Abstract: In this paper, the effects of different contents of rare earth Y on the microstructure and mechanical properties of commercial ADC-12 recycled aluminum alloy are studied. The results show that rare earth Y can improve the microstructure and mechanical properties of ADC-12 recycled aluminum alloy. When the rare earth Y is added, the eutectic silicon phase changes from sheet or platelets to mesh or dot one, the α-Al phase gradually becomes round, clear with even distribution, and the β-Fe phase changes from coarse and long needle to bone shape like small fish. However, with the increase of Y content, the refining effect gradually weakens. When the content of rare earth Y is 0.5%, The average area of β-Fe phase is 2.89 μm², which is 63.23% less than the original. The compressive strength is 585 MPa, and the compression strain ratio is 19.29%.