FAQs

1. What scrap aluminium does Hulamin buy?

We mainly buy aluminium UBC (Used Beverage Can), but also purchase high grade aluminium scrap such as extrusions and wire scrap.

2. What is UBC?

UBC stands for Used Beverage Cans.

3. How do I tell the difference between steel and an aluminium can?

• The bottom of an aluminium can is much more shiny than a steel can bottom
• The best way to tell the difference is to use a magnet on the side of the can. If it is magnetic, then it is a steel can. Do not test the top of the can as all cans have an aluminium top and tab.
• Another way to identify an aluminium can is to look out for the aluminium recycling logo (not found on all cans).
• Aluminium cans are also lighter and easier to crush.

4. What determines the price Hulamin pays for UBC? Why doesn't Hulamin publish a price list like scrap dealers do?

• Pricing is largely a function of the globally traded price for aluminium. Aluminium is a globally traded commodity and is listed on the London Metal Exchange. (LME)
• Other pricing factors include the Rand/Dollar exchange rate, the level of contamination in the UBC (like sand, stones, plastic, moisture, etc.), the quantity of cans being supplied and the distance from Hulamin (as this affects the cost of transportation, which can be very high for loose cans). 

5. How do I become an approved supplier of UBC to Hulamin?

• You will need to have your site and sorting and cleaning processes approved by Hulamin Recycling. This is when we get to understand your operation and any risks associated with it in meeting Hulamin's required specifications.
• You will then need to complete an application from to become an approved vendor. This requires you to submit supporting documents and have a bank account into which we can transfer payment.
• We also have minimum supply quanitities which must be adhered to.

6. Does Hulamin Pay COD / pay cash for cans?

No we do not pay cash. Hulamin only pays suppliers via EFT (electronic funds transfer).

7. Can you pay me on delivery?

No. Hulamin has to verify that your UBC meets the required specification before we process the EFT (which takes a few days). Payment terms will be agreed upfront with you and detailed in the official purchase order that you will receive prior to supplying Hulamin.

8. How do you verify the mass of the cans that I supply you?

Hulamin will use its weighbridge as the final and official mass to be used in calculating payment. 

9. Do you buy aerosols or food cans?

• We do not buy aerosols or food cans
• Food cans are made of steel, which we do not buy.
• Aerosols pose an explosion risk to our production processes.

10. What are the formats that the cans must be in for supply to Hulamin?

Hulamin only buys baled cans and does not buy loose cans in bags. The bales must meet Hulamin's specifications of size and density (kg/m3).

11. What are your minium volumes/mass per load requirements?

• Hulamin prefers to buy UBCs in full truckloads of 25-30 tons (25,000 to 30,000 kgs).
• We do make exceptions for smaller collectors on a case by case basis, but don’t currently buy loads of less than 10 tons. 

12. What do you mean by contamination? My cans are clean!

• All loose UBCs contain contamination.
• Contamination can take many forms, including: water, sand, mud, dust, plastics, foreign objects, aerosols, stones and other metals.

13. How does Hulamin penalise contaminated loads?

Hulamin assesses the level of contamination for each load received and deducts a % from the amount paid should the level of contamination be acceptable and higher than agreed to when entering into the purchase agreement. 

14. What does cleaning and processing of the UBC involve? How does Hulamin clean the cans?

• Hulamin has to clean the cans before melting and recycling back into new aluminium.
• Cleaning involves shredding the cans open to liberate any contamination trapped inside the can. The shredded cans are then passed through sorting equipment to remove steel, plastics, dirt and sand and other contaminants.

15. How does Hulamin remove the paint, coating and lacquer on the can?

Hulamin’s new state-of-the-art furnace at its recycle centre in Pietermaritzburg is able to de-coat the cans of all their paint and coatings.

16. What is the Second-Hand Goods Act?

An Act that governs the buying and selling of used items. UBC and scrap metal is defined as a used item and has to comply with the Act.

17. Where can I sell my cans if I am located in a region that Hulamin does not buy cans from?

• We recommend that you start by familiarising yourself with the prices paid by your local scrap dealers and waste management companies and compare this to the prices offered in other nearby towns and cities.
• You can also use http://www.mywaste.co.za to locate buyers.

18. Does Hulamin buy cans from outside South Africa?

Yes we do. Please use the contact form to make your enquiries