Price trends for aluminum wheels and rims by grade

over the last 6 months

In the last 6 months in the Aluminum Rims & Wheels category: price is up for 6 grades, price is steady for 16 grades, and price is down for 3 grades.

How Have Prices Moved Over the Last 52 Weeks?
Over the past year, the category average ranged from $0.54 to $0.76.
Jun '25Sep '25Dec '25Mar '26Today
How Yard Prices Track the Exchange (LME)
Average discount to the exchange for this category: ~51.7% (-$0.83/ lb). Based on 25 grades with exchange data. Normal range for this category: 15%–93%.
✓ All 25 grades are within normal market range

U.S. National Price Benchmark — Aluminum Rims & Wheels in North Carolina

Local scrap yards in North Carolina sometimes post their prices with a short delay. To keep you informed of what your metal is worth right now, we use U.S. national averages as a reference. The secondary metals market responds to exchange moves in sync across the country — use this national benchmark when negotiating with local buyers. Aluminum Rims & Wheels prices across the U.S. →

Aluminum Rims & Wheels scrap prices by grade in North Carolina

Here is the Aluminum Rims & Wheels data we have on file for North Carolina. Local yards don't always update their online prices daily — if your grade isn't listed, use the National Benchmark above as leverage when negotiating with local buyers.

Aluminum BX U.S. national average
Avg. Price:$2.30/ lbRange: $1.80 – $2.80/ lb
Trend for 30 days: -11.0%
View Details
Aluminum 5052 (Plate) U.S. national average
Avg. Price:$1.36/ lbRange: $1.32 – $1.40/ lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
View Details
Aluminum Wire (EC / Clean) U.S. national average
Avg. Price:$1.15/ lbRange: $0.75 – $1.55/ lb
Trend for 90 days: -9.0%
View Details
Painted Aluminum Extrusion U.S. national average
Avg. Price:$1.07/ lbRange: $1.04 – $1.10/ lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
View Details
Lithographic Plates (Litho) U.S. national average
Avg. Price:$1.03/ lbRange: $0.85 – $1.20/ lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
View Details
+15.6% / 6 mo.
Avg. Price:$0.95/ lbRange: $0.70 – $1.20/ lb
Trend for 6 mo.: +15.6%
View Details
+12.6% / 90 days
Chrome Plated Aluminum Wheels U.S. national average
Avg. Price:$0.85/ lbRange: $0.70 – $1.00/ lb
Trend for 90 days: +12.6%
View Details
+2.3% / 90 days
Dirty & Irony Aluminum Wheels U.S. national average
Avg. Price:$0.85/ lbRange: $0.75 – $0.95/ lb
Trend for 90 days: +2.3%
View Details
+12.1% / 6 mo.
Dirty Aluminum Extrusion U.S. national average
Avg. Price:$0.80/ lbRange: $0.60 – $1.00/ lb
Trend for 6 mo.: +12.1%
View Details
Avg. Price:$0.75/ lbRange: $0.70 – $0.80/ lb
Trend for 90 days: -5.9%
View Details
+11.5% / 6 mo.
Aluminum Clips & MLC Based on 2 yards
Avg. Price:$0.73/ lbRange: $0.65 – $0.80/ lb
Trend for 6 mo.: +11.5%
View Details
Aluminum 3003 U.S. national average
Avg. Price:$0.70/ lbRange: $0.70 – $0.70/ lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
View Details
Aluminum 6061 Structural Based on 1 yard
Avg. Price:$0.70/ lbRange: $0.70 – $0.70/ lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
View Details
Avg. Price:$0.70/ lbRange: $0.70 – $0.70/ lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
View Details
Thermal Break Aluminum U.S. national average
Avg. Price:$0.69/ lbRange: $0.58 – $0.80/ lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
View Details
Aluminum Cans (UBC) Based on 2 yards
Avg. Price:$0.68/ lbRange: $0.50 – $0.85/ lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
View Details
Avg. Price:$0.65/ lbRange: $0.55 – $0.75/ lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
View Details
+12.9% / 30 days
Painted & Old Sheet Aluminum U.S. national average
Avg. Price:$0.63/ lbRange: $0.50 – $0.75/ lb
Trend for 30 days: +12.9%
View Details
Aluminum Siding & Gutters Based on 2 yards
Avg. Price:$0.58/ lbRange: $0.50 – $0.65/ lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
View Details
Aluminum Wire (Insulated / ACSR) U.S. national average
Avg. Price:$0.50/ lbRange: $0.50 – $0.50/ lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
View Details
Clean Aluminum Sheet Based on 2 yards
Avg. Price:$0.45/ lbRange: $0.45 – $0.45/ lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
View Details
Cast Aluminum Based on 2 yards
Avg. Price:$0.43/ lbRange: $0.40 – $0.45/ lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
View Details
Irony & Breakage Aluminum Based on 2 yards
Avg. Price:$0.39/ lbRange: $0.30 – $0.48/ lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
View Details
Aluminum Turnings U.S. national average
Avg. Price:$0.32/ lbRange: $0.20 – $0.43/ lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
View Details
Aluminum Foil & Light Gauge U.S. national average
Avg. Price:$0.13/ lbRange: $0.10 – $0.15/ lb
Trend for 30 days: 0.0%
View Details

Scrap yards paying the most for aluminum wheels and rims in North Carolina

Live prices from local scrap yards in North Carolina. Compare offers and find the buyer paying the most.

💼 Scrap yard owners: Post your buy prices and get more customers
By price
By date
Updated 6/8/2026

Biltmore Iron & Metal Co Inc

Asheville, North Carolina4 grades on price list
Aluminum Cans
$0.85/ lb|🠅 $0.05 (6%)
MLC
$0.80/ lb|🠅 $0.10 (14%)
Irony Aluminum
$0.30/ lb|🠅 $0.05 (20%)
Alum Wheels
$1.20/ lb|🠅 $0.30 (33%)
Updated 5/4/2026

CMC Recycling

Charlotte, North Carolina9 grades on price list
Aluminum Cans
$0.45/ lb|🠅 $0.02 (5%)
6063 Aluminum
$0.70/ lb|🠅 $0.02 (3%)
6061 Alum (no plate/sheet)
$0.70/ lb|🠅 $0.02 (3%)
Sheet Aluminum
$0.45/ lb|🠅 $0.02 (5%)
Aluminum Clips (MLC)
$0.65/ lb|🠅 $0.02 (3%)
PTD Aluminum Siding
$0.65/ lb|🠅 $0.02 (3%)
Cast Aluminum
$0.45/ lb|🠅 $0.02 (5%)
Irony Aluminum (include attachments)
$0.48/ lb|🠇 $0.02 (4%)
Clean Aluminum Wheels
$0.70/ lb|🠅 $0.02 (3%)
Updated 2/17/2026

CMC Recycling

Burlington, North Carolina6 grades on price list
Aluminum Cans
$0.50/ lb|🠅 $0.05 (11%)
Sheet Aluminum
$0.45/ lb|🠅 $0.05 (13%)
Aluminum Clips (MLC)
$0.50/ lb|🠅 $0.05 (11%)
PTD Aluminum Siding
$0.50/ lb|🠅 $0.06 (14%)
Cast Aluminum
$0.40/ lb|🠇 $0.02 (5%)
Clean Aluminum Wheels
$0.70/ lb|🠇 $0.05 (7%)
Updated 2/17/2026

My County Metal

Spruce Pine, North Carolina1 grade on price list
Clean Aluminum
$0.40/ lb
Updated 8/10/2025

Auto Parts U Pull & Scrap Metal of Shelby

Shelby, North Carolina1 grade on price list
Aluminum Cans
$0.42/ lb|🠅 $0.02 (5%)
Updated 4/23/2021

Dare Area Recycling Technologies

Wanchese, North Carolina1 grade on price list
Clean Alum.
$0.25/ lb|🠅 $0.07 (39%)

Don't see your scrap yard in North Carolina? List it for free.

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Price chart: aluminum wheels and rims grades and LME Aluminum exchange data

The chart shows average yard buyout rates and LME Aluminum exchange data for your selected aluminum wheels and rims grade. When the exchange moves up and local yard prices lag, they typically follow within a few trading days — a signal to hold if you can. When both lines drop, sell now before yards update their offers downward. Switch grades using the selector above the chart.

Calculate the value of your aluminum wheels and rims lot

Selling a mixed load? Pick the grades below — a weight field appears after you select at least one grade, then the calculator estimates your haul's value from current average prices North Carolina.

Select a metal above to estimate value

Compare aluminum wheels and rims grades and their value

Wheel pricing follows LME Aluminum with a premium for clean, sorted alloy. Chrome plating and plastic faces reduce effective aluminum content and therefore payout. Identifying your material correctly before selling is the single most effective step to maximize your payout.

GradeExchange (100%)Yard Price (per lb)Grade Quality
Aluminum BX $1.60/ lb LME$2.30/ lb
High Grade143%
Why above exchange?
Aluminum 5052 (Plate) $1.60/ lb LME$1.36/ lb
Mid Grade85%
Aluminum Wire (EC / Clean) $1.60/ lb LME$1.15/ lb
Mid Grade72%
Painted Aluminum Extrusion $1.60/ lb LME$1.07/ lb
Mid Grade67%
Lithographic Plates (Litho) $1.60/ lb LME$1.03/ lb
Mid Grade64%
Clean Aluminum Auto Wheels (Alloy 356) $1.60/ lb LME$0.95/ lb
Mid Grade59%
Chrome Plated Aluminum Wheels $1.60/ lb LME$0.85/ lb
Mid Grade53%
Dirty & Irony Aluminum Wheels $1.60/ lb LME$0.85/ lb
Mid Grade53%
Dirty Aluminum Extrusion $1.60/ lb LME$0.80/ lb
Low Grade50%
Clean Truck & Semi Wheels (Alloy 6061) $1.60/ lb LME$0.75/ lb
Low Grade47%
Aluminum Clips & MLC $1.60/ lb LME$0.73/ lb
Low Grade45%
Aluminum 3003 $1.60/ lb LME$0.70/ lb
Low Grade44%
Aluminum 6061 Structural $1.60/ lb LME$0.70/ lb
Low Grade44%
Aluminum 6063 Extrusion (Clean) $1.60/ lb LME$0.70/ lb
Low Grade44%
Thermal Break Aluminum $1.60/ lb LME$0.69/ lb
Low Grade43%
Aluminum Cans (UBC) $1.60/ lb LME$0.68/ lb
Low Grade42%
Clad Aluminum Wheels (Plastic Face) $1.60/ lb LME$0.65/ lb
Low Grade41%
Painted & Old Sheet Aluminum $1.60/ lb LME$0.63/ lb
Low Grade39%
Aluminum Siding & Gutters $1.60/ lb LME$0.58/ lb
Low Grade36%
Aluminum Wire (Insulated / ACSR) $1.60/ lb LME$0.50/ lb
Low Grade31%
Clean Aluminum Sheet $1.60/ lb LME$0.45/ lb
Low Grade28%
Cast Aluminum $1.60/ lb LME$0.43/ lb
Low Grade27%
Irony & Breakage Aluminum $1.60/ lb LME$0.39/ lb
Low Grade24%
Aluminum Turnings $1.60/ lb LME$0.32/ lb
Low Grade20%
Aluminum Foil & Light Gauge $1.60/ lb LME$0.13/ lb
Low Grade8%

📊 What determines the value of aluminum wheels and rims:

  • Alloy grade: Alloy 356 (auto wheels) and 6061 (truck/semi wheels) are the benchmark clean grades with the highest per-pound rate.
  • Chrome plating: Electroplated chrome is nearly impossible to remove economically — these wheels are discounted to dirty/irony aluminum pricing.
  • Plastic-faced wheels: Clad wheels with a plastic decorative face are separated by most yards and priced below clean alloy.
  • Tire weights: Lead wheel weights still attached will get you flagged at the scale and lower the per-pound rate; pull them before selling.
💡 Tip: Remove valve stems, tire weights, and center caps before selling — a clean bare wheel grades higher.