• Cat-intel
  • MedIntelliX
  • Resources
  • About Us
  • Request Free Sample ×

    Kindly complete the form below to receive a free sample of this Report

    Leading companies partner with us for data-driven Insights

    clients tt-cursor
    Hero Background

    Recycled Metal Market

    ID: MRFR/CnM/27395-HCR
    128 Pages
    Priya Nagrale
    October 2025

    Recycled Metal Market Research Report By Metal Type (Ferrous, Non-Ferrous), By Application (Automotive, Construction, Packaging, Consumer Goods), By Processing Method (Mechanical Processing, Chemical Processing, Pyroprocessing), By Source (Industrial Scrap, Consumer Scrap, End-of-Life Vehicles), By Recycled Metal Grade (Primary Grade, Secondary Grade, Teritary Grade) and By Regional (North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa) - Forecast to 2035

    Share:
    Download PDF ×

    We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails based on your report interest from time to time. You may contact us at any time to opt-out.

    Recycled Metal Market Infographic
    Purchase Options

    Recycled Metal Market Summary

    The Global Recycled Metal Market is projected to grow from 392.81 USD Billion in 2024 to 531.78 USD Billion by 2035, reflecting a steady increase in demand.

    Key Market Trends & Highlights

    Recycled Metal Key Trends and Highlights

    • The market is expected to reach 531.78 USD Billion by 2035, indicating a robust growth trajectory.
    • A compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.88% is anticipated from 2025 to 2035, suggesting gradual market expansion.
    • In 2024, the market valuation stands at 390.6 USD Billion, highlighting its substantial current size.
    • Growing adoption of sustainable practices due to environmental regulations is a major market driver.

    Market Size & Forecast

    2024 Market Size 392.81 (USD Billion)
    2035 Market Size 531.78 (USD Billion)
    CAGR (2025-2035) 2.79%

    Major Players

    Aurubis AG, Sims Metal Management Limited, ArcelorMittal, Tata Steel Limited, UACJ Corporation, Nucor Corporation, Shougang Group, Baosteel Group, Outokumpu, Hebei Iron and Steel Group, POSCO, EVRAZ, JFE Steel Corporation, thyssenkrupp AG, United States Steel Corporation, Nippon Steel Corporation, Voestalpine AG

    Recycled Metal Market Trends

    The recycled metal market is examined towards the future and the ecological factors coupled with the progressive development of recycling technology will account for a significant growth. Expansion of the market is hindered by the following factors environmental legislation on waste treatment implementation, increasing cost of raw materials, growing level of consumption by various industries and so forth.

    An investor interested in recycling initiatives does not lack some prospective projects, such as the integration of novel technologies for the increase in recovery efficiencies within the recycling processes, increasing the scope of applications of reclaimed metals and alloys, and cooperating with recycling companies to create a zero-waste economy. Among new changes seen in the market include greater incorporation of closed-loop recycling systems, greener construction becoming more favorable, and the development of efficient and new technology that enhances the quality recovery of recycled metals.

    The global recycled metal market is poised for growth as industries increasingly recognize the environmental benefits and economic advantages of utilizing recycled materials in production processes.

    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

    Recycled Metal Market Drivers

    Market Growth Projections

    The Global Recycled Metal Market Industry is projected to experience robust growth in the coming years. With a market value of 390.6 USD Billion in 2024, it is anticipated to reach 533.6 USD Billion by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 2.88% from 2025 to 2035. This growth trajectory indicates a strong shift towards recycling practices across various sectors, driven by sustainability initiatives and economic factors. The increasing integration of recycled metals in manufacturing processes suggests a promising future for the industry, as stakeholders recognize the long-term benefits of adopting recycled materials.

    Rising Prices of Virgin Metals

    The Global Recycled Metal Market Industry is also influenced by the rising prices of virgin metals, which incentivizes manufacturers to explore recycled alternatives. As the costs of extracting and processing virgin metals escalate due to resource scarcity and geopolitical factors, recycled metals present a more economical option. This shift is particularly evident in industries such as construction and electronics, where cost-efficiency is paramount. Consequently, the market is likely to benefit from this trend as companies increasingly turn to recycled metals to mitigate rising material costs, thereby enhancing overall market dynamics.

    Government Regulations and Incentives

    Government regulations play a pivotal role in shaping the Global Recycled Metal Market Industry. Many countries are implementing stricter regulations aimed at reducing waste and promoting recycling initiatives. These regulations often include incentives for companies that utilize recycled materials, thereby encouraging the adoption of recycled metals in manufacturing processes. For example, the European Union has introduced directives that mandate recycling targets for member states, which could further stimulate market growth. Such regulatory frameworks are likely to enhance the market's value, contributing to its anticipated growth to 533.6 USD Billion by 2035.

    Increasing Demand for Sustainable Materials

    The Global Recycled Metal Market Industry experiences a notable surge in demand for sustainable materials as industries and consumers alike prioritize environmental responsibility. This trend is driven by heightened awareness of climate change and resource depletion, prompting manufacturers to seek recycled metals as viable alternatives to virgin materials. For instance, the automotive and construction sectors are increasingly adopting recycled metals to reduce their carbon footprints. As a result, the market is projected to reach 390.6 USD Billion in 2024, reflecting a growing commitment to sustainability across various industries.

    Technological Advancements in Recycling Processes

    Technological advancements significantly influence the Global Recycled Metal Market Industry by enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of recycling processes. Innovations in sorting, processing, and refining technologies enable the recovery of higher-quality metals from scrap materials. For instance, the implementation of automated sorting systems has improved the purity of recycled metals, making them more appealing to manufacturers. This technological evolution not only increases the volume of metals recycled but also reduces operational costs, thereby fostering market growth. As these technologies continue to evolve, they are expected to support a compound annual growth rate of 2.88% from 2025 to 2035.

    Growing Urbanization and Infrastructure Development

    Urbanization and infrastructure development are key drivers of the Global Recycled Metal Market Industry. As populations in urban areas continue to grow, the demand for construction materials, including recycled metals, rises correspondingly. Governments and private sectors are investing heavily in infrastructure projects, which often prioritize sustainable materials. For instance, the construction of green buildings and smart cities increasingly incorporates recycled metals to meet sustainability goals. This trend not only supports environmental objectives but also positions recycled metals as essential components in modern construction practices, further propelling market growth.

    Market Segment Insights

    Recycled Metal Market Metal Type Insights

    The Recycled Metal Market is segmented by Metal Type into Ferrous and Non-Ferrous. The Ferrous segment held the largest market share in 2023, accounting for approximately 60% of the market. The Non-Ferrous segment is expected to grow at a faster CAGR during the forecast period, owing to the increasing demand for lightweight materials in various industries such as automotive and aerospace. Ferrous metals include iron and steel, which are widely used in construction, automotive, and industrial applications.

    The increasing demand for steel in emerging economies is driving the growth of the Ferrous segment.Non-Ferrous metals include aluminum, copper, and zinc, which are used in a variety of applications, including electrical wiring, electronics, and transportation. The rising demand for aluminum in the automotive and aerospace industries is expected to drive the growth of the Non-Ferrous segment. The Recycled Metal Market is expected to reach a valuation of USD 390.58 billion by 2024, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.15% during the forecast period (2023-2032).

    The market is driven by factors such as the increasing demand for recycled metals from various industries, rising environmental concerns, and government regulations promoting sustainability.

    Source Primary Research, Secondary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

    Recycled Metal Market Application Insights

    The application segment of the Recycled Metal Market holds significant importance, as it encompasses diverse industries that utilize recycled metals as raw materials. Among the key application segments are Automotive, Construction, Packaging, and Consumer Goods. In the Automotive industry, recycled metals play a crucial role in manufacturing vehicle components such as body panels, engine blocks, and wheels.

    The increasing demand for lightweight and fuel-efficient vehicles has driven the adoption of recycled metals, which offer similar performance to virgin metals but with reduced environmental impact.The Construction sector is another major consumer of recycled metals, particularly in the production of steel reinforcement bars, beams, and roofing materials. The growing infrastructure development and urbanization worldwide have fueled the demand for recycled metals in this segment. The Packaging industry utilizes recycled metals in the manufacturing of cans, containers, and foils.

    The shift towards sustainable packaging solutions and the rising demand for recycled content in packaging materials are driving growth in this segment. Consumer Goods encompass a wide range of products that incorporate recycled metals, including appliances, furniture, and electronics.The ongoing emphasis on sustainability, government regulations, and technological advancements in recycling processes are expected to fuel the growth of the recycled metal market across these application segments.

    Recycled Metal Market Processing Method Insights

    The Recycled Metal Market is segmented by Processing Method into Mechanical Processing, Chemical Processing, and Pyroprocessing. Mechanical Processing accounted for the largest share of the market in 2023 and is projected to continue to dominate the market through 2032. The growth of this segment can be attributed to the increasing adoption of mechanical processing technologies, such as shredding, sorting, and baling, which are used to separate and recover valuable metals from scrap materials.

    Chemical Processing is another important segment of the market and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR over the forecast period.This growth can be attributed to the increasing demand for recycled metals in various industries, such as automotive, construction, and electronics. Pyroprocessing is a relatively new segment of the market but is expected to grow rapidly over the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the increasing adoption of pyroprocessing technologies, such as incineration and gasification, which are used to recover valuable metals from hazardous waste materials.

    Recycled Metal Market Source Insights

    Industrial Scrap, Consumer Scrap, and End-of-Life Vehicles are the three main sources of recycled metal. Industrial scrap, which comes from manufacturing processes, accounts for the majority of the recycled metal market. This segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.9% from 2023 to 2032, reaching a market value of 205.8 billion USD by 2032. Consumer scrap generated from household waste is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.7% during the forecast period, reaching a market size of 103.26 billion USD by 2032.

    End-of-Life Vehicles, which are recycled for their metal content, are estimated to contribute a market value of 67.44 billion USD by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 2.6%.These segments play a crucial role in driving the growth of the Recycled Metal Market, contributing to its overall market valuation.

    Recycled Metal Market Recycled Metal Grade Insights

    The Recycled Metal Grade segment is a crucial aspect of the Recycled Metal Market, influencing market growth and industry dynamics. The segment encompasses three primary grades Primary Grade, Secondary Grade, and Tertiary Grade. Primary Grade recycled metal is sourced directly from manufacturing processes, offering high purity and quality. It commands a significant market share due to its superior properties and stringent quality standards. Secondary Grade recycled metal originates from post-consumer waste, such as discarded electronics and vehicles.This grade exhibits lower purity levels compared to the Primary Grade but remains widely used in various industries.

    Tertiary Grade recycled metal undergoes multiple recycling processes, resulting in lower purity and often being utilized in less demanding applications. Understanding the market segmentation and dynamics is key for stakeholders to capitalize on growth opportunities. Detailed market research and analysis can empower businesses to make informed decisions, optimize their operations, and adapt to the evolving market landscape.

    Get more detailed insights about Recycled Metal Market

    Regional Insights

    In terms of region, the Recycled Metal Market is segmented into North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and MEA. Among these regions, North America and Europe are the leading markets for recycled metals, accounting for a significant share of the revenue. APAC is expected to witness substantial growth in the coming years due to the increasing demand for recycled metals in developing countries such as China and India. South America and MEA are also expected to contribute to the growth of the recycled metal market.

    The growth in these regions can be attributed to the increasing urbanization, industrialization, and rising awareness about environmental sustainability.

    Recycled Metal Market Regional

    Source Primary Research, Secondary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

    Key Players and Competitive Insights

    Major players in the Recycled Metal Market industry have been implementing various strategies to maintain their strong position. Recently, many leading Recycled Metal Market players have adopted various organic growth strategies such as product launches, expansions, and investments to strengthen their position in the market. Mergers and acquisitions were also popular strategies to gain market share. The major players in the Recycled Metal Market industry include Aurubis AG, Sims Metal Management Limited, ArcelorMittal, Tata Steel Limited, UACJ Corporation, and Nucor Corporation.

    These companies have been investing heavily in research and development to introduce innovative products and solutions that meet the evolving needs of customers.One of the leading companies in the Recycled Metal Market industry is Aurubis AG. The company is a leader in copper recycling and has been operating for over 150 years. Aurubis AG operates in more than 50 countries and has a strong presence across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The company's diverse product portfolio includes copper cathodes, copper rods, copper wires, and copper tubes.

    Aurubis AG has been focusing on expanding its geographical reach and increasing its production capacity to meet the growing demand for recycled copper. The company has also been investing in research and development to develop more sustainable and environmentally friendly recycling processes.A key competitor in the Recycled Metal Market industry is Sims Metal Management Limited. The company is a leader in the recycling of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Sims Metal Management Limited operates in over 20 countries and has a strong presence across North America, Europe, and Asia.

    The company's diverse product portfolio includes ferrous scrap, non-ferrous scrap, and electronics scrap. Sims Metal Management Limited has been focusing on expanding its footprint and increasing its recycling capacity. The company has also been investing in research and development to develop more efficient and cost-effective recycling technologies.

    Key Companies in the Recycled Metal Market market include

    Industry Developments

    • Q2 2024: BIR World Recycling Convention 2025: Recycled steel consumption headed lower in China, the United States, Japan and South Korea in 2024 in a global steelmaking landscape. The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) reported a 1% year-on-year decrease in recycled steel consumption in key countries in 2024, with notable declines in China, the US, Japan, and South Korea, while the EU, India, and Turkey increased their use of ferrous scrap.

    Future Outlook

    Recycled Metal Market Future Outlook

    The Global Recycled Metal Market is projected to grow at a 2.79% CAGR from 2025 to 2035, driven by increasing sustainability initiatives and regulatory support.

    New opportunities lie in:

    • Invest in advanced sorting technologies to enhance recycling efficiency.
    • Develop partnerships with manufacturers for closed-loop recycling solutions.
    • Explore emerging markets for expanded collection and processing capabilities.

    By 2035, the market is expected to solidify its role as a cornerstone of sustainable materials management.

    Market Segmentation

    Recycled Metal Market Source Outlook

    • Primary Grade
    • Secondary Grade
    • Teritary Grade

    Recycled Metal Market Regional Outlook

    • North America
    • Europe
    • South America
    • Asia Pacific
    • Middle East and Africa

    Recycled Metal Market Metal Type Outlook

    • Automotive
    • Construction
    • Packaging
    • Consumer Goods

    Recycled Metal Market Application Outlook

    • Mechanical Processing
    • Chemical Processing
    • Pyroprocessing

    Recycled Metal Market Processing Method Outlook

    • Industrial Scrap
    • Consumer Scrap
    • End-of-Life Vehicles

    Recycled Metal Market Recycled Metal Grade Outlook

    • North America
    • Europe
    • South America
    • Asia Pacific
    • Middle East and Africa

    Report Scope

    Report Attribute/Metric Details
    Market Size 2024    392.81 (USD Billion)
    Market Size 2025    403.77 (USD Billion)
    Market Size 2035 531.78 (USD Billion)
    Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) 2.79% (2025 - 2035)
    Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
    Base Year 2024
    Market Forecast Period 2025 - 2035
    Historical Data 2020 - 2024
    Market Forecast Units USD Billion
    Key Companies Profiled ArcelorMittal, Shougang Group, Baosteel Group, Outokumpu, Hebei Iron and Steel Group, POSCO, Nucor Corporation, EVRAZ, Tata Steel, JFE Steel Corporation, thyssenkrupp AG, United States Steel Corporation, Nippon Steel Corporation, Voestalpine AG
    Segments Covered Metal Type, Application, Processing Method, Source, Recycled Metal Grade, Regional
    Key Market Opportunities Growing demand for lightweight vehicles Increasing environmental concerns Rising construction activities Technological advancements Expansion in emerging economies
    Key Market Dynamics Growing Construction Automotive and Industrial Sectors Rising Environmental Concerns Stringent Regulations Technological Advancements Fluctuating Raw Material Prices
    Countries Covered North America, Europe, APAC, South America, MEA

    FAQs

    What is the expected size of the Recycled Metal Market in 2024?

    The Recycled Metal Market is expected to reach a value of 392.81 billion USD in 2024.

    What is the projected CAGR of the Recycled Metal Market from 2025 to 2034?

    Recycled Metal Market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 2.79% in the period 2025-2035

    What are the key factors driving the growth of the Recycled Metal Market?

    Factors driving growth include increasing environmental awareness, stringent government regulations, and the rising adoption of sustainable practices.

    Which region is expected to hold the largest share of the Recycled Metal Market in 2024?

    North America is expected to hold the largest share of the Recycled Metal Market in 2024.

    What are the major applications of recycled metals?

    Recycled metals are used in various applications, including construction, automotive, and consumer electronics.

    Who are the key competitors in the Recycled Metal Market?

    Key competitors include Sims Metal Management, ArcelorMittal, and EMR Group.

    What are the challenges faced by the Recycled Metal Market?

    Challenges include contamination, lack of infrastructure, and fluctuating prices of raw materials.

    What are the opportunities for growth in the Recycled Metal Market?

    Opportunities include technological advancements, increasing demand for sustainable materials, and government incentives.

    What are the key trends shaping the Recycled Metal Market?

    Key trends include digitalization, circular economy models, and the integration of renewable energy sources.

    Download Free Sample

    Kindly complete the form below to receive a free sample of this Report

    Case Study
    Chemicals and Materials