ISRI Code : NA

What Are Aluminum Radiators?

Aluminum Radiators are heat-exchanging devices used in cars, trucks, industrial equipment, and HVAC systems. As these radiators reach end-of-life, they're collected, cleaned, and processed for recycling. Scrap aluminum radiators are valuable for their high aluminum content (often 85% or more by weight), ease of melt, and demand from secondary smelters.

  • Clean Aluminum Radiators contain no steel or plastic ends, are free from oil, coolant, and hazardous fluids.

  • Contaminated or Mixed Radiators refer to those with iron or other non-aluminum attachments. Cleanliness directly impacts pricing and reprocessing efficiency.

Educational Details: Specifications, Industry, and Processing

Industry Standards (ISRI Codes & Grades)

  • TABLOID: Clean, uncoated aluminum radiators free from tanks, iron frames, and contaminants.

  • TABOO: Mixed or contaminated radiators containing steel tanks, side brackets, or fiberglass.

  • See full ISRI specs on ScrapMonster's Materials Database.

Typical Scrap Composition

  • Aluminum >85%

  • Trace copper (from solder joints on older radiators)

  • Steel (from brackets, tanks, and fittings that must be removed for “clean” premium)

Physical Characteristics

  • Lightweight and high surface area for thermal exchange.

  • Often have parallel rows of aluminum tubing and thin fins.

Value Chain in Recycling

  1. Collection/Yard Intake

    • Scrap yards sort radiators by metal type.

  2. Preparation

    • Tanks and steel attachments removed for “clean” grade.

    • Fluid drained, oil/grease cleaned.

  3. Shredding/Processing

    • Radiators shredded and separated by metal type.

  4. Melting

    • Clean radiators go directly to smelters; mixed require further treatment.

  5. Casting

    • Recycled metal used for manufacturing new radiators, engine blocks, frames, and consumer goods.

Environmental & Economic Impact

  • Energy savings: Recycling aluminum radiators uses 95% less energy than producing virgin aluminum from ore.

  • CO₂ reduction: Every ton recycled avoids 9 tons of emissions.

  • Market: High demand in automotive, HVAC, green energy, and construction.

Live Pricing & Where to Sell Aluminum Radiators Scrap

Real-Time Prices

Marketplace & Yard Finder

Internal Links to Core ScrapMonster Services

Strategic Business Importance

Aluminum radiator scrap is not just recyclable—it’s a premium commodity in today’s green manufacturing and circular economy. For auto dismantlers, HVAC service firms, and industrial recyclers, aluminum radiators represent a high-margin stream, with clean aluminum radiators (ISRI TABLOID) bringing the highest prices.

Why Value Aluminum Radiators?

  • Premium metal: >85% pure aluminum content means high value per pound.

  • Operational savings: Smelters love clean radiators—they melt fast, need little refining, and save energy.

  • Global demand: EVs, green tech, and construction boom drive up market need.

Business Applications & Opportunities

Who Profits from Aluminum Radiators Scrap?

  • Auto Recyclers: Collect radiators during vehicle teardown; sell in bulk for top rates.

  • HVAC Contractors: Recover radiators from AC and heating jobs; add new profit stream to every replacement.

  • Industrial Dismantlers: Large suppliers to smelters and foundries.

  • Exporters/Traders: Aggregate grades for international buyers—high volume means high return.

Enterprise Solutions

  • Bulk contracts: Lock in volume pricing with regional smelters or national yard franchises.

  • Global sales: Use ScrapMonster’s Marketplace and Company Directory to source buyers worldwide.

  • Integrated supply chain: ScrapMonster’s platform helps track, certify, and market every batch.

Sourcing & Preparation for Maximum Value

How to Maximize Scrap Value

  • Segregate grades: Sort “clean” from “mixed” or copper/brass composites; avoid mixing metals.

  • Clean for premium: Remove steel brackets, tanks, and all fluids. Present product as “TABLOID” for the best rates.

  • Aggregate volume: Larger shipments negotiate better prices and reduce logistics costs.

Business Process Optimization

  • Smart analytics: Track live prices (see here), time your market entry, and predict demand ups and downs.

  • Workflow tools: Use ScrapMonster’s Equipment Marketplace for efficient processing—invest in shears and shredders to streamline your operation.

  • Documentation & compliance: Keep your ISRI codes correct and provide detailed photos, manifests, and test reports for every lot (critical for export and major contracts).

Exporting & National Accounts: Key Steps

  • Know regulations: Confirm export controls, hazardous material rules, and ISRI compliance for international shipments.

  • Use ScrapMonster’s Yard Finder (link) for nearest bulk buyers and global contacts.

  • Logistics partnerships: Work with recognized brokers to lower transport costs and guarantee delivery schedules.

Market Overview & Trends

  • Price drivers: Global aluminum demand, EV production rates, and seasonality (peak construction & auto replacement cycles).

  • Forward-looking: Monitor sustainability trends—many companies pay a premium for proven recycled content.

Corporate Sustainability, PR & Brand Storytelling

  • Invest in marketing: Publicize your aluminum recycling stats, CO₂ savings, and green policies on your website or via ScrapMonster’s Advertise page.

  • Win contracts: More manufacturers demand proof of recycled input for LEED/building credits and ESG reporting.

  • Educate clients: Offer recycling service as a selling point—consumers and business partners increasingly care.

Industry Networking & Thought Leadership

  • Get featured in ScrapMonster Industry News.

  • Connect with top buyers and volume suppliers through ScrapMonster’s Company Directory.

  • Attend market webinars and request custom price/forecast reports.

Related News & Market Trends

Fun Facts About Aluminum Radiators & Their Recycling

        • Did you know? Aluminum radiators are lighter and more efficient than copper/brass, making modern cars more fuel-efficient!

        • Green recycling: One recycled car radiator saves enough energy to power a home for a week.

        • Aluminum’s infinite life: Every piece can be recycled endlessly without loss of quality.

        • Worldwide impact: The US recycles over 2 billion pounds of aluminum per year—radiators are a key source.

        • Rapid market growth: Demand for recycled aluminum radiators is rising with the electric vehicle boom.

Executive Summary & ROI Tips

  • Focus on clean, sorted aluminum radiators for best price.

  • Institutional sellers should leverage contracts, analytics, and platform features for major deals.

  • Brand your business around sustainability and efficiency—ScrapMonster services help you grow.

  • Ready to scale up? Use ScrapMonster’s Marketplace to source, sell, and build lasting relationships.

Business Value & Sustainability

  • Selling aluminum radiators supports eco-friendly practices, reduces landfill, and boosts your business's green reputation.

  • ScrapMonster Marketplace connects you to industry leaders for bulk, long-term, or specialty aluminum scrap deals.

  • Leverage our analytics for smarter pricing, trend forecasting, and supply chain optimization.

Ready to sell your aluminum radiators scrap for the best market price?
List now on ScrapMonster Buy/Sell Marketplace and join North America’s top network for scrap professionals!

Last Updated: October 2025 | ScrapMonster Inc. © 2009-2025