Abstract: A method of separating wrought and cast aluminum from a scrap mixture containing the two is disclosed. In this method, the scrap mixture is first heated to a temperature above the solidus temperature of the cast aluminum scrap. At this temperature, the scrap mixture is crushed thereby causing the cast aluminum to fragmentize into small pieces while merely causing flattening of the wrought aluminum. By using an appropriately sized screen, the cast aluminum fragments can then be separated from the wrought aluminum.

Abstract: Aluminum metal is recovered from processing wastes, such as dross, beverage can scrap and the like, without use of a flux by heating the wastes to a temperature above the melting point of aluminum but below about 800.degree. C while maintaining the wastes under a protective gaseous atmosphere which is substantially inert to molten aluminum. After melting of aluminum contained in the wastes is complete, the heated material is agitated gently to agglomerate the molten aluminum and to cause its settling and collection in the bottom of the containment vessel. Molten aluminum is thereafter removed from the vessel leaving a substantially inert residue. Argon is preferred as the protective atmosphere.