SCRAP METAL RECYCLING MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2025-2032)

Global Scrap Metal Recycling Market Size and Share Analysis – 2025 to 2032

The global scrap metal recycling market is estimated to be valued at USD 63.66 Bn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 93.90 Bn by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% from 2025 to 2032.

To learn more about this report, Download Free Sample

Key Takeaways

• In terms of Metal Type, Ferrous Metals Segment is expected to contribute 70.7% share of the market in 2025. This is due to its abundance and wide range of industrial applications.
• In terms of Application, Building & Construction Segment is expected to contribute 23% share of demand for recycled scrap metals in 2025 for this market. This is due to high metal usage in infrastructure projects and a growing emphasis on sustainable, cost-effective materials.
• In terms of Source, Industrial Scrap Segment is expected to contribute 60% share of the market in 2025. This is due to the large volumes of consistent, high-quality metal waste generated by manufacturing, fabrication, and heavy industries.
• Asia Pacific dominates the scrap metal recycling market with an estimated share of 41.2% in 2025. This is due to robust government policies in the region.

Market Overview

There is an increasing demand for scrap metals like iron, copper, aluminum, and others from end-use industries like construction, automotive, shipbuilding, aerospace, etc. Rapid industrialization and urbanization in developing regions are driving more construction activities which require scrap metals as raw materials. Also, stringent government regulations regarding proper disposal of waste and promotion of recycling are promoting the collection and processing of scrap metals. Many developed countries such China and Japan have policies to mandate the minimum use of recycled content in products.

Current Events and Its Impacts on Scrap Metal Recycling Market

Uncover macros and micros vetted on 75+ parameters: Get instant access to report

Market Concentration and Competitive Landscape

To learn more about this report, Download Free Sample

Market Driver - Increasing demand for recycled metals in various industries

The global scrap metal recycling market is witnessing considerable growth on account of the rising demand for recycled metals from various end-use industries such as construction, automotive, shipbuilding, and electronics. Metals such as iron, copper, aluminum, and lead are increasingly being recycled due to their widespread industrial usage.

According to data from the World Steel Association published in November 2024, around 72% of steel production in the U.S. is from scrap steel. The industry recycles over 100 million tons of steel annually which helps reduce the carbon footprint drastically.

Market Opportunity - Technological Advancements in Recycling Processes for Market

One of the major opportunities for growth in the global scrap metal recycling market is the ongoing technological advancements in recycling processes and machinery. Recycling technologies are continuously evolving with research focused on developing new and innovative solutions that can enhance metal recovery rates from scrap.

Advancements like improved scrap shredding, sorting, and separation equipment allow for more efficient pre-processing of scrap before metal extraction. Similarly, developments in smelting and refining processes help recycling companies achieve higher quality materials from scrap. Adoption of advanced robotics, automation, Internet of Things, and analytics also offer opportunities to optimize recycling operations.

Segmental Insights

To learn more about this report, Download Free Sample

Scrap Metal Recycling Market Insights, By Metal Type

In terms of metal type, ferrous metals segment is expected to contribute 70.7% share of the market in 2025, owing to its abundance and wide range of industrial applications. Ferrous metals such as iron and steel have historically been the workhorses of manufacturing and construction industries due to their strength, malleability, and resistance to corrosion. As such, they generate the largest volumes of scrap during various manufacturing processes as well as at the end of products' lifecycles.

Scrap Metal Recycling Market Insights, By Source

In terms of source, industrial scrap is expected to contribute 60% share of the market in 2025. Complex industrial fabrication processes involving non-ferrous metals like aluminum, copper, and lead generate significant metal turnings, fines, and dross as bi-products. Strictly controlling such wastes is important from an environmental compliance as well as cost perspective for manufacturers. At the same time, non-ferrous foundries and refineries producing intermediate and final products also produce process-tied scrap.

Scrap Metal Recycling Market Insights, By Application

In terms of application, building & construction segment is expected to contribute 23% share of demand for recycled scrap metals in 2025 for this market. The construction industry is a major consumer of metals like steel, iron, aluminum, and copper. Steel and iron rebar, along with structural I-beams, form the backbone of buildings and infrastructure. Aluminum and copper are increasingly used in façades, rooftops, and wiring for their corrosion resistance, ductility, and conductivity.

Regional Insights 

To learn more about this report, Download Free Sample

Dominating Region: Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific dominates the scrap metal recycling market with an estimated share of 41.2% in 2025. This can be attributed to robust government policies such as the National Non-Ferrous Metal Scrap Recycling Framework (2020) promoting recycling and waste management. Countries like China, India, and Japan generate massive volumes of scrap from manufacturing and construction activities. With growing environmental awareness, governments provide subsidies for recycling enterprises to reduce landfill waste.

Fastest-Growing Region: North America

North America exhibits the fastest growth, driven by rising industrialization and urbanization. State-level mandates encourage businesses and consumers to recycle scrap metal through incentive programs. Moreover, the region has a large industrial base producing sizable amounts of scrap that can be reprocessed. Leading companies like Schnitzer Steel and Sims Metal Management have established efficient recycling infrastructure and logistics networks in the region.

Scrap Metal Recycling Market Dominating Countries

United States Scrap Metal Recycling Market Analysis and Trend

The U.S. scrap metal recycling market is mature with the auto and appliance sectors contributing significant scrap volumes. Companies like Nucor Corporation are investing in newer recycling technologies to process complex scrap streams. The manufacturing and construction sectors are driving strong demand for recycled metals due to a combination of economic, environmental, and regulatory factors. Energy savings during recycling are substantial, e.g., recycled aluminum uses up to 95.5% less energy than producing it from bauxite ore.

China Scrap Metal Recycling Market Analysis and Trend

China's scrap metal recycling market continues to lead on the back of its giant manufacturing industry. Domestic recyclers are consolidating to capture rising scrap generation. China's robust mining and manufacturing sectors have led to a substantial demand for metals, prompting a strategic shift toward recycling to ensure resource security and environmental sustainability. The China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CNIA) has advocated for increased the use of aluminum as a substitute for copper, citing aluminum's lower cost and higher domestic availability.

Canada Scrap Metal Recycling Market Analysis and Trend

Canada has implemented several initiatives to promote recycling and reduce landfill waste, aiming to transition towards a circular economy and minimize environmental impact. In 2009, the Canadian government adopted the Canada-Wide Action Plan for Extended Producer Responsibility (CAP-EPR), which mandates producers to manage the lifecycle of their products, including post-consumer waste. This approach encourages manufacturers to design products with recycling and end-of-life disposal in mind, thereby reducing landfill waste.

India Scrap Metal Recycling Market Analysis and Trend

India's scrap metal recycling market is witnessing rapid gains on the back of a booming automotive sector and infrastructure projects. Local players such as Ritzee Recycling Pvt. Ltd. are working with global companies to adopt best practices. The surge in urbanization and industrial expansion worldwide has significantly amplified the demand for scrap metal recycling. Their governments have implemented policies to promote domestic recycling industries to reduce reliance on imports.

Market Report Scope

Scrap Metal Recycling Market Industry News

• In 2025, Nobian, Asahi Kasei, Furuya Metal, and Mastermelt launched a joint project to recycle rare metals from electrolyzers, marking a significant step towards increasing the circularity of rare metals used in the chlor-alkali industry.
• In 2025, Constellium made investments in lightweight recycled aluminum alloys and advanced recycling for future A320-class airplanes, realizing 20% weight savings and 95% energy saving compared to virgin aluminum. This promotes circularity in aerospace and indicates increasing demand for premium recycled non-ferrous metals.

Key Takeaways from Analyst

• The market is expected to experience steady growth over the next five years driven by rising prices of scrap metals and growing environmental concerns. As production and consumption of metals continue to increase globally, recycling scrap metal provides a sustainable and economically viable option to procure raw materials.
• Asia Pacific currently dominates the market due to stringent government regulations promoting recycling. However, North America is projected to be the fastest growing region with the U.S. and Canada leading demand as their infrastructure development gathers momentum.
• While landfill restrictions and recycling mandates will boost collection volumes, fluctuations in scrap prices pose a major challenge to profitability. Trade conflicts and tariffs could also negatively impact supply chains. On the supply side, consolidating recycling operations and improving scrap sorting technology offers opportunities to gain operational efficiencies. Advanced metal treatments can facilitate higher scrap grade production.
• Furthermore, the market sees opportunities from urban mining as demolitions of old buildings and infrastructure open up new scrap sources. Collaboration with secondary smelters and alloy producers provides avenues to streamline recycling processes.

Market Segmentation

• Metal Type Insights
• Ferrous Metals
• Non-ferrous Metals
•  Source Insights
• Industrial Scrap
• Post-Consumer Scrap
•  Application Insights
• Building & Construction
• Automotive
• Equipment Manufacturing
• Packaging
• Consumer Appliances
• Others
• Regional Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2020 - 2032)
• North America
• U.S.
• Canada
• Latin America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America
• Europe
• Germany
• U.K.
• Spain
• France
• Italy
• Russia
• Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• ASEAN
• Rest of Asia Pacific
• Middle East
• GCC Countries
• Israel
• Rest of Middle East
• Africa
• South Africa
• North Africa
• Central Africa
• Key Players Insights
• Precision Biologics
• Danaher Corporation
• Abbott
• Illumina, Inc.
• Exact Sciences Corporation
• ASURAGEN, INC.
• Exagen Inc.
• Genentech, Inc.
• Berg Health
• Omada Health
• Natera
• Invitae
• Myriad Genetics
• Celcuity
• InsightRX 
• Axial3D 

Sources

Primary Research Interviews

• Metal recycling facility operators and managers
• Scrap metal dealers and brokers
• Industrial waste management companies
• Digital platform developers and technology providers
• Others

Databases

• IBISWorld Industry Reports Database
• Euromonitor International Database
• Bloomberg Terminal Database
• Others

Magazines

• Recycling Today Magazine
• Scrap Metal Magazine
• Waste Management World Magazine
• American Recycler Magazine
• Resource Recycling Magazine
• Others

Journals

• Journal of Cleaner Production
• Resources, Conservation and Recycling
• Waste Management Journal
• Others

Newspapers

• Metal Bulletin Daily
• American Metal Market
• Recycling International News
• Waste & Recycling News
• Metal Working World Magazine
• Others

Associations

• Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI)
• Bureau of International Recycling (BIR)
• European Recycling Industries' Confederation (EuRIC)
• National Association of Waste Management (NAWM)
• Others

Public Domain Sources

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports
• European Environment Agency (EEA) publications
• World Bank environmental data
• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reports
• National statistical offices databases
• Others

Proprietary Elements

• CMI Data Analytics Tool
• Proprietary CMI Existing Repository of information for last 8 years