ISRI Code : NA

What are 356 Aluminum Wheels (Clean)?

356 Aluminum Wheels are vehicle rims made from a high-quality aluminum alloy (356), commonly found in standard cars and light trucks. “Clean” wheels refer to rims stripped of rubber tires, valve stems, wheel weights, dirt, and other non-aluminum attachments. Recyclers and scrap yards pay a premium for fully clean, sorted wheels due to minimal preparation effort and efficient melting—making this one of the most sought-after aluminum scrap categories.

Main Features:

  • Material: Aluminum alloy 356 (sometimes 6061 or 6063 for other types).

  • Form: Circular automotive rims, both OEM and aftermarket.

  • Condition: No tires, no rubber, no steel attachments, free from dirt/grease.

  • Common Sources: End-of-life vehicles, automotive shops, tire recyclers, scrap auctions.

  • Typical ISRI Code: TROMA (Clean Aluminum Wheels); always confirm with your yard.

 

Value and Market Analysis

Why are clean aluminum wheels valuable?

  • High Aluminum Content: Typically 88-92% recoverable aluminum.

  • Efficient Recycling: Melting is easier due to the lack of rubber/steel.

  • Environmental Impact: Saves natural resources versus mining new aluminum.

  • Global Demand: Used in remelting for new wheels, engine parts, extrusions.

Sample Market Prices (October 2025):

RegionPrice per Lb (USD)
US West Coast$0.44
US Midwest$0.42
US East Coast$0.43
 

See all live updates at ScrapMonster Aluminum Scrap Prices.

How to Maximize Your Payout

  • Remove Tires: Yards charge to remove them—do this beforehand.

  • Take Off Wheel Weights: Lead weights lower aluminum purity; remove and sort separately (lead also has value).

  • Clean the Rims Thoroughly: Wash off grease, mud, oils, and dust.

  • Sort by Alloy and Condition: Keep clean aluminum wheels separate from painted, chromed, or dirt-contaminated wheels.

  • Bulk Sales: Larger quantities often earn tiered pricing or transportation discounts.

ScrapMonster Services to Help You Sell


Understanding 356 Aluminum Wheels (Clean) in the Circular Economy

356 Aluminum Wheels play a vital role in the modern recycling supply chain. By reprocessing end-of-life wheels, businesses and individuals support resource conservation, reduce landfill waste, and contribute to a low-carbon economy. Because aluminum can be recycled indefinitely without quality loss, separating and preparing clean wheels is not just profitable—it’s a pillar of sustainability.

Educational Insight:

  • Aluminum recycling uses 95% less energy than primary smelting.

  • Each ton of recycled aluminum wheels saves over nine tons of CO₂ emissions compared to mining.

  • Automotive alloys like 356 offer high resistance and are highly valued for remelting into new wheels, building products, and electronics enclosures.

 

Business Strategies for Selling Clean Aluminum Wheels

1. Source Optimization:
Garages, auto shops, and fleet maintenance centers often accumulate large volumes of aluminum rims. By implementing regular sorting, tire removal, and separating steel/aluminum wheels, businesses can maximize revenue and streamline operations.

2. Quality Control:

  • Create a cleaning station for rims as wheels come off vehicles.

  • Invest in a lightweight tire removal tool to reduce labor costs.

  • Train staff to recognize 356 alloy markings and differentiate contamination.

3. Logistics and Scalability:
Instead of making frequent small deliveries, coordinate bulk shipments to preferred buyers using ScrapMonster's Marketplace.

  • Use local ScrapMonster Yard Finder to negotiate pickups or group shipments regionally.

  • For large shops, ScrapMonster partners may offer dedicated drop-off or mobile services.

4. Market Intelligence:
Subscribe to ScrapMonster’s Aluminum Price Alerts and weekly News for real-time market tracking. This helps time your sales for periods of peak demand—often aligned with automotive industry trends and global supply chain events.

5. Regulatory Compliance:
Ensure scrap shipments comply with local and national transportation codes. ScrapMonster provides guidance on DOT hazardous cargo rules, bill-of-sale documentation, legal entity registration for larger sellers, and environmental best practices.

6. Value Add Opportunities:

  • Bundle lead wheel weights as a separate sale—lead has its own significant market price.

  • Partner with tire recyclers for cross-promotion; offer old tire disposal alongside aluminum wheel recycling for customers.

 

Why Do Buyers Value Clean 356 Wheels?

  • Remelting Efficiency: Clean rims go straight into smelter feed with minimal processing, lowering buyer costs.

  • Purity Assurance: Reduces risk of contamination in ingots for new wheels.

  • Uniform Alloy Content: 356 alloy consistency makes buyers confident about mechanical and chemical properties.

 

Common Pitfalls & Solutions for Sellers

  • Pitfall: Tires left on rims decrease payout, add disposal fees.

    • Solution: Invest in a mobile tire bead breaker to streamline removal.

  • Pitfall: Mixed alloy batches may be rejected by higher-paying buyers.

    • Solution: Keep detailed sorting logs and batch certifications; ScrapMonster offers batch analysis contacts.

  • Pitfall: Unclean rims (painted, chromed, or dirty) may fail inspection.

    • Solution: Allocate employee time for pre-sale washing/degreasing, or outsource to a cleaning vendor.

 

The Bigger Business Picture

Clean aluminum wheel scrap is not just a sideline—it’s a scalable trading asset:

  • Build recurring revenue streams as an auto shop or salvage yard.

  • Negotiate supply contracts directly via ScrapMonster with regional and global buyers.

  • Use the ScrapMonster Equipment Marketplace to upgrade your cleaning, sorting, and transportation hardware.

  • Tap into ScrapMonster’s education hub for webinars, recycling certifications, and business networking.

  • Request industry consulting via ScrapMonster to optimize your scrap business.

 

Ready to get top dollar for your clean aluminum wheels?
Register on ScrapMonster.com to connect with trusted buyers, view current prices, and join the largest scrap industry community online.