Aluminum prices reach multi-decade highs as recycling startups deploy AI to improve metal recovery rates

Sortera, a metals recycling startup, opened its second facility in Tennessee, doubling processing capacity to 240 million pounds, of which 90% to 100% is aluminum.

Sortera uses lasers, cameras, and X-ray fluorescence sensors to feed AI algorithms that classify aluminum scrap by grade; Amp uses visible light and infrared cameras with robotic arms to sort materials from waste streams, achieving over 90% accuracy at recovering specific materials including aluminum.

Only about 20% of aluminum is recovered in the U.S., despite aluminum being one of the most recycled materials; half of the aluminum in metro areas with successful recycling programs ends up in general garbage rather than recycling systems.