scrap metal prices. Start capturing ready-to-sell leads today.
🚀 List your scrap yard ⟶How Do Clean Aluminum Radiators Stack Up?
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.
Historical Price Trends for Clean Aluminum Radiators
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 Radiators (Clean): Scrap Yard Price vs. World Market (LME)
Avg scrap yard price
$0.49
Scrap metal dealers
Spread: -$0.51/lb
vs. exchange
World market price (LME)
$1.0024
✓ For 99.9% pure refined metal
💡 Why is the scrap yard price lower than the exchange? The LME price is the global benchmark for 99.99% pure refined metal traded in large institutional contracts. The gap between LME and what you pocket is the yard’s margin — it covers sorting, cleaning, transport to the mill, and protects them against sudden price drops.
Aluminum Radiators (Clean): Spread vs. Exchange — Monthly History
Analyst take: This month’s average spread between scrap yard prices and the world market for Aluminum Radiators (Clean) is 51.2%. That’s in line with the typical range for this grade (48%–54%). Local yards are offering fair market rates. Check offers in your area ↑
| Period | World price (per lb) | Scrap yard price (per lb) | Spread vs. exchange |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 2026 (current) | $1.097176 | $0.49 | -$0.61 (55.6%) |
| February 2026 | $1.2032 | $0.55 | -$0.65 (54.2%) |
| January 2026 | $1.051423 | $0.52 | -$0.53 (50.8%) |
| December 2025 | $0.982942 | $0.58 | -$0.40 (41.1%) |
| November 2025 | $0.930043 | $0.55 | -$0.38 (40.5%) |
| October 2025 | $0.887584 | $0.48 | -$0.40 (45.6%) |
| September 2025 | $0.86119 | $0.47 | -$0.39 (45.4%) |
| August 2025 | $0.866703 | $0.50 | -$0.36 (42%) |
| July 2025 | $0.837774 | $0.42 | -$0.42 (49.8%) |
| June 2025 | $0.802343 | $0.39 | -$0.42 (51.9%) |
| May 2025 | $0.807171 | $0.46 | -$0.35 (43.2%) |
| April 2025 | $0.744003 | $0.44 | -$0.31 (41.3%) |
| March 2025 | $0.878574 | $0.50 | -$0.38 (42.8%) |
| February 2025 | $0.893382 | $0.47 | -$0.42 (47.2%) |
| January 2025 | $0.812942 | $0.44 | -$0.38 (46.3%) |
| December 2024 | $0.805026 | $0.46 | -$0.35 (43.3%) |
| November 2024 | $0.80919 | $0.41 | -$0.40 (49%) |
| October 2024 | $0.84811 | $0.46 | -$0.39 (46.3%) |
| September 2024 | $0.84145 | $0.43 | -$0.42 (49.4%) |
| August 2024 | $0.838665 | $0.41 | -$0.43 (51.7%) |
| July 2024 | $0.905877 | $0.44 | -$0.47 (51.9%) |
| June 2024 | $0.957757 | $0.50 | -$0.45 (47.3%) |
| May 2024 | $0.995197 | $0.54 | -$0.46 (46.2%) |
| April 2024 | $0.9588 | $0.44 | -$0.52 (54.3%) |
| March 2024 | $0.916803 | $0.54 | -$0.38 (41.5%) |
| February 2024 | $0.908876 | $0.51 | -$0.40 (43.8%) |
| January 2024 | $0.981155 | $0.59 | -$0.39 (39.8%) |
| December 2023 | $0.992781 | $0.51 | -$0.48 (48.5%) |
| November 2023 | $0.936113 | $0.49 | -$0.45 (47.9%) |
| October 2023 | $0.91751 | $0.47 | -$0.44 (48.2%) |
| September 2023 | $0.946997 | $0.49 | -$0.45 (48%) |
| August 2023 | $0.930013 | $0.56 | -$0.37 (40.1%) |
| July 2023 | $0.934068 | $0.56 | -$0.37 (39.9%) |
| June 2023 | $0.944237 | $0.57 | -$0.38 (40.1%) |
| May 2023 | $0.9455 | $0.57 | -$0.38 (40.1%) |
| April 2023 | $0.971563 | $0.51 | -$0.46 (47.3%) |
| March 2023 | $1.031729 | $0.52 | -$0.51 (49.5%) |
| February 2023 | $1.081664 | $0.65 | -$0.43 (40.1%) |
| January 2023 | $1.063787 | $0.64 | -$0.42 (39.9%) |
| December 2022 | $1.03949 | $0.59 | -$0.45 (43.5%) |
| November 2022 | $1.026153 | $0.50 | -$0.53 (51.7%) |
| October 2022 | $0.962755 | $0.55 | -$0.41 (42.8%) |
| September 2022 | $0.9553 | $0.53 | -$0.43 (44.6%) |
| August 2022 | $1.002665 | $0.46 | -$0.55 (54.4%) |
| July 2022 | $0.932735 | $0.56 | -$0.37 (40.2%) |
| June 2022 | $1.03653 | $0.56 | -$0.48 (45.9%) |
| May 2022 | $1.104181 | $0.45 | -$0.66 (59.3%) |
| April 2022 | $1.12712 | $0.68 | -$0.45 (40%) |
| March 2022 | $1.070248 | $0.64 | -$0.43 (40.1%) |
| February 2022 | $1.12205 | $0.67 | -$0.45 (40%) |
| January 2022 | $1.156365 | $0.53 | -$0.62 (53.9%) |
| December 2021 | $1.092839 | $0.61 | -$0.48 (44.2%) |
| November 2021 | $1.072407 | $0.60 | -$0.47 (44.2%) |
| October 2021 | $1.051368 | $0.56 | -$0.49 (46.5%) |
| September 2021 | $1.110613 | $0.57 | -$0.54 (48.9%) |
| August 2021 | $1.181813 | $0.68 | -$0.50 (42.4%) |
| July 2021 | $1.106519 | $0.50 | -$0.60 (54.4%) |
| June 2021 | $1.065053 | $0.64 | -$0.43 (40.1%) |
| May 2021 | $1.079274 | $0.65 | -$0.43 (39.9%) |
| April 2021 | $1.063943 | $0.51 | -$0.55 (51.8%) |
| March 2021 | $1.038232 | $0.58 | -$0.46 (44.2%) |
| February 2021 | $0.997864 | $0.50 | -$0.50 (49.7%) |
| January 2021 | $0.978155 | $0.51 | -$0.47 (47.7%) |
| December 2020 | $0.912668 | $0.55 | -$0.36 (40%) |
| November 2020 | $0.788713 | $0.26 | -$0.53 (67.1%) |
| October 2020 | $0.748797 | $0.39 | -$0.36 (48%) |
| September 2020 | $0.74391 | $0.36 | -$0.38 (51.6%) |
| August 2020 | $0.681152 | $0.33 | -$0.35 (51.8%) |
| July 2020 | $0.682474 | $0.38 | -$0.30 (44.4%) |
| June 2020 | $0.707093 | $0.43 | -$0.28 (39.8%) |
| May 2020 | $0.667345 | $0.40 | -$0.27 (40.1%) |
| April 2020 | $0.655233 | $0.39 | -$0.26 (40.1%) |
| March 2020 | $0.63179 | $0.38 | -$0.25 (39.9%) |
| February 2020 | $0.865779 | $0.52 | -$0.34 (39.8%) |
| January 2020 | $0.878045 | $0.53 | -$0.35 (39.9%) |
| December 2019 | $0.919229 | $0.46 | -$0.46 (50.2%) |
| November 2019 | $0.903547 | $0.41 | -$0.49 (54.1%) |
| October 2019 | $0.820784 | $0.37 | -$0.45 (54.8%) |
| September 2019 | $0.807807 | $0.44 | -$0.37 (46%) |
| August 2019 | $0.738452 | $0.34 | -$0.40 (54.5%) |
| July 2019 | $0.808777 | $0.48 | -$0.32 (40.1%) |
| June 2019 | $0.780903 | $0.47 | -$0.31 (39.9%) |
| May 2019 | $0.820665 | $0.45 | -$0.37 (45.1%) |
| April 2019 | $0.942947 | $0.57 | -$0.38 (40%) |
| March 2019 | $0.911219 | $0.48 | -$0.43 (47%) |
| February 2019 | $0.934725 | $0.50 | -$0.43 (46.3%) |
| January 2019 | $0.875529 | $0.50 | -$0.38 (43.4%) |
| December 2018 | $0.842287 | $0.43 | -$0.41 (49.1%) |
| November 2018 | $0.97931 | $0.59 | -$0.39 (39.9%) |
| October 2018 | $1.115935 | $0.56 | -$0.55 (49.7%) |
| September 2018 | $1.203813 | $0.71 | -$0.50 (41.4%) |
| August 2018 | $1.192819 | $0.51 | -$0.69 (57.6%) |
| July 2018 | $1.199784 | $0.71 | -$0.49 (40.8%) |
| June 2018 | $1.261433 | $0.66 | -$0.60 (47.6%) |
| May 2018 | $1.294884 | $0.78 | -$0.52 (39.9%) |
| April 2018 | $1.215763 | $0.73 | -$0.49 (40%) |
| March 2018 | $1.178032 | $0.71 | -$0.47 (40.1%) |
| February 2018 | $1.196529 | $0.61 | -$0.59 (49%) |
| January 2018 | $1.240045 | $0.74 | -$0.50 (40%) |
| December 2017 | $1.152535 | $0.69 | -$0.46 (40%) |
| November 2017 | $1.124073 | $0.67 | -$0.45 (40%) |
| October 2017 | $1.080894 | $0.65 | -$0.43 (40%) |
| September 2017 | $1.024547 | $0.62 | -$0.41 (39.9%) |
| August 2017 | $1.01609 | $0.61 | -$0.41 (40%) |
| July 2017 | $1.05311 | $0.59 | -$0.46 (44.1%) |
| June 2017 | $1.012163 | $0.57 | -$0.44 (43.7%) |
| May 2017 | $1.030332 | $0.60 | -$0.43 (41.8%) |
| April 2017 | $1.047077 | $0.63 | -$0.42 (39.9%) |
| March 2017 | $1.074468 | $0.64 | -$0.43 (40%) |
| February 2017 | $1.078479 | $0.65 | -$0.43 (39.9%) |
| January 2017 | $1.065594 | $0.64 | -$0.43 (40%) |
| December 2016 | $1.028835 | $0.60 | -$0.42 (41.3%) |
| November 2016 | $0.931123 | $0.46 | -$0.47 (50.7%) |
| October 2016 | $0.8537 | $0.45 | -$0.41 (47.7%) |
| September 2016 | $0.80081 | $0.48 | -$0.32 (40%) |
| August 2016 | $0.826381 | $0.50 | -$0.33 (40%) |
| July 2016 | $0.774219 | $0.46 | -$0.31 (40%) |
| June 2016 | $0.741897 | $0.45 | -$0.30 (40%) |
| May 2016 | $0.718016 | $0.42 | -$0.30 (42.1%) |
| April 2016 | $0.715587 | $0.43 | -$0.29 (39.9%) |
| March 2016 | $0.670245 | $0.39 | -$0.28 (41.7%) |
| February 2016 | $0.592476 | $0.34 | -$0.25 (42.1%) |
| January 2016 | $0.618029 | $0.37 | -$0.25 (40%) |
| December 2015 | $0.687187 | $0.41 | -$0.28 (40.1%) |
| November 2015 | $0.741517 | $0.45 | -$0.30 (39.9%) |
| October 2015 | $0.717597 | $0.43 | -$0.29 (40%) |
| September 2015 | $0.69765 | $0.42 | -$0.28 (39.9%) |
| August 2015 | $0.799229 | $0.48 | -$0.32 (40.1%) |
| July 2015 | $0.83201 | $0.50 | -$0.33 (40.1%) |
| June 2015 | $0.884197 | $0.51 | -$0.37 (42.1%) |
| May 2015 | $0.905884 | $0.54 | -$0.36 (40%) |
| April 2015 | $0.92614 | $0.56 | -$0.37 (40.1%) |
| March 2015 | $0.903377 | $0.54 | -$0.36 (40%) |
| February 2015 | $0.864918 | $0.52 | -$0.35 (39.9%) |
| January 2015 | $0.787571 | $0.47 | -$0.31 (40%) |
| December 2014 | $0.791997 | $0.48 | -$0.31 (39.8%) |
| November 2014 | $0.811037 | $0.49 | -$0.32 (39.9%) |
| October 2014 | $0.790697 | $0.47 | -$0.32 (40.1%) |
| September 2014 | $0.870313 | $0.52 | -$0.35 (40.1%) |
| August 2014 | $0.829068 | $0.50 | -$0.33 (40.1%) |
| July 2014 | $0.881987 | $0.53 | -$0.35 (39.9%) |
| June 2014 | $0.89763 | $0.54 | -$0.36 (40%) |
| May 2014 | $0.889613 | $0.53 | -$0.36 (40%) |
| April 2014 | $0.877687 | $0.53 | -$0.35 (40%) |
| March 2014 | $0.867168 | $0.52 | -$0.35 (40%) |
| February 2014 | $0.910004 | $0.55 | -$0.36 (40%) |
| January 2014 | $0.922352 | $0.55 | -$0.37 (40.1%) |
| December 2013 | $0.899003 | $0.50 | -$0.40 (44.2%) |
| November 2013 | $0.921687 | $0.55 | -$0.37 (40%) |
| October 2013 | $0.861129 | $0.52 | -$0.34 (40%) |
| September 2013 | $0.83415 | $0.50 | -$0.33 (39.9%) |
| August 2013 | $0.791706 | $0.47 | -$0.32 (40%) |
| July 2013 | $0.735177 | $0.44 | -$0.29 (40.1%) |
| June 2013 | $0.711457 | $0.43 | -$0.28 (39.8%) |
| May 2013 | $0.753103 | $0.45 | -$0.30 (40%) |
| April 2013 | $0.704523 | $0.42 | -$0.28 (40%) |
| March 2013 | $0.771123 | $0.46 | -$0.31 (39.9%) |
| February 2013 | $0.799893 | $0.48 | -$0.32 (39.9%) |
| January 2013 | $0.844271 | $0.51 | -$0.34 (40.1%) |
| December 2012 | $0.816945 | $0.49 | -$0.33 (40%) |
| November 2012 | $0.764523 | $0.46 | -$0.31 (40%) |
| October 2012 | $0.769555 | $0.46 | -$0.31 (39.8%) |
| September 2012 | $0.79829 | $0.48 | -$0.32 (40.1%) |
| August 2012 | $0.788765 | $0.47 | -$0.32 (40%) |
| July 2012 | $0.788565 | $0.47 | -$0.32 (40.4%) |
| June 2012 | $0.7888 | $0.47 | -$0.32 (40.4%) |
| May 2012 | $0.7888 | $0.47 | -$0.32 (40.4%) |
| April 2012 | $0.7888 | $0.46 | -$0.33 (42.1%) |
| March 2012 | $0.7888 | $0.47 | -$0.32 (40.4%) |
| February 2012 | $0.7888 | $0.46 | -$0.32 (41.1%) |
Aluminum Radiators (Clean) 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.
| Date | Avg price (per lb) | Change | Range (Low/High) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/13/2026 | $0.65 / lb | +$0.25 | $0.65 - $0.65 |
| 3/11/2026 | $0.40 / lb | -$0.12 | $0.40 - $0.40 |
| 3/4/2026 | $0.52 / lb | +$0.02 | $0.52 - $0.52 |
| 2/17/2026 | $0.50 / lb | +$0.10 | $0.40 - $0.62 |
| 2/11/2026 | $0.40 / lb | +$0.07 | $0.40 - $0.40 |
| 1/27/2026 | $0.33 / lb | +$0.09 | $0.33 - $0.33 |
| 1/26/2026 | $0.24 / lb | +$0.03 | $0.24 - $0.24 |
| 12/20/2025 | $0.21 / lb | -$0.44 | $0.21 - $0.21 |
| 12/19/2025 | $0.65 / lb | +$0.15 | $0.65 - $0.65 |
| 12/5/2025 | $0.50 / lb | -$0.03 | $0.50 - $0.50 |
| 11/10/2025 | $0.53 / lb | -$0.09 | $0.53 - $0.53 |
| 11/3/2025 | $0.62 / lb | +$0.07 | $0.62 - $0.62 |
| 10/10/2025 | $0.55 / lb | +$0.07 | $0.55 - $0.55 |
| 10/9/2025 | $0.48 / lb | +$0.07 | $0.48 - $0.48 |
| 10/8/2025 | $0.41 / lb | +$0.18 | $0.41 - $0.41 |
| 10/5/2025 | $0.23 / lb | -$0.20 | $0.23 - $0.23 |
| 9/7/2025 | $0.43 / lb | +$0.02 | $0.43 - $0.43 |
| 9/5/2025 | $0.41 / lb | -$0.09 | $0.40 - $0.41 |
| 9/2/2025 | $0.50 / lb | +$0.05 | $0.50 - $0.50 |
| 8/30/2025 | $0.45 / lb | +$0.15 | $0.45 - $0.45 |
| 8/29/2025 | $0.30 / lb | -$0.15 | $0.30 - $0.30 |
| 8/26/2025 | $0.45 / lb | +$0.06 | $0.45 - $0.45 |
| 8/24/2025 | $0.39 / lb | -$0.21 | $0.39 - $0.39 |
| 8/23/2025 | $0.60 / lb | +$0.25 | $0.60 - $0.60 |
| 7/23/2025 | $0.35 / lb | -$0.04 | $0.35 - $0.35 |
| 7/15/2025 | $0.39 / lb | +$0.02 | $0.39 - $0.39 |
| 7/3/2025 | $0.37 / lb | +$0.02 | $0.37 - $0.37 |
| 7/2/2025 | $0.35 / lb | -$0.02 | $0.35 - $0.35 |
| 7/1/2025 | $0.37 / lb | — no change | $0.37 - $0.37 |
| 6/26/2025 | $0.37 / lb | -$0.03 | $0.37 - $0.37 |
| 6/20/2025 | $0.40 / lb | -$0.15 | $0.40 - $0.40 |
| 6/17/2025 | $0.55 / lb | +$0.30 | $0.55 - $0.55 |
| 6/13/2025 | $0.25 / lb | -$0.26 | $0.25 - $0.25 |
| 6/2/2025 | $0.51 / lb | +$0.08 | $0.51 - $0.51 |
| 5/30/2025 | $0.43 / lb | +$0.03 | $0.43 - $0.43 |
| 5/28/2025 | $0.40 / lb | — no change | $0.40 - $0.40 |
| 4/21/2025 | $0.40 / lb | -$0.10 | $0.40 - $0.40 |
| 3/23/2025 | $0.50 / lb | +$0.05 | $0.50 - $0.50 |
| 3/19/2025 | $0.45 / lb | +$0.21 | $0.45 - $0.45 |
| 2/12/2025 | $0.24 / lb | -$0.31 | $0.24 - $0.24 |
| 2/11/2025 | $0.55 / lb | +$0.30 | $0.55 - $0.55 |
| 2/6/2025 | $0.25 / lb | -$0.15 | $0.25 - $0.25 |
| 1/29/2025 | $0.40 / lb | +$0.01 | $0.40 - $0.40 |
| 1/19/2025 | $0.39 / lb | -$0.16 | $0.39 - $0.39 |
| 1/18/2025 | $0.55 / lb | +$0.16 | $0.55 - $0.55 |
| 1/9/2025 | $0.39 / lb | +$0.03 | $0.39 - $0.39 |
| 12/28/2024 | $0.36 / lb | -$0.14 | $0.36 - $0.36 |
| 12/5/2024 | $0.50 / lb | +$0.13 | $0.50 - $0.50 |
| 11/17/2024 | $0.37 / lb | +$0.07 | $0.37 - $0.37 |
| 11/11/2024 | $0.30 / lb | -$0.01 | $0.30 - $0.30 |
| 10/16/2024 | $0.31 / lb | -$0.08 | $0.31 - $0.31 |
| 10/13/2024 | $0.39 / lb | +$0.05 | $0.39 - $0.39 |
| 9/26/2024 | $0.34 / lb | -$0.01 | $0.34 - $0.34 |
| 9/19/2024 | $0.35 / lb | +$0.02 | $0.35 - $0.35 |
| 8/29/2024 | $0.33 / lb | -$0.05 | $0.33 - $0.33 |
| 8/16/2024 | $0.38 / lb | -$0.06 | $0.38 - $0.38 |
| 8/15/2024 | $0.44 / lb | +$0.03 | $0.44 - $0.44 |
| 8/9/2024 | $0.41 / lb | +$0.06 | $0.41 - $0.41 |
| 8/6/2024 | $0.35 / lb | +$0.05 | $0.35 - $0.35 |
| 7/24/2024 | $0.30 / lb | -$0.02 | $0.30 - $0.30 |
| 7/19/2024 | $0.32 / lb | -$0.15 | $0.32 - $0.32 |
| 7/14/2024 | $0.47 / lb | +$0.02 | $0.47 - $0.47 |
| 6/30/2024 | $0.45 / lb | +$0.03 | $0.45 - $0.45 |
| 6/18/2024 | $0.42 / lb | +$0.02 | $0.42 - $0.42 |
| 5/26/2024 | $0.40 / lb | — no change | $0.40 - $0.40 |
| 5/25/2024 | $0.40 / lb | +$0.22 | $0.40 - $0.40 |
| 4/24/2024 | $0.18 / lb | -$0.32 | $0.18 - $0.18 |
| 4/21/2024 | $0.50 / lb | +$0.15 | $0.50 - $0.50 |
| 4/18/2024 | $0.35 / lb | +$0.03 | $0.35 - $0.35 |
| 4/15/2024 | $0.32 / lb | -$0.03 | $0.32 - $0.32 |
| 4/14/2024 | $0.35 / lb | -$0.05 | $0.35 - $0.35 |
| 3/3/2024 | $0.40 / lb | — no change | $0.40 - $0.40 |
| 3/1/2024 | $0.40 / lb | +$0.05 | $0.40 - $0.40 |
| 12/16/2023 | $0.35 / lb | -$0.05 | $0.35 - $0.35 |
| 12/11/2023 | $0.40 / lb | +$0.12 | $0.40 - $0.40 |
| 11/17/2023 | $0.28 / lb | -$0.07 | $0.28 - $0.28 |
| 10/10/2023 | $0.35 / lb | +$0.16 | $0.35 - $0.35 |
| 10/3/2023 | $0.19 / lb | -$0.26 | $0.19 - $0.19 |
| 10/1/2023 | $0.45 / lb | +$0.17 | $0.45 - $0.45 |
| 9/30/2023 | $0.28 / lb | -$0.07 | $0.28 - $0.28 |
| 4/27/2023 | $0.35 / lb | +$0.05 | $0.35 - $0.35 |
| 4/1/2023 | $0.30 / lb | +$0.09 | $0.30 - $0.30 |
| 3/31/2023 | $0.21 / lb | -$0.04 | $0.21 - $0.21 |
| 12/3/2022 | $0.25 / lb | +$0.02 | $0.25 - $0.25 |
| 11/28/2022 | $0.23 / lb | -$0.08 | $0.23 - $0.23 |
| 11/27/2022 | $0.31 / lb | -$0.04 | $0.31 - $0.31 |
| 10/4/2022 | $0.35 / lb | — no change | $0.35 - $0.35 |
| 10/1/2022 | $0.35 / lb | +$0.05 | $0.35 - $0.35 |
| 8/18/2022 | $0.30 / lb | +$0.05 | $0.30 - $0.30 |
| 8/13/2022 | $0.25 / lb | -$0.03 | $0.25 - $0.25 |
| 8/12/2022 | $0.28 / lb | -$0.22 | $0.28 - $0.28 |
| 7/1/2022 | $0.50 / lb | +$0.22 | $0.50 - $0.50 |
| 6/28/2022 | $0.28 / lb | -$0.12 | $0.28 - $0.28 |
| 6/27/2022 | $0.40 / lb | -$0.10 | $0.40 - $0.40 |
| 5/28/2022 | $0.50 / lb | +$0.10 | $0.50 - $0.50 |
| 5/26/2022 | $0.40 / lb | +$0.05 | $0.40 - $0.40 |
| 5/23/2022 | $0.35 / lb | +$0.05 | $0.35 - $0.35 |
| 5/20/2022 | $0.30 / lb | -$0.05 | $0.30 - $0.30 |
| 5/14/2022 | $0.35 / lb | -$0.25 | $0.35 - $0.35 |
| 3/12/2022 | $0.60 / lb | +$0.32 | $0.60 - $0.60 |
| 1/25/2022 | $0.28 / lb | -$0.12 | $0.28 - $0.28 |
| 1/6/2022 | $0.40 / lb | -$0.02 | $0.40 - $0.40 |
| 12/4/2021 | $0.42 / lb | +$0.02 | $0.42 - $0.42 |
| 12/2/2021 | $0.40 / lb | +$0.11 | $0.40 - $0.40 |
| 10/20/2021 | $0.29 / lb | -$0.16 | $0.29 - $0.29 |
| 10/18/2021 | $0.45 / lb | +$0.17 | $0.45 - $0.45 |
| 9/22/2021 | $0.28 / lb | -$0.10 | $0.28 - $0.28 |
| 9/20/2021 | $0.38 / lb | -$0.02 | $0.35 - $0.40 |
| 8/3/2021 | $0.40 / lb | +$0.16 | $0.40 - $0.40 |
| 7/26/2021 | $0.24 / lb | -$0.14 | $0.24 - $0.24 |
| 4/19/2021 | $0.38 / lb | +$0.15 | $0.38 - $0.38 |
| 4/17/2021 | $0.23 / lb | +$0.08 | $0.23 - $0.23 |
| 3/3/2021 | $0.15 / lb | -$0.07 | $0.15 - $0.15 |
| 3/1/2021 | $0.22 / lb | -$0.08 | $0.22 - $0.22 |
| 1/20/2021 | $0.30 / lb | +$0.05 | $0.30 - $0.30 |
| 11/30/2020 | $0.25 / lb | +$0.07 | $0.25 - $0.25 |
| 11/29/2020 | $0.18 / lb | — no change | $0.18 - $0.18 |
| 11/24/2020 | $0.18 / lb | -$0.02 | $0.18 - $0.18 |
| 11/12/2020 | $0.20 / lb | -$0.02 | $0.20 - $0.20 |
| 10/25/2020 | $0.22 / lb | +$0.09 | $0.22 - $0.22 |
| 9/23/2020 | $0.13 / lb | -$0.07 | $0.13 - $0.13 |
| 8/13/2020 | $0.20 / lb | +$0.09 | $0.20 - $0.20 |
| 8/4/2020 | $0.11 / lb | -$0.14 | $0.11 - $0.11 |
| 8/2/2020 | $0.25 / lb | +$0.02 | $0.25 - $0.25 |
| 12/9/2019 | $0.23 / lb | +$0.02 | $0.20 - $0.26 |
| 12/6/2019 | $0.21 / lb | +$0.06 | $0.21 - $0.21 |
| 11/20/2019 | $0.15 / lb | -$0.05 | $0.15 - $0.15 |
| 10/20/2019 | $0.20 / lb | -$0.05 | $0.20 - $0.20 |
| 10/19/2019 | $0.25 / lb | +$0.05 | $0.25 - $0.25 |
| 10/14/2019 | $0.20 / lb | -$0.10 | $0.20 - $0.20 |
| 9/25/2019 | $0.30 / lb | +$0.08 | $0.30 - $0.30 |
| 8/23/2019 | $0.22 / lb | -$0.03 | $0.22 - $0.22 |
| 8/10/2019 | $0.25 / lb | -$0.05 | $0.25 - $0.25 |
| 5/30/2019 | $0.30 / lb | — no change | $0.30 - $0.30 |
| 3/13/2019 | $0.30 / lb | -$0.05 | $0.30 - $0.30 |
| 2/10/2019 | $0.35 / lb | +$0.09 | $0.35 - $0.35 |
| 1/4/2019 | $0.26 / lb | -$0.06 | $0.26 - $0.26 |
| 12/17/2018 | $0.32 / lb | +$0.07 | $0.32 - $0.32 |
| 10/7/2018 | $0.25 / lb | +$0.07 | $0.25 - $0.25 |
| 8/25/2018 | $0.18 / lb | -$0.22 | $0.18 - $0.18 |
| 8/7/2018 | $0.40 / lb | -$0.02 | $0.40 - $0.40 |
| 6/12/2018 | $0.42 / lb | +$0.07 | $0.42 - $0.42 |
| 2/26/2018 | $0.35 / lb | -$0.08 | $0.35 - $0.35 |
| 7/7/2017 | $0.43 / lb | +$0.01 | $0.43 - $0.43 |
| 6/5/2017 | $0.42 / lb | +$0.02 | $0.42 - $0.42 |
| 12/2/2016 | $0.40 / lb | +$0.07 | $0.40 - $0.40 |
| 11/21/2016 | $0.33 / lb | +$0.06 | $0.33 - $0.33 |
| 10/26/2016 | $0.27 / lb | -$0.10 | $0.27 - $0.27 |
| 5/12/2016 | $0.37 / lb | +$0.01 | $0.37 - $0.37 |
| 3/31/2016 | $0.36 / lb | +$0.04 | $0.36 - $0.36 |
| 2/29/2016 | $0.32 / lb | -$0.14 | $0.32 - $0.32 |
| 6/28/2015 | $0.46 / lb | -$0.04 | $0.46 - $0.46 |
| 12/9/2014 | $0.50 / lb | +$0.10 | $0.50 - $0.50 |
| 12/9/2013 | $0.40 / lb | -$0.02 | $0.40 - $0.40 |
| 4/29/2012 | $0.42 / lb | +$0.03 | $0.42 - $0.42 |
Squeezing Every Cent Out of Clean Aluminum Radiators
If you are pulling radiators out of scrapped cars or residential HVAC systems, clean aluminum radiators are a bread-and-butter item that can seriously pad your wallet. Nationwide, local scrap yards are paying anywhere from $0.40 to $0.65, depending on the regional market and the volume you are hauling. The operative word here is 'clean'. The moment a scale operator sees contamination, your payout tanks. Our data tracks the national average at $0.49, but the scrappers who consistently hit that top tier are the ones who know how to properly prep their material before ever backing up to the buyer's dock.
Contamination Traps That Kill Your Payout
Scrap yards do not want to do your work for you. If a buyer has to spend time stripping your radiator, you are taking the financial hit. A 'clean' aluminum radiator means 100% aluminum. No plastic side tanks, no steel mounting brackets, no rubber hoses, and absolutely no stray fluids. Handing over a radiator with the plastic tanks still attached drops it straight into the 'dirty aluminum' or 'irony' category, which is a massive, unnecessary price cut.
Yard Pro Tip: Grab your magnet and meticulously check the edges where the fan shroud mounts. Even one hidden steel screw, a tiny steel fitting, or a leftover piece of the plastic tank means the scale master drops your entire load to a 'dirty' price, potentially costing you $0.00 per pound instantly.
Prep and Sorting Guide for the Scale
Getting your aluminum radiators scale-ready in the US requires a few basic tools and a bit of elbow grease. Do not let laziness cheat you out of your hard-earned cash. Here is the veteran breakdown on proper prep:
- Cut the Plastic: Use a reciprocating saw to slice off the plastic ends completely. Do not try to pry them off; cutting straight down the aluminum core is faster and ensures no plastic is left behind in the crimps.
- Drain the Fluids: Always drain the coolant completely. Yards will reject leaking loads or hit you with a fine for bringing environmental hazards onto their lot.
- Check for Copper: Make absolutely sure you are not looking at Aluminum Copper Radiators (ACR), which have copper tubing running through the aluminum fins. Those are worth $1.85 to $2.70/lb.
- Separate the Rest: Keep an eye out for Coolers & Condensers and Copper & Brass Radiators (Clean). Mixing these distinct grades into one gaylord box will confuse the scale and cost you money. Keep your metals separated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current average price for clean aluminum radiators?
Based on national data, expect an average of $0.49. Prices fluctuate based on the LME market, usually hovering about 51.2% below the spot price depending on yard overhead.
Why did my clean aluminum radiator get downgraded at the yard?
If you left a steel hose clamp, a mounting bracket, a petcock valve, or any piece of the plastic tank on the unit, the yard will buy it as dirty aluminum. Always run a strong magnet over the whole piece before loading your truck.
Are aluminum radiators worth more than ACRs?
Generally, no. Aluminum Copper Radiators (ACR) contain copper tubing, which commands a significantly higher price per pound than straight aluminum. Ensure you sort them into entirely separate bins to maximize your total payout.
Aluminum Radiators (Clean) scrap prices — find in your state on the map
The map shows states where we have Aluminum Radiators (Clean) scrap prices. Click a state on the map or use the links below to see current Aluminum Radiators (Clean) prices in that region.
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