Scrap Metal Recycling Market Size

As per the Scrap Metal Recycling Market size analysis conducted by the CMI Team, the global scrap metal recycling market is expected to record a CAGR of 4.34% from 2025 to 2034. In 2025, the market size will be USD 444.85 Billion. By 2034, the valuation is anticipated to reach USD 652.95 Billion.

Scrap Metal Recycling Market Overview

As per the industry experts at CMI, the Scrap Metal Recycling Market will witness substantial growth, as recycling of metals is being looked upon as something positively impacting the environment. Research states that recycling metals aids in reducing harmful effects of processing new materials and mining.

It also aims at conservation of natural resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and lower consumption of energy. With the world moving toward sustainability, recycling the metals for preservation of the environment is gaining traction. This focuses on its role in the creation of a healthier earth for the upcoming generations.

Scrap Metal Recycling Market Growth Factors and Dynamics

  • Infrastructure Roaring Through: Recycling metals has been reported to be more cost-effective as compared to processing the metals or extracting them. The infrastructure worldwide is witnessing disruption – in the developed economies in the form of renovation and in the developing economies in the form of new constructions. The automotive sector is preferring recycled metals to reduce the overall cost of the vehicle as well as the overhead of automotive manufacturers.
  • Building & Construction Sector – The Torchbearer: The building & construction sector rules the roost as excessively recycled metals are used in construction projects inclusive of copper pipes, steel structures, and aluminium frames. As demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly practices increases, the vitality of scrap metal recycling is expected to expand, thereby focusing on its indispensability in the industry.

Report Scope

Feature of the ReportDetails
Market Size in 2025USD 444.85 Billion
Projected Market Size in 2034USD 652.95 Billion
Market Size in 2024USD 426.34 Billion
CAGR Growth Rate4.34% CAGR
Base Year2024
Forecast Period2025-2034
Key SegmentBy Metal Type, Application and Region
Report CoverageRevenue Estimation and Forecast, Company Profile, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and Recent Trends
Regional ScopeNorth America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South & Central America
Buying OptionsRequest tailored purchasing options to fulfil your requirements for research.

Scrap Metal Recycling Market SWOT Analysis

  • Strengths: Recycling metal helps in saving on finite resources by lessening the requirement for raw materials. It also minimizes the consumption of energy and greenhouse gas emissions. AI and automation are also improving the quality and efficiency. These are the strengths of the scrap metal recycling market.
  • Weaknesses: Scrap metal’s market price may fluctuate, thereby making it difficult to predict the expenses. Besides, processing and sorting the different kinds of scrap metal could be time-consuming and complex. The stern regulations could increase the price of recycling and its impact. These are the weaknesses of the scrap metal recycling market.
  • Opportunities: The scrap metal recycling market has opportunities in the form of growing awareness about sustainability. The other opportunities that could be listed include blockchain, robotics, and AI that are capable of enhancing efficiency, traceability, and sorting. The governments are also into the promotion of sustainable and recycling practices.
  • Threats: Geopolitical tensions/natural disasters are likely to disrupt the chains, thereby adversely affecting supply chains and metal prices. Also, alterations in the costs of raw materials used in the production of metals can impact the profitability related to recycling. These are the threats to the scrap metal recycling market.

List of the prominent players in the Scrap Metal Recycling Market:

  • ArcelorMittal
  • Aurubis AG
  • Kuusakoski Group Oy
  • Nucor Corporation
  • AIM Recycling
  • Sims Limited
  • OmniSource LLC
  • Metallon Recycling Pte Ltd.
  • SA Recycling LLC
  • TKC Metal Recycling Inc.
  • Jacobs Engineering Group
  • MachineShop Inc.
  • TMS International Corporation
  • Waste Management Inc.
  • Schnitzer Steel Industries Inc.
  • Others

The Scrap Metal Recycling Market is segmented as follows:

By Metal Type

  • Ferrous
  • Non-ferrous

By Application

  • Automotive
  • Aerospace& Defense
  • Construction
  • Electrical and Electronics
  • Manufacturing and Industrial Sector
  • Consumer Appliances
  • Others

Regional Coverage:

North America

  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • Rest of North America

Europe

  • Germany
  • France
  • U.K.
  • Russia
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Netherlands
  • Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • New Zealand
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Taiwan
  • Rest of Asia Pacific

The Middle East & Africa

  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Egypt
  • Kuwait
  • South Africa
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa

Latin America

  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America