How to Recycle Aluminum Siding
Aluminum siding, gutters, and downspouts removed from buildings during renovation or demolition. Clean, sorted aluminum siding is one of the better-paying common scrap categories.
Quick answer
Yes, aluminum siding and gutters are valuable, fully recyclable scrap. Remove steel nails, screws, and fasteners so the load is clean aluminum, then take it to a scrap-metal yard rather than curbside - it pays roughly $0.70-$0.85/lb as of August 2026. Before you go, confirm that a local recycling center accepts the material in its current condition.
- Recycling route
- Check locally
- Recycling code
- AL SIDING
- Typical value
- About $0.70-$0.85 per pound (August 2026 scrap-yard boards). Painted or coated siding still counts as aluminum, though clean bare aluminum can price a little higher than painted.
How to Prepare
- 1Remove nails and screws
- 2Clean off any paint or coatings if possible (painted siding is still accepted)
- 3Separate from steel components like J-channel or trim
- 4Cut to manageable lengths
Where to Recycle
- Scrap metal dealers
- Aluminum recyclers
- Construction waste facilities
Environmental Impact
Aluminum is infinitely recyclable, and its high scrap value makes recycling economically attractive on its own.
Official guidance and resources
Accepted items and drop-off rules can vary by location. Check the destination before you go.
Donation & Take‑Back Options
Estimated value: About $0.70-$0.85 per pound (August 2026 scrap-yard boards). Painted or coated siding still counts as aluminum, though clean bare aluminum can price a little higher than painted.
FAQs
Does painted siding still count as aluminum?
Yes. Paint and coatings don't change the metal underneath. Yards buy painted aluminum siding as a normal aluminum category, sometimes at a slightly lower rate than bare aluminum, not as a dirty or mixed load.
Can aluminum siding go in curbside recycling?
No. Curbside programs are set up for cans and packaging, not construction-sized sheet metal. Take siding, gutters, and downspouts to a scrap-metal yard instead.
What should I remove before selling siding?
Pull out steel nails, screws, and any trim or J-channel made of a different metal. A load contaminated with steel fasteners can get weighed as mixed metal instead of clean aluminum.
Recycle aluminum siding
Search recycling centers by city or ZIP, or explore more metal materials.