Solid-state direct recycling by hot press forging of aluminium scrap provide significant environmental benefit in contrast with melting technique by avoiding metal loses and high-energy saving. This work investigates the effect on microstructure and mechanical properties of recycled AA7075 alloy by hot press forging under several operating temperatures (Ts = 430, 480, and 530 °C) and holding time (ts = 0, 60 and 120 min). The best microstructure and mechanical properties of recycled aluminium chips exhibited at Ts = 530 °C and ts = 120 min. In result, the grain diameter of recycled chips to be smaller and the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) is 247.8 MPa. The mechanical properties of recycled chips are comparable with theoretical AA7075 T1-temper where maximum UTS value greater than the theoretical value. The grain size decrease and the UTS increase with the increasing operating temperature and holding time. This technique is proven as a sustainable recycling-based practice for aluminium recycling. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.