How do I dispute a buyer's claim that my aluminium is contaminated with zinc or magnesium?
Short answer: Ask to see the actual test result, not just a verbal "contaminated" claim. Reputable buyers use a handheld XRF analyzer that gives an elemental composition reading in seconds — you're entitled to see that percentage breakdown. If a buyer won't show a reading or won't retest in front of you, that's reasonable grounds to get a second opinion elsewhere.
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List Free →Why this claim matters
Zinc and magnesium change how an alloy behaves on remelt and can cause real downstream problems, so it’s a legitimate reason for a price adjustment when it’s real — the issue is when “contaminated” gets used as a vague catch-all without evidence.
What to ask for
- The actual XRF reading, not just a pass/fail verdict.
- To watch the test, and on which specific piece the reading was taken.
- A second sample if your load is large and the claim seems to apply to all of it.
If the buyer won’t provide evidence
A buyer who refuses to show a reading or gives a different explanation each time is reasonable grounds to take your material elsewhere — a genuine contamination claim is usually easy for a legitimate buyer to substantiate quickly.
How ScrapTrade Makes This Easier
This is exactly the kind of dispute ScrapTrade’s verified-buyer standards are designed to reduce — buyers are expected to substantiate a grading downgrade, not just assert one.
Ready to sell or source aluminium scrap without the guesswork? ScrapTrade connects verified buyers and sellers with escrow-protected payments and transparent weighing.
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