How Much Is a Auto Radiator (Aluminum/Plastic) Worth in Scrap?
Scrap value: $2.93 – $4.10 as of Nov 10, 2026. That is what a typical Auto Radiator (Aluminum/Plastic) fetches at US scrap yards today. The exact payout depends on local prices, yard quality, and how well you've prepped the material.
| If the yard pays | You get |
|---|---|
| 50% of spot (typical low) | $2.93 |
| 60% of spot (typical) | $3.51 |
| 70% of spot (clean, sorted) | $4.10 |
What's inside a Auto Radiator (Aluminum/Plastic)?
A modern automotive radiator with an aluminum core and plastic end-tanks (the standard since the 1980s). Older copper-and-brass radiators are still occasionally encountered and are worth substantially more — sell those as 'clean copper/brass radiator' for the brass-yellow rate. Yards may classify modern aluminum/plastic radiators as 'dirty aluminum' due to the plastic.
| Material | Weight per unit | Per-lb rate (yard pays) | Per-unit value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum (Mixed) | 8.25 lb | $0.35 – $0.49 /lb | $2.89 – $4.04 |
| Light Iron / Sheet | 0.75 lb | $0.05 – $0.08 /lb | $0.04 – $0.06 |
How to prep your Auto Radiator (Aluminum/Plastic) before scrapping
Cut off the plastic end-tanks for the higher 'aluminum extrusion' or clean-aluminum rate (instead of dirty). Drain coolant — yards may refuse wet units. If the radiator is older copper/brass, do not strip; sell whole at the brass rate.
Why prep matters: Most yards pay different rates for clean vs. mixed material. An hour of prep can roughly double your payout per pound on copper-bearing items.
What yards typically pay
90-day Aluminum (Mixed) price estimate (US average) — the dominant material in a Auto Radiator (Aluminum/Plastic).
Find yards that buy Auto Radiator (Aluminum/Plastic) near you
Enter your ZIP to see scrap yards within 25 miles that accept this material.
Calculate value for your specific situation
Adjust the quantity, add other items, or enter your ZIP for a localized estimate.
| Material | Recovered | Rate | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum (Mixed) | 8.25 lb | $0.35–$0.49/lb | $2.89 – $4.04 |
| Light Iron / Sheet | 0.75 lb | $0.05–$0.08/lb | $0.04 – $0.06 |
How are these prices calculated?
Each day we take metal spot prices from MetalpriceAPI and turn them into US average prices per scrap grade (spot × a grade factor; a few grades such as steel use fixed reference values). The calculator assumes a yard pays 50–70% of those grade prices, which gives the range you see. Full method.
Why a range?
Yards don't pay you the full grade price. They take a margin to cover transport, processing, and risk. The exact margin depends on grade quality, how clean the material is, local competition, and current end-buyer demand. The low end of our range is a conservative estimate; the high end is what well-prepared, clean material at a competitive yard can earn.
What affects your actual payout?
Preparation matters. Stripping copper wire to bare-bright roughly doubles the per-pound rate vs. selling it insulated. Removing brass fittings from copper pipe lets each metal sell at its proper grade instead of being downgraded to mixed. Quantity matters. Some yards offer better tiers for larger loads. Timing matters. Spot prices move daily; a 5% swing on copper is normal week-to-week.
Should I trust this estimate?
Treat it as a planning tool, not a guarantee. For large hauls, call two or three yards and ask for a per-pound quote on the specific grade. Don't haul anything more than 30 minutes without a quote — fuel costs add up. Most yards will quote over the phone if you describe the material accurately.
Related Auto Parts
Frequently asked questions
How much is Auto Radiator (Aluminum/Plastic) worth in scrap?
$2.93 – $4.10 as of Nov 10, 2026: that is the scrap value of a typical Auto Radiator (Aluminum/Plastic) at US yards today, based on its metal content (Aluminum (Mixed) (8.25 lb), Light Iron / Sheet (0.75 lb)) and current prices. The exact payout depends on local prices, yard quality, and how well you've prepped the material.
What metals are inside a Auto Radiator (Aluminum/Plastic)?
A Auto Radiator (Aluminum/Plastic) contains: Aluminum (Mixed) (8.25 lb), Light Iron / Sheet (0.75 lb). Per-component recovery rates and current prices determine the value.
Should I prep a Auto Radiator (Aluminum/Plastic) before scrapping?
Cut off the plastic end-tanks for the higher 'aluminum extrusion' or clean-aluminum rate (instead of dirty). Drain coolant — yards may refuse wet units. If the radiator is older copper/brass, do not strip; sell whole at the brass rate.
Where can I take a Auto Radiator (Aluminum/Plastic) to scrap?
Use the ZIP code form above to find scrap yards near you that accept Auto Radiator (Aluminum/Plastic), with distance, contact info, and accepted-materials notes.
Estimates assume yard payouts at 50–70% of national spot. Actual payouts vary by region, yard, and material condition. Last updated Nov 10, 2026. © 2026 Scrapyards.io