Aluminum Nodules: The Complete Guide to High-Purity Aluminum Scrap

What Are Aluminum Nodules? - Definition & Overview

Aluminum Nodules, classified under ISRI Code TALL (E.C. Aluminum Nodules), represent one of the highest quality categories of recycled aluminum scrap in the non-ferrous metals industry. These nodules consist of clean aluminum material that has been either chopped or shredded through mechanical processing operations, resulting in small, uniform pieces ideal for remelting and secondary aluminum production.

The term "nodules" refers to the characteristic small, rounded or irregular-shaped pieces created during the cutting, shredding, or machining of pure aluminum products. Unlike mixed aluminum scrap or contaminated materials, aluminum nodules maintain exceptional purity standards, containing a minimum of 99.45% aluminum content, making them a premium commodity in the global scrap metal marketplace.

Key Characteristics of Aluminum Nodules

Aluminum Nodules are distinguished by several critical specifications that determine their market value and industrial applications:

• Minimum Purity: 99.45% aluminum content (Al ≥99.45%)

• Physical Form: Chopped or shredded pieces, typically small and uniform

• Cleanliness Standard: Free from screening, hair-wire, iron, copper, and insulation

• Contaminant Restrictions: Must be free of paint, coatings, oil, grease, and non-metallic items

• Processing Method: Mechanically chopped or shredded from clean aluminum sources

• Color: Bright metallic silver-gray (characteristic of pure aluminum)

• Moisture Content: Dry material, no water or liquid contamination

• Density: Approximately 2.70 g/cm³ (typical for pure aluminum)

ISRI Specification for Aluminum Nodules (Code: TALL)

The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) maintains the industry-standard Scrap Specifications Circular, which provides detailed guidelines for classifying and trading scrap materials. According to the latest ISRI Scrap Specifications Circular 2022, Aluminum Nodules are designated under the code TALL.

Official ISRI TALL Specification

E.C. Aluminum Nodules (TALL) shall consist of:

• Clean aluminum, either chopped or shredded

• Minimum aluminum content of 99.45%

• Free of screening materials and hair-wire (extremely fine wire fragments)

• Free of iron, copper, and other metallic contaminants

• Free of insulation, plastic coatings, rubber, and paper

• Free of dirt, oil, grease, and other non-metallic substances

• Suitable for direct remelting without extensive pre-processing

This specification ensures that aluminum nodules maintain the highest quality standards for secondary aluminum production, allowing foundries and smelters to achieve optimal recovery rates and minimal waste during the recycling process.

For the complete ISRI Scrap Specifications Circular, visit the official ISRI Specifications Directory.

How Are Aluminum Nodules Created? - Production Process

Aluminum Nodules are byproducts of various industrial and recycling operations. Understanding their origin helps explain their exceptional purity and market value.

Primary Sources of Aluminum Nodules

1. Manufacturing Operations

• Extrusion Plants: During the extrusion of aluminum profiles (window frames, structural components), excess material is trimmed and chopped into nodules

• Sheet Metal Fabrication: Punching, stamping, and cutting operations generate clean aluminum scrap

• Machining Centers: CNC machining, turning, and milling of aluminum parts produce high-purity chips and turnings that are processed into nodules

• Wire Drawing Mills: Clean electrical conductor aluminum wire scrap

2. Recycling Facilities

• Shredding Operations: Aluminum products are mechanically shredded using industrial shredders with rotating hammers

• Chopping Systems: Hydraulic choppers cut aluminum wire, cable, and structural materials into uniform pieces

• Sorting Lines: Advanced optical sorting separates pure aluminum from mixed metal streams

3. Post-Consumer Sources

• Electrical Conductor Wire: Stripped aluminum wire from electrical installations

• Clean Aluminum Products: Uncoated, unpainted aluminum items that are mechanically processed

• Industrial Off-Cuts: Factory surplus and production waste from aluminum product manufacturing

Processing Technology

Modern aluminum nodule production employs sophisticated equipment:

• Rotary Shears: Cut aluminum into precise dimensions

• Granulators: Break down larger pieces into uniform nodules

• Magnetic Separation: Removes any ferrous metal contamination

• Eddy Current Separators: Eliminates non-ferrous contaminants like copper

• Air Classification: Removes lightweight impurities such as paper and plastic

• Density Separation: Ensures uniform material quality

Chemical Composition & Material Properties

Elemental Analysis

High-quality Aluminum Nodules (ISRI TALL) typically exhibit the following composition:

Physical Properties

• Melting Point: 660.3°C (1220.5°F)

• Boiling Point: 2,519°C (4,566°F)

• Specific Gravity: 2.70

• Electrical Conductivity: 61% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard)

• Thermal Conductivity: 237 W/m·K at 25°C

• Crystal Structure: Face-centered cubic (FCC)

• Corrosion Resistance: Excellent due to protective oxide layer

These properties make aluminum nodules ideal for producing a wide range of secondary aluminum alloys used in automotive, aerospace, construction, and packaging industries.

Current Market Prices for Aluminum Nodules

United States Pricing (2025)

Aluminum Nodules command premium prices due to their high purity and clean specification. Prices vary by region and market conditions:

Regional Price Averages (Per Pound - USD):

Price Factors Influencing Aluminum Nodules:

1. London Metal Exchange (LME) Aluminum Futures: Global benchmark pricing

2. Purity Level: Higher Al% content = higher value

3. Quantity: Bulk shipments receive premium pricing

4. Cleanliness: Absolutely clean material commands top dollar

5. Delivery Method: FOB vs. delivered pricing

6. Market Demand: Automotive and construction sector activity

7. Energy Costs: Aluminum smelting is energy-intensive

8. Global Supply Chains: Import/export dynamics

For real-time pricing, visit our Live Aluminum Scrap Prices page or check North American Aluminum Scrap Prices.

International Pricing Comparison

Prices updated October 2025. For current rates, subscribe to ScrapMonster Premium Membership.

Where to Sell Aluminum Nodules - Finding the Best Buyers

Top Scrap Yard Categories Accepting Aluminum Nodules

Aluminum Nodules enjoy strong demand across multiple industry sectors:

1. Aluminum Smelters & Secondary Refineries

• Direct buyers offering the highest prices

• Process large volumes (50+ tons minimum)

• Prefer long-term supply contracts

• May provide containers and logistics support

2. Scrap Metal Recycling Yards

• Local and regional buyers

• Accept smaller quantities (100 lbs minimum typically)

• Immediate payment options

• Convenient drop-off locations

3. Aluminum Foundries

• Use nodules for alloy production

• Specific chemistry requirements

• Premium pricing for consistent quality

• Regular purchasing schedules

4. Export Brokers & Trading Companies

• International market access

• Container-load quantities (20,000+ lbs)

• Competitive pricing

• Handle documentation and shipping

Leading US Scrap Yards Accepting Aluminum Nodules

Based on our comprehensive USA Scrap Yards Directory:

East Coast Buyers:

1. Environmental Recycling & Disposal - Orland Park, Illinois

2. A-1 Metals/Tennessee Metals - Knoxville, Tennessee

3. Metro Metals Recycling - Multiple Northeast locations

Midwest Buyers:

1. Aluminum Alloy Recycling - Muskegon, Michigan

2. J.D. Beavers Company - Brighton, Michigan

3. Regional Aluminum Processors - Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin

West Coast Buyers:

1. Pacific Steel & Recycling - Glasgow, Montana

2. Jace Metals & Minerals LLC - Tucson, Arizona

3. Global Plastics Recycling Inc - Perris, California

Canada Buyers:

1. Beaver Recycling - Toronto, Ontario

2. Izz Recycling - Quebec

3. GAIN (Green Age International Network Inc.) - Abbotsford, British Columbia

Use our Scrap Yard Finder to locate buyers near you with current pricing and contact information.

How to Maximize Value When Selling Aluminum Nodules

Quality Preparation Best Practices

1. Maintain Absolute Cleanliness

• Remove all iron attachments (screws, bolts, fasteners)

• Strip any copper wiring or fittings

• Eliminate plastic, rubber, or insulation materials

• Keep material dry and free from oil/grease

2. Sort by Alloy Type (If Possible)

• Pure aluminum (EC grade) commands highest prices

• 6063 extrusion scrap is valuable

• Separate painted or coated materials

• Keep different alloys in separate containers

3. Proper Storage

• Use dry, covered storage areas

• Prevent moisture accumulation

• Avoid contamination from other materials

• Use steel containers or gaylord boxes

4. Volume Consolidation

• Accumulate larger quantities before selling

• Trailer-load volumes (40,000+ lbs) receive best pricing

• Consider partnering with other sellers

• Negotiate long-term contracts for regular supply

5. Documentation & Testing

• Request spectral analysis for large loads

• Document material source and processing

• Maintain chain of custody records

• Provide photos to buyers before shipping

Pricing Negotiation Tips

• Get Multiple Quotes: Contact 3-5 buyers for competitive bidding

• Track LME Prices: Understand global aluminum market trends

• Timing: Sell during high-demand periods (spring construction season)

• Payment Terms: Negotiate for immediate payment vs. deferred pricing

• Transportation: FOB yard vs. delivered pricing significantly impacts net value

• Long-Term Relationships: Develop preferred supplier status with major buyers

ScrapMonster Marketplace - Trading Platform for Aluminum Nodules

Post Your Material Online

ScrapMonster operates North America's largest scrap trading platform with 111,494+ members. Our advanced marketplace connects sellers with qualified buyers worldwide.

Access Our Trading Tools:

Sell Your Aluminum Nodules:

• Post Aluminum Sell Offers with photos and specifications

• Reach thousands of active buyers

• Receive price quotes

• Secure messaging tools

Find Aluminum Nodules to Purchase:

• Browse Aluminum Buy Requests

• Direct supplier connections

• Verified member ratings

• International sourcing capabilities

Premium Marketplace Features:

• Upload unlimited photos and specifications

• Featured listings for maximum visibility

• Real-time price alerts

• Secure payment processing options

• Logistics coordination support

Register FREE or Upgrade to Premium Membership for enhanced trading capabilities.

Recycling Process & Environmental Benefits

Secondary Aluminum Production from Nodules

The recycling process for aluminum nodules demonstrates exceptional environmental efficiency:

Step-by-Step Recycling Process:

1. Collection & Sorting

• Material arrives at recycling facility

• Visual inspection for contamination

• Magnetic separation removes ferrous metals

• Eddy current separation removes non-ferrous contaminants

2. Pre-Treatment

• Material is weighed and documented

• Spectral analysis determines exact composition

• Any remaining coatings or oxidation removed

• Material dried if moisture present

3. Melting & Refining

• Nodules loaded into reverberatory furnaces

• Melting temperature: 660-750°C

• Fluxing agents remove impurities

• Dross skimmed from surface

• Degassing removes hydrogen and oxides

4. Alloying

• Pure aluminum adjusted with alloying elements

• Silicon, magnesium, copper added as needed

• Specific alloy compositions achieved (6061, 6063, etc.)

• Quality testing ensures specifications

5. Casting

• Molten aluminum poured into molds

• Ingots, billets, or slabs produced

• Rapid cooling and solidification

• Material ready for manufacturing

6. Manufacturing Applications

• Extrusion for profiles and shapes

• Rolling for sheet and plate

• Die casting for complex parts

• Wire drawing for electrical conductors

Environmental Impact & Sustainability

Energy Savings:

• Recycling aluminum uses 95% less energy than primary production from bauxite ore

• Energy required: 5% of virgin aluminum production

• CO₂ emissions reduced by approximately 95%

• One ton of recycled aluminum saves 14,000 kWh of electricity

Resource Conservation:

• Preserves bauxite ore reserves

• Reduces mining environmental impact

• Eliminates red mud waste (toxic byproduct of primary production)

• Infinite recyclability - aluminum can be recycled indefinitely without quality loss

Economic Benefits:

• Creates jobs in collection, processing, and manufacturing

• Reduces dependence on imported primary aluminum

• Lower production costs for manufacturers

• Supports circular economy principles

Carbon Footprint Reduction:

• 1 ton recycled aluminum = 9 tons CO₂ emissions avoided

• Supports corporate sustainability goals

• Contributes to LEED certification credits

• Aligns with global climate initiatives

Related Aluminum Scrap Materials

Expand your aluminum scrap knowledge with these related high-value materials:

Premium Aluminum Scrap Categories

356 Aluminum Wheels (Clean)
High-value automotive aluminum alloy wheels, thoroughly cleaned and sorted. Excellent for die-casting applications.

6061 Extrusions
Medium to high-strength aluminum alloy extrusions used in structural applications, aerospace, and marine industries.

6063 Extrusions
Architectural-grade aluminum extrusions with superior finishing characteristics for building and construction.

E.C. Aluminum Wire
Electrical conductor aluminum wire scrap with 99.5%+ purity, ideal for wire rod production.

Used Beverage Cans (UBC)
Aluminum beverage cans representing one of the most recycled consumer products globally.

Old Sheet Aluminum
Post-consumer aluminum sheet metal from roofing, siding, and industrial applications.

Aluminum Radiators
Automotive cooling system components containing aluminum and sometimes copper.

Mixed Aluminum Turnings
Machining waste containing various aluminum alloys from CNC operations.

Zorba 90% NF
Shredded mixed non-ferrous metals containing minimum 90% aluminum content.

View all Aluminum Scrap Categories

Industry News & Market Updates

Stay informed with the latest aluminum industry developments:

Recent Aluminum Market News (October 2025)

Alcoa Unveiled Plan to Rebuild and Modernize U.S. Smelter
Major investment in domestic aluminum production capacity announced October 23, 2025.

Aluminum Association Advocates Export Restrictions on Strategic Scrap Metal
Industry pushes for domestic scrap retention to support U.S. manufacturing.

Trump's Tariffs Spur US Aluminum Industry to Boost Recycling
Trade policies drive increased secondary aluminum production.

North American Aluminum Demand Dipped in First Half 2025
Market analysis shows changing consumption patterns.

Novelis 2025 Sustainability Report Highlights Notable Progress
Leading aluminum producer advances recycling initiatives.

Subscribe to Aluminum Industry News for daily updates.

Summary - Key Takeaways

• Aluminum Nodules (ISRI TALL) are premium-grade recycled aluminum with 99.45%+ purity
• Current prices range from $0.75-$0.97/lb in the USA (October 2025)
• Clean material is essential - remove all contaminants for maximum value
• Multiple buyers available - scrap yards, smelters, foundries, and export brokers
• Environmental champion - recycling saves 95% energy vs. primary production
• ScrapMonster Marketplace connects 111,494+ members for efficient trading
• Infinite recyclability - aluminum never loses quality through recycling
• Strong market demand - automotive, aerospace, construction, and packaging industries
• Ready to sell your aluminum nodules? Find buyers near you or post your material online today!

Last Updated: October 24, 2025 | ScrapMonster Inc. © 2009-2025 | All Rights Reserved

Disclaimer: Prices and market information provided for reference only. Actual prices may vary by location, quantity, quality, and market conditions. Always verify current pricing with buyers before transactions.

Fun Facts About Aluminum & Aluminum Nodules

Energy Champion
Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to power a laptop for 3 hours, a TV for 2 hours, or a 100-watt light bulb for 20 hours!

Infinite Recyclability
Aluminum is one of the few materials that can be recycled infinitely without losing quality. The aluminum in a beverage can today might have been part of an airplane 50 years ago!

Speed Record
An aluminum can can be recycled and back on store shelves as a new can in as little as 60 days - the fastest closed-loop recycling process of any material.

Most Valuable Recyclable
Aluminum is the most valuable material in your recycling bin, worth approximately 20 times more than plastic and 10 times more than glass.

Global Leader
The United States recycles approximately 50 billion aluminum cans annually - that's 150 cans per person per year!

Economic Impact
The aluminum recycling industry generates over $800 million annually in the U.S. and provides employment for more than 4,600 workers directly.

Discovery
Aluminum was once more valuable than gold! In the 1850s, aluminum cost $1,200 per kilogram - more expensive than gold or platinum. Napoleon III had aluminum cutlery for special guests while regular guests used gold utensils.

Lightning Fast
Modern aluminum smelters can produce one ton of aluminum every 3 minutes using recycled scrap, compared to 24 hours for primary production from bauxite ore.

Defense Applications
During World War II, Americans contributed millions of pounds of aluminum scrap for military aircraft production - including 18,000 tons collected in one month during the "Aluminum for Defense" campaign.

Artistic Value
The famous Statue of Eros in London's Piccadilly Circus was the first major statue cast in aluminum (1893) and is still standing today - a testament to aluminum's durability.

Temperature Extremes
Aluminum maintains strength and ductility from -270°C to +300°C, making it ideal for aerospace applications from arctic exploration to space shuttle components.

Crystal Structure
Pure aluminum forms a protective oxide layer within milliseconds of exposure to air, which is why it doesn't rust like iron - this layer is only 4 nanometers thick but incredibly durable!