Global Metal Recycling Market 2031 - Circular Economy, Green Steel & Urban Mining Power the $92.2B Sustainable Materials Boom

Market Size and Growth

Global Metal Recycling Market reached US$ 54.5 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 92.2 billion by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

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Key Development And Recent Mergers and Acquisitions:

United States: Recent Metal Recycling Developments

✅ In November 2025, Century Recycling announced a US$50 million investment to build a new aluminum-recycling facility in Mission, Texas. The project aims to boost regional circular-economy capacity and expand sustainable metal recovery in the U.S.

✅ In September 2025, Aurubis commenced operations at its new copper-recycling plant in Richmond, Georgia. The facility can process 180,000 metric tons of complex copper scr@p annually, strengthening domestic metal-recycling infrastructure.

✅ In August 2025, California legislators introduced Senate Bill 404 to centralize regulation of scr@p-metal recyclers. The initiative seeks to improve environmental compliance, safety, and oversight across the state's recycling sector.

✅ In June 2025, U.S. researchers unveiled an AI-driven computer-vision system to detect anomalies in steel-scr@p streams. The innovation enhances sorting accuracy, increases material purity, and reduces recycling inefficiencies.

Japan: Recent Metal Recycling Developments

✅ In November 2025, JX Advanced Metals, Mitsui Kinzoku, Marubeni, and Mitsubishi Materials signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to integrate MMC's copper concentrate purchasing and recycled-metal business into their joint venture Pan Pacific Copper (PPC).

✅ In September 2025, JX Advanced Metals announced a ¥7 billion investment to expand its recycled-materials pre-treatment capacity by 50% by 2027. The move strengthens Japan's supply chain for critical metals.

✅ In September 2025, JX Advanced Metals reported recycling around 100,000 metric tons of copper during FY 2024. This achievement raised its internal recycling ratio to 24.6%, supporting Japan's resource-circulation goals.

✅ In June 2025, Mitsubishi Corporation invested in DEScycle, a company developing low-energy solvent-based metal-recovery technology. The partnership aims to accelerate next-generation e-waste metal recycling in Japan.

✅ In June 2025, Epson Atmix Corporation opened a ¥5.5 billion metal-recycling plant in Hachinohe. The facility converts scr@p into high-purity metal powder using renewable-energy-powered processes.

Growth Drivers of Metal Recycling:

✅ Rising demand for sustainable and circular economy solutions driving metal recovery and reuse.

✅ Increasing industrialization and urban mining boosting the availability of recyclable metal scr@p.

✅ Advancements in sorting, shredding, and smelting technologies improving recovery efficiency.

✅ Growing need to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption in metal production.

✅ Government regulations and incentives promoting recycling practices across industries.

Key Players:

=> Gerdau S/A, Nucor, Commercial Metals Company, Steel Dynamics, Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc., River Metals Recycling, ArcelorMittal, Aurubis AG, Dowa Holdings Co. Ltd and Novelis Inc.

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Key Segments:

By Metal

Ferrous metals dominate with 70% share, driven by high recycling rates in construction, automotive, and heavy machinery sectors. Non-ferrous metals account for 30%, supported by strong demand for aluminum, copper, nickel, and specialty metals in electronics, aerospace, and packaging applications.

By Scr@p

Old scr@p leads with 60% share, generated from end-of-life vehicles, demolished buildings, discarded appliances, and industrial waste. New scr@p holds 40%, originating from manufacturing processes, metal fabrication, and machining operations, contributing to consistent recycling streams.

By Mode of Recycling

Shredding dominates with 30% share, driven by its efficiency in processing mixed metal scr@p from vehicles and appliances. Shearing accounts for 22%, used extensively for cutting heavy steel plates and structural components. Baling holds 18%, supporting compacting of lightweight metals for easier transport. Crushing represents 15%, primarily applied to automotive and construction scr@p. Torching makes up 15%, used for cutting oversized or irregular metal structures.

By End User

Construction and infrastructure lead with 28% share, driven by high demand for recycled steel and metal products. Automotive holds 22%, fueled by recycling of end-of-life vehicles and metal-intensive components. Electrical and electronic equipment accounts for 15%, supported by rising e-waste recovery. Industrial machinery and products represent 12%, while shipbuilding contributes 10% through large-scale steel recovery. The packaging industry holds 8%, predominantly aluminum recycling, while other sectors make up 5%, including consumer goods and miscellaneous industrial applications.

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By Region

North America - 32% Share
North America leads with 32%, driven by advanced recycling infrastructure, strong automotive and construction scr@p generation, and rising sustainability mandates.

Europe - 28% Share
Europe holds 28%, supported by strict circular economy regulations, high metal recovery rates, and strong steel and aluminum recycling ecosystems.

Asia Pacific - 26% Share
Asia Pacific accounts for 26%, fueled by rapid industrialization, strong steel demand, and significant scr@p imports across China, India, Japan, and Southeast Asia.

South America - 5% Share
South America holds 5%, driven by growing metal recycling activity in Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, particularly in construction and automotive sectors.

Middle East & Africa - 9% Share
Middle East & Africa represent 9%, supported by increasing infrastructure development, rising scr@p availability, and emerging investments in organized recycling facilities.

FAQ

What is the current size of the Metal Recycling Market?

A: In 2022, the Metal Recycling Market was valued at US$ 54.5 billion, reflecting its strong industry presence.

Q2: How large is the Metal Recycling Market expected to be by 2031?

A: By 2031, industry forecasts suggest the Metal Recycling Market will grow to around US$ 92.2 billion , demonstrating significant expansion.

Q3: What is the growth rate of the Metal Recycling Market?

A: The market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2031.

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