<p>In this study, white aluminum dross, a metallurgical waste, was recycled to synthesize tris(8-hydroxyquinolinato) aluminum (Alq₃), a key material in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Aluminum was extracted from the dross through leaching in sulfuric acid (50 v/v%) at 348&#xa0;K for 6&#xa0;h, and subsequently reacted with 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) in ethanol to form Alq₃. The presence of Al³⁺ ions in the leachate was confirmed via complexometric titration. The synthesized Alq₃ was characterized using multiple analytical techniques to confirm its structural and morphological properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed its crystalline structure, indicating phase purity and confirming the formation of the desired compound. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) provided detailed insights into the material’s morphology and elemental composition, verifying the presence of aluminum and the ligands in appropriate ratios. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and UV–Vis spectroscopy confirmed bond formation and identified the meridional isomer of Alq₃. The synthesized material exhibited grass-green fluorescence under UV light at 365&#xa0;nm. This research highlights the environmental and economic benefits of recycling aluminum dross, transforming it into a high-value product for the electronics industry. The approach presents a sustainable method for waste reduction and resource recovery, offering an alternative application for recycled materials in advanced technologies.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>