Aluminum can be recycled indefinitely without quality loss — a property that makes it one of the most valuable materials in both consumer and industrial waste streams. Recycling aluminum saves up to 95% of the energy required for primary production, delivering strong cost savings even after collection and processing costs. An aluminum shredder is the critical first step in unlocking this value.

Sources of Aluminum Scrap

Used beverage cans (UBC) — The largest single category, mostly recycled back into new cans

Building and demolition — Window frames, door frames, roofing, siding

Automotive — Engine blocks, transmission housings, radiators, wheels

Industrial — Sheet, castings, extrusions, clips, profiles

Consumer — Cookware, electronics housings, appliances

The Recycling Process

1.Shredding — Aluminum scrap is shredded into uniform pieces for efficient melting and contaminant removal

2.De-coating — Paint, lacquer, and coatings are removed from the shredded surface

3.Melting and casting — Clean aluminum is melted in a furnace and cast into ingots for new product manufacturing

Wanrooe Aluminum Shredder / Aluminum Can Shredder

Wanrooe Aluminum Shredder Solutions

Single shaft shredder — Ideal for aluminum cans and thin-walled containers. Delivers uniform output size and high throughput, popular as a dedicated aluminum can shredder.

Double shaft shredder (PNSS series) — Built for bulky, rigid scrap like aluminum alloy window and door frames. The interlocking rotors handle thick profiles without jamming.

Both configurations use specialized rotor designs and knife geometries matched to aluminum’s properties — high toughness, low bulk density, and tendency to wrap.

Need help choosing? Contact us for a material test and tailored recommendation. We also offer aluminum can balers and aluminum alloy frame balers for pre-shredding compaction.

FAQ: Aluminum Shredding

Why shred aluminum before melting?

Shredding increases surface area for faster, more uniform melting. It also exposes coatings for removal in the de-coating stage. Unshredded bulky scrap melts unevenly, wasting furnace energy and producing inconsistent ingot quality.

Can I shred aluminum cans with liquid residue?

Cans should be drained and ideally compacted first. Residual liquid creates safety hazards, accelerates blade corrosion, and contaminates the output stream. A baler or drain rack upstream solves this.

What about aluminum with steel fasteners?

Mixed scrap with screws, rivets, or brackets is common in window frames and demolition waste. Double shaft shredders handle this well. Magnetic separation after shredding removes ferrous contaminants before melting, protecting furnace integrity.