Nitride-related compounds containing AIN and AlON were synthesized from aluminum dross using a combustion reaction, irrespective of the content of Al in Al-dross. The formation of AlON is induced by the exothermic reaction between Al and nitrogen. On the occasion of using high-grade dross, unreacted Al was detected in the combustion products. This may be originated from Al in the dross because Al in dross exists in the dispersed oxide layer. Therefore, its reactivity with nitrogen is relatively lower, compared to Al powder mixed with the dross in the beginning. It is noted that, on the occasion of using low-grade dross, unreacted Al in the product can be controlled by means of adjusting particle size of dross, resulting in improvement of the permeation of nitrogen gas into the compact through the well established open pore channels.