How do I know if a buyer's aluminium grading standard matches recognised industry codes?
Short answer: Ask the buyer directly which specification they grade against. Many yards and traders — including outside the US — reference the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries' scrap specifications circular as a common reference point. A legitimate buyer should be able to name the grade assigned to your material and show you the written definition, not just give a verbal, unreferenced grade.
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List Free →Why a named standard matters
“Clean” or “mixed” aluminium can mean different things to different buyers without a shared reference point. A named, written specification gives you something concrete to check your material against, and something to point back to if a dispute comes up later.
What to actually ask
- Which specification do you use for aluminium grades?
- Which specific grade have you assigned my material, and what does that grade require?
- Can I see the written definition, not just be told the grade name?
What this doesn’t guarantee
Referencing a named standard doesn’t mean every buyer applies it identically, but it moves the conversation from “trust me” to “here’s the definition, let’s look at your material together” — a fairer basis for resolving disagreement.
How ScrapTrade Makes This Easier
Every verified buyer on ScrapTrade lists the grading standard they trade against as part of their profile, so you can check it before you ever agree to a price.
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