In this work, the recycling potential of aluminum was examined using the example of the company CIAL d.o.o., which is the only aluminum foundry in the Republic of Croatia authorized to recover and remelt metallic aluminum packaging - cans. The study was performed to determine the degradation resistance of a DE-OX alloy used in the form of ingots for steel deoxidation. Accelerated degradation conditions were simulated by immersing the samples in EXCO solution at time intervals of 5, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours. The stability of the alloy was evaluated by characterizing the chemical composition, microstructure and microhardness of the samples before and after immersion. The chemical composition of the sample is within the limits specified in the manufacturer's declaration. By combining the results of the thermodynamic equilibrium and non-equilibrium calculations with the results of the metallographic analysis, the solidification sequence and the intermetallic phase present in the primary αAl matrix were determined. The results of degradation testing show an increase in the pH value of the EXCO solution as well as the nucleation and propagation of cracks with increasing exposure time. At the same time, a minimal loss of mass was observed during the experiment. The increase in the pH of the solution is the result of chemical reactions and ion exchange between the tested surface of the sample and the EXCO solution, while the formation of cracks and their interdendritic propagation is due to the difference in electrochemical potential between the matrix and the intermetallic phases. Minimal mass loss indicates the formation and retention of a layer of corrosion products. The approximately equal values of microhardness measured along the tested surface of the samples after exposure indicate the stability and protective role of the layer.