US Copper Scrap Market

In the United States, the increasing demand for copper is being driven by the rapid growth of electric vehicles (EVs), the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure, and the ongoing modernization of the national power grid. Copper’s unmatched electrical conductivity makes it indispensable across a wide range of clean energy technologies, including solar panels, wind turbines, EV batteries, inverters, and high-voltage transmission lines. As a result, the demand for reliable, scalable sources of copper has surged—placing recycled copper (copper scrap) at the forefront of the U.S. energy transition strategy. Copper scrap offers a low-carbon, energy-efficient alternative to virgin copper, helping meet growing material needs without increasing dependency on mining operations, which are both resource-intensive and environmentally impactful.

Recycling copper uses up to 85% less energy than primary copper production and generates significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions, making it a key enabler of national climate goals. Moreover, there is a rising regulatory and corporate emphasis on sustainability, resource efficiency, and ethical sourcing. As ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria become embedded in corporate procurement policies, major manufacturers—particularly in the automotive, electronics, and green technology sectors—are increasingly integrating recycled copper into their supply chains. This not only helps reduce operational carbon footprints but also aligns with broader circular economy principles by extending the life cycle of valuable materials.

In US, the growing demand for copper in electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy infrastructure, and power grid modernization is a major driver. Since copper is essential for electrical conductivity, its usage is surging across solar panels, wind turbines, EV batteries, and transmission lines. Copper scrap provides a low-carbon alternative to meet this demand, offering a scalable way to support the clean energy transition without over-relying on new mining operations.

Increasing regulatory and corporate focus on sustainable material sourcing and lowering environmental impact in the US drives the demand for copper scrap in the country. Copper scrap recycling uses up to 85% less energy than primary production and significantly reduces CO₂ emissions. Large manufacturers, especially in the electronics and automotive sectors, are actively integrating recycled copper into their supply chains to meet ESG goals, reduce carbon footprints, and align with circular economy principles.

Many global, regional, and local vendors characterize the US Copper Scrap Market. The market is highly competitive, with all the players competing to gain market share. Intense competition, rapid advances in technology, frequent changes in government policies, and environmental regulations are key factors that confront market growth. The vendors compete based on cost, product quality, reliability, and government regulations. Vendors must provide cost-efficient, high-quality products to survive and succeed in an intensely competitive market.
The major players in the market include Radius Recycling, Inc, Nucor, Sims Limited, CMC, OmniSource, LLC, United Scrap Metal, Steel Dynamics, Metalico, Inc, SCHUPAN, SA Recycling LLC strategic market developments and decisions to improve operational effectiveness.