Abstract: A method for removing free lead from a feed stream of used aluminum beverage cans (UBC) to reduce the total lead content of the feed stream. The UBC material is shredded, heated to a temperature above the lead melting point, and agitated to cause the molten lead to fragment and form small particles. The material is then screened to form a second particle stream containing a large percentage of any free lead present in the feed stream and a third particle stream comprised primarily of shredded UBC. The second particle stream is introduced into a fluidized bed to separate the fines from the aluminum particles, the fines containing the majority of the free lead. The aluminum-enriched remaining particles, after separation from the fines, are conveyed for subsequent reprocessing.