6061 Aluminum Extrusions Scrap consists of discarded aluminum profiles, structural shapes and manufacturing offcuts made from aluminum alloy 6061. This heat-treatable, aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloy is used in transportation, machinery, structural fabrication and other applications requiring a combination of strength, corrosion resistance and machinability.
Under ReMA/ISRI scrap specifications, qualifying single-alloy aluminum extrusion scrap may be classified as Tutu. Accurate alloy identification matters because 6061, 6063 and other extruded aluminum alloys have different chemical compositions and may be purchased under separate commercial grades.
6061 Aluminum Extrusions: Quick Facts
- Material category: Nonferrous aluminum scrap
- Alloy designation: Aluminum 6061 (AA 6061)
- Alloy family: 6000 series, aluminum-magnesium-silicon
- Heat treatment: Heat-treatable; commonly supplied in T6 and other tempers
- Relevant ReMA/ISRI trade code: Tutu (Aluminum Extrusion Dealer Grade)
- Common sources: Structural profiles, transportation components, machinery frames, industrial equipment and fabrication offcuts
- Key grading factors: Alloy identification, cleanliness, coatings, iron attachments, thermal breaks and other contamination
- Typical buyers: Nonferrous scrap yards, aluminum processors and secondary aluminum consumers
What Are 6061 Aluminum Extrusions?
6061 is a widely used wrought aluminum alloy in the 6000 series. Its principal alloying elements are magnesium and silicon, with controlled additions of other elements contributing to its properties.
Aluminum extrusion is a manufacturing process in which heated metal is forced through a shaped die to produce a continuous profile with a specific cross-section. Common examples include channels, angles, tubes, bars and customized structural profiles.
6061 extrusions are used where a combination of strength, moderate weight, corrosion resistance, weldability and machining performance is required.
Important distinction: The alloy number 6061 identifies material composition. Extrusion describes the manufacturing process. A 6061 aluminum plate, casting-like component or machining chip should not automatically be purchased as 6061 extrusion scrap.
6061 Aluminum Alloy Composition and Properties
Aluminum 6061 is an aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloy containing controlled quantities of several additional elements.
Typical AA 6061 Composition Limits
| Element | Weight Percentage |
|---|---|
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.80–1.20% |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.40–0.80% |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.15–0.40% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.04–0.35% |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.70% maximum |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.15% maximum |
| Zinc (Zn) | 0.25% maximum |
| Titanium (Ti) | 0.15% maximum |
| Aluminum (Al) | Balance |
These values describe standard AA 6061 composition limits, not the measured chemistry of a particular scrap load. Exact conformity depends on the applicable material specification and analytical results.
Important Material Properties
- Strength: 6061 can be heat treated to achieve useful structural strength.
- Corrosion resistance: Offers good general atmospheric corrosion resistance, although exposure conditions and surface treatments matter.
- Weldability: Can be welded using suitable procedures, with heat-affected-zone properties requiring consideration in structural applications.
- Machinability: Commonly used for machined components and fabricated equipment.
- Surface finishing: Can be anodized and treated with other finishes.
- Recyclability: Suitable 6061 scrap can be recovered as aluminum feedstock when alloy and contamination requirements are met.
The temper designation, such as T6, describes the material's processing and mechanical condition. It does not represent a different chemical alloy. Once material is remelted, its former temper is no longer retained.
ReMA/ISRI Tutu: Aluminum Extrusion Dealer Grade
The Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) maintains the ISRI Specifications used for commercial recycled-material transactions.
The January 2026 specifications identify Tutu as Aluminum Extrusion Dealer Grade. This category covers old extruded aluminum of one alloy, typically including 6063, 6061 or 7075.
Under this specification, material must be free of iron, thermal breaks, saw chips, zinc corners, dirt, paper, cardboard and other foreign contamination. Paint percentages and other alloy allowances are subject to agreement between buyer and seller.
Examples of Material That May Qualify
- Clean, identified 6061 aluminum structural extrusions
- Suitable aluminum channels, angles and tubing
- Clean 6061 manufacturing profile offcuts
- Discarded machinery and equipment profiles after appropriate separation
- Other verified 6061 extrusion shapes meeting the buyer's agreed specification
Material Requiring Separate Evaluation
- Extrusions containing iron or steel attachments
- Profiles with plastic or rubber thermal breaks
- Mixed 6061, 6063 or other alloys without buyer agreement
- Profiles with zinc corners or disallowed fittings
- Saw chips, turnings and machining residues
- Material with excessive dirt, paper, cardboard or other contamination
- Painted or coated material outside the agreed allowance
Trade specification note: Tutu is not exclusive to 6061. It is a single-alloy extrusion grade that may cover different identified alloys in separate shipments. Buyer-seller agreement determines the final acceptance conditions.
6061 vs. 6063 Aluminum Extrusions: What's the Difference?
6061 and 6063 are both 6000-series aluminum alloys, but they are not chemically identical and are often used in different applications.
| Characteristic | 6061 Aluminum | 6063 Aluminum |
|---|---|---|
| Alloy family | 6000 series | 6000 series |
| Common applications | Structural, machinery and transportation components | Architectural profiles, window frames and decorative extrusions |
| Typical strength | Generally higher in comparable common tempers | Generally lower in comparable common tempers |
| Surface finish | Suitable for anodizing | Often preferred for decorative anodized finishes |
| Scrap sorting | Keep identified 6061 separate where required | Keep identified 6063 separate where required |
6063 generally provides better extrusion formability and decorative surface-finish characteristics, while 6061 is frequently selected for structural and machined applications.
Important: The two alloys can look almost identical. Their chemical differences matter for alloy-controlled recycling, and visual identification alone is insufficient.
Also compare RecyclingMonster's 6063 Extrusions Material Guide for the related architectural aluminum grade.
Common Sources of 6061 Extrusion Scrap
6061 extrusion scrap is generated through manufacturing, machining, construction, industrial maintenance and equipment replacement.
- Transportation equipment: Certain structural brackets, frames and fabricated components
- Industrial machinery: Equipment frames, supports, guides and structural assemblies
- Metal fabrication: Extruded bar, channel, angle and tube offcuts
- Marine equipment: Selected fabricated components designed for marine applications
- Aerospace manufacturing: Identified 6061 components and manufacturing offcuts where the alloy is specified
- Automation systems: Certain machine structures and support profiles
- Equipment dismantling: Recovered extrusions from industrial products after appropriate material identification
The source application does not prove the alloy designation. For example, a structural aluminum profile may be 6061, 6063, 6005 or another alloy.
How to Identify 6061 Aluminum Extrusions
Correct identification helps buyers keep alloy-controlled aluminum feedstock separate from mixed extrusion scrap.
- Check original material records: Mill certificates, purchasing records and fabrication specifications may identify AA 6061.
- Inspect manufacturer markings: Some products have alloy and temper markings.
- Identify the product form: Confirm that the material is an extrusion rather than cast aluminum, sheet or plate.
- Check for attachments: Identify steel fasteners, zinc fittings, plastics, rubber and thermal breaks.
- Inspect coatings: Record painted, anodized or otherwise treated surfaces for buyer evaluation.
- Use appropriate alloy testing: Qualified processors may use suitable metal-analysis instruments to distinguish alloys.
- Confirm the scrap grade: Verify that the receiving buyer accepts the material as identified 6061 extrusion or another appropriate category.
Identification note: A handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer can assess several alloying elements, but conventional XRF may not reliably measure magnesium and silicon at the levels needed for all aluminum-alloy distinctions. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) or another suitably validated method may be required for definitive verification.
Clean vs. Painted vs. Contaminated 6061 Extrusions
Clean 6061 Extrusions
Clean, correctly identified 6061 profiles without disallowed attachments are generally easier to place into a controlled alloy-recycling stream.
Painted or Coated Extrusions
Painted or coated material may be accepted under agreed conditions. The type and amount of coating can affect processing requirements and purchasing grade.
Extrusions With Iron Attachments
Steel screws, brackets, inserts and other iron components can prevent material from qualifying for clean Tutu-grade acceptance.
Thermally Broken Extrusions
Thermal-break profiles contain insulating materials between metal sections. These assemblies require separate evaluation and processing before the aluminum can enter suitable recovery streams.
Mixed 6000-Series Extrusions
Loads combining 6061, 6063 and other 6000-series alloys may be bought as mixed extrusion scrap rather than a verified single-alloy grade.
6061 Aluminum Extrusion Scrap Prices
6061 Extrusion Scrap prices depend on material composition, condition, grading, market conditions and the buyer's purchasing requirements.
Verified single-alloy extrusion scrap may receive different pricing from unidentified mixed extrusion material or aluminum with significant attachments.
What Affects the Buying Price?
- Alloy verification: Identified 6061 material may have value in alloy-controlled recycling streams.
- Cleanliness: Iron, plastic, rubber and other contaminants can affect grade and processing costs.
- Coatings: Painted or coated profiles may require different treatment.
- Scrap form: Extrusions, solids, sheet, turnings and chips may be purchased separately.
- Market conditions: Primary and secondary aluminum markets influence scrap purchasing decisions.
- Quantity: Large consistent lots may qualify for different commercial terms.
- Location: Transportation, regional demand and processing capacity affect net prices.
- Preparation: Sorting, cutting and removal of attachments may change handling costs and grade eligibility.
Available 6061 Extrusions Scrap Prices
Review RecyclingMonster's available scrap price records below. Check the material description, reporting date, location, currency and unit before comparing quotations.
price
For broader comparison, use Aluminum Scrap Prices and the separate 6063 Extrusions Scrap Prices page.
6063 prices and general aluminum averages are not substitutes for a verified 6061-specific purchase quotation. Historical yard observations should not be presented as current offers.
How to Sort and Prepare 6061 Extrusions for Sale
- Separate known alloys: Keep verified 6061 profiles separate from 6063, 7075 and unidentified aluminum.
- Remove disallowed attachments: Separate steel fasteners, zinc corners, plastic inserts and thermal-break components when required and safe.
- Identify coatings: Keep painted or otherwise coated profiles separate if the buyer applies different grades.
- Separate scrap forms: Do not mix extrusion profiles with turnings, saw chips, castings or other aluminum categories without approval.
- Control contamination: Keep the material free of excessive dirt, oil, paper, cardboard and unrelated waste.
- Confirm dimensions: Ask about maximum lengths, bundle sizes and processing requirements before cutting material.
- Record alloy information: Keep mill certificates or known production records with commercial shipments where useful.
- Obtain written terms: Confirm grade, price basis, quantity and possible deductions before delivery.
Preparation warning: Cutting, grinding and handling aluminum can create sharp edges, dust and other workplace hazards. Aluminum fines and dust may be combustible under certain conditions. Use suitable industrial equipment and established safety procedures.
How Are 6061 Aluminum Extrusions Recycled?
6061 extrusion scrap can be recovered as secondary aluminum feedstock for manufacturing and metal production when composition and contamination requirements are met.
A typical industrial recycling process may include:
- Receiving and inspection: Extrusion scrap is weighed and checked against purchasing specifications.
- Alloy identification: Material is sorted using reliable alloy information and, where appropriate, analytical testing.
- Contaminant removal: Steel, plastic, rubber and other unwanted materials are separated.
- Size reduction: Oversized sections may be cut or processed to suitable dimensions.
- Melting: Prepared feedstock is melted using appropriate industrial equipment.
- Composition adjustment: Alloying elements are controlled to produce metal meeting downstream specifications.
- Quality verification: Recovered aluminum is tested for its intended application.
Recovered 6061 scrap does not automatically become new 6061 extrusion. Its eventual use depends on composition, refining or alloy adjustment, contamination and customer requirements.
Where Can You Sell 6061 Aluminum Extrusions?
6061 Extrusion Scrap may be purchased by nonferrous scrap yards, aluminum processors, industrial recyclers and secondary aluminum consumers.
Not every scrap yard identifies or purchases 6061 separately. Some buyers offer a general aluminum extrusion grade, while others maintain specific purchasing schedules for verified 6061, 6063 or mixed aluminum.
yards
Explore the RecyclingMonster Scrap Materials Guide and Aluminum Scrap Price Records when researching related materials and market quotations.
Contact the receiving facility to confirm 6061 acceptance, alloy testing, minimum quantities, grading and collection arrangements.
Bulk 6061 Extrusion Scrap: Commercial Selling Requirements
Extrusion manufacturers, fabricators, machine shops, transportation equipment producers and industrial dismantling operations may generate substantial quantities of 6061 aluminum scrap.
For regular or large-volume shipments, buyers and sellers should confirm:
- Acceptance of AA 6061 as a separately purchased alloy
- Applicable ReMA/ISRI Tutu or buyer-specific specifications
- Mill documentation and alloy-verification requirements
- Whether 6061 may be mixed with other alloys
- Paint and coating allowances
- Iron, thermal-break and foreign-material restrictions
- Maximum profile lengths and preparation requirements
- Minimum shipment size and collection frequency
- Pricing basis, currency and weight units
- Quality deductions and rejection conditions
- Transportation, loading and unloading arrangements
- Weighing, payment and settlement procedures
Documented, consistently segregated production scrap may be easier to evaluate than unidentified material recovered from dismantling. However, better sorting does not automatically guarantee a higher net return.
Frequently Asked Questions About 6061 Extrusions
What is the ReMA/ISRI code for 6061 aluminum extrusions?
Tutu is the trade code for Aluminum Extrusion Dealer Grade. It can include separately identified 6061, 6063 or 7075 extrusions under its requirements.
What is the difference between 6061 and 6063 aluminum?
Both are 6000-series alloys, but their chemical composition, strength and common applications differ. They may require separate sorting in alloy-controlled scrap shipments.
Can 6061 and 6063 extrusions be mixed for recycling?
They may be accepted together under a buyer's mixed-aluminum category, but a single-alloy shipment should not contain both unless expressly agreed.
Can painted 6061 extrusions be recycled?
Yes. Painted 6061 can be recycled through suitable facilities, although coating limits and purchasing grades depend on the buyer's requirements.
How much is 6061 aluminum extrusion scrap worth?
There is no universal purchasing price. Rates depend on alloy verification, cleanliness, market conditions, location and reporting date.
Related Aluminum Scrap and Recycling Resources
Compare closely related aluminum alloys, extrusion grades and price records using RecyclingMonster's material reference library.
Material information notice: Alloy identification, trade specifications, scrap prices and purchasing requirements vary by buyer and location. ReMA/ISRI terminology is provided for educational reference. Final grade acceptance and settlement conditions depend on the applicable buyer-seller agreement.