Market Forecast by Regions and Countries (North America, Europe, LATAM, Middle East, Asia and Africa), By Scrap Type (Old Scrap, New Scrap), By Type (Ferrous, Non-Ferrous), By Equipment (Shredders, Shears, Granulating Machines, Briquetting Machines), By End-use Sector (Building & Construction, Automotive, Equipment Manufacturing, Shipbuilding, Packaging, Consumer Appliances, Others) And Competitive Landscape
| Product Code: ETC13196403 | Publication Date: Apr 2025 | Updated Date: Oct 2025 | Product Type: Market Research Report | |
| Publisher: 6Wresearch | Author: Sumit Sagar | No. of Pages: 190 | No. of Figures: 80 | No. of Tables: 40 |
According to 6Wresearch internal database and industry insights, the Global Metal Recycling Market was valued at USD 52 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 72 Billion by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 4.80% during the forecast period (2025-2031).
According to 6Wresearch internal database and industry insights, the Global Metal Recycling Market was accounted at USD 878.25 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach nearly USD 1.20 trillion by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3% during the forecast period (2025-2031).
| Report Name | Global Metal Recycling Market |
| Forecast Period | 2025-2031 |
| Market Size | USD 1.20 trillion by 2031 |
| CAGR | 4.3% |
| Growing Sector | Building & Construction |
Global Metal Recycling Market report thoroughly covers the market by Regions and Countries, Scrap Type, Equipment and End-use Sector. The market report provides an unbiased and detailed analysis of ongoing market trends, opportunities/high-growth areas, and market drivers, which would help stakeholders to devise and align their market strategies according to the current and future market dynamics.
The Global Metal Recycling Market is expected to grow significantly in the upcoming years, due to the growing need for sustainable waste management practices. Due to increasing demand for metals in industries such as construction, automotive, and electronics, along with stricter environmental regulations and the rising focus on the circular economy, the market is set to grow.
Below are some prominent drivers and their influence on market dynamics:
| Drivers | Primary Segments Affected | Why It Matters (Evidence) |
| Urbanization & Industrialization | All sectors of metal recycling | Rapid urbanization and industrialization lead to increased demand making metal scrap expensive. |
| Sustainability Mandates & Regulations | All sectors, especially construction, automotive, and electronics | Stringent environmental provisions encourage the recycling of metal, fostering sustainable development. |
| Technological Advancements in Recycling | Equipment (Shredders, Granulating Machines, etc.) | New innovations with their cost-effective and environment efficient features are booming. |
| Circular Economy Adoption | By scrap type, especially Old Scrap | The global transition towards a circular economy emphasizes recycling old scrap and lowering the reliance on new. |
| Government Support and Initiatives | By region and countries | Government regulated incentives to invest in recycling infrastructure, drives industry growth. |
Global Metal Recycling Industry is expected to gain traction, registering a CAGR of 4.3% during 2025-2031. Due to the significant growth driven by factors such as Rapid urbanization and industrialization, increased cost of scrap metal to promote higher recycling rates. Strict environmental regulations and reforms to encourage the recycling of metals and to compel industries to opt for more sustainable practices. Moreover, the global shift toward a circular economy emphasizes the importance of recycling old scrap metal, reducing reliance on new resources and pushing the market for recycled materials. Backed by government aid and schemes, which include incentives to promote investments in recycling infrastructure. These factors together are significantly contributing to the expansion of the metal recycling industry.
Below are some major restraints and their influence on market dynamics:
| Restraints | Primary Segments Affected | What This Means (Evidence) |
| Economic & Interest-Rate Volatility | All sectors of metal recycling | The increased cost of financing and capital spending is impacting fleet development and replacement cycles, restricting growth. |
| Regulatory & Emissions Compliance | Diesel-powered equipment | Tightening of emission standards is leading to higher R&D costs, which in turn increases equipment prices. |
| High Initial Investment | All equipment types | A higher initial investment in new recycling technologies poses a significant barrier, especially for SME's |
| Skilled Labor Shortage | All sectors of metal recycling | Lack of skilled operators hampers with efficiency while adding to higher training and safety program cost. |
| Supply Chain Disruptions | Equipment and components across types | Lead-time variability for crucial components (e.g., engines, hydraulics, and electronics) can delay equipment deliveries and hinder market growth. |
There are myriads of challenges faced by Global metal recycling industry, which include increase in financing costs and capital expenditures, Stricter emission standards are demanding an increase in research and development, adding more to its expenses. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are affected by the high initial investment required for new recycling technologies. Moreover, the shortage of skilled operators limits operational efficiency and increases the costs of training and safety programs.
Sustainable Recycling Technologies: Investment in advanced technologies are improving recycling rates and quality of recovered rate.
Some leading players dominating the Global Metal Recycling Market include:
| Company Name | Sims Metal Management |
|---|---|
| Established Year | 2008 |
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Sims Metal Management is a global leader in metal recycling, committed to environmental sustainability and circular economy practices. The company operates across multiple countries, processing ferrous and non-ferrous metals for reuse in various industries, including manufacturing and construction.
| Company Name | ArcelorMittal |
|---|---|
| Established Year | 2006 |
| Headquarters | Luxembourg City, Luxembourg |
| Official Website | Click Here |
ArcelorMittal is the world’s largest steel and metal recycling company, investing extensively in sustainable recycling technologies. The company’s initiatives focus on promoting a circular economy and reducing carbon emissions through advanced recycling and low-carbon steel production.
| Company Name | Nucor Corporation |
|---|---|
| Established Year | 1940 |
| Headquarters | Charlotte, North Carolina, United States |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Nucor Corporation is a leading U.S.-based producer of steel and metal recycling solutions. The company is recognized for its sustainable manufacturing practices, utilizing electric arc furnace technology to minimize environmental impact while maximizing efficiency and resource recovery.
| Company Name | Kobelco Eco-Solutions Co., Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Established Year | 1999 |
| Headquarters | Tokyo, Japan |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Kobelco Eco-Solutions specializes in advanced scrap metal processing technologies and environmental solutions. The company plays a vital role in recycling high-quality metals used in automotive, construction, and industrial applications, supporting Japan’s circular economy efforts.
| Company Name | SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH (Swiss Steel Group) |
|---|---|
| Established Year | 1907 |
| Headquarters | Lucerne, Switzerland |
| Official Website | Click Here |
SCHMOLZ + BICKENBACH, now operating as Swiss Steel Group, is a global leader in specialty steel production and metal recycling. The company focuses on reclaiming and reprocessing metals for automotive, aerospace, and engineering sectors, emphasizing efficiency and sustainability in its operations.
Governments all over the world are actively introducing schemes to promote recycling and protect environment. For example, European Union's Circular Economy Action Plan to boost upcycling, recycling, and reduce wastage.
United States Metal Recycling Program: The U.S. has introduced federal and state-level programs that incentivize metal recycling through tax credits, grants, and investments in recycling infrastructure.
China’s Green Development Initiative: China has introduced policies to increase its recycling rates, particularly in the automotive and construction sectors, to reduce its dependency on new metal resources.
The future outlook for the Global Metal Recycling Market is positive, with growing demand from various sectors along with the technological advancements and growing cognizance toward the environment has led to more sustainable approaches. The shift to circular economy solution has led to the transition from getting new raw materials to recycling and upcycling the existing one. Additionally, strict regulations on waste management and recycling practices contribute to the further boosting of efficient recycling solutions.
The report offers a comprehensive study of the subsequent market segments and their leading categories.
According to Rashika, Senior Research Analyst, 6Wresearch, Asia Pacific is expected to hold the largest market share due to rapid industrialization, urbanization, and government policies promoting recycling. Additionally, the region’s growing manufacturing and construction sectors, along with increased investments in recycling infrastructure, contribute to its dominance in the market.
Old scrap is anticipated to dominate the market, driven by the higher volume of recyclable materials from industrial and consumer products. The increased collection and availability of used products, coupled with the growing consumer demand for sustainable practices, further boost old scrap recycling.
Ferrous metals, such as steel and iron, are expected to lead the market due to their widespread use and high recycling rates. The ongoing demand from industries like automotive, construction, and manufacturing, along with the ease of processing and recycling ferrous metals, makes them a key driver in the global metal recycling market.
Shredders are projected to lead the market segment due to their essential role in the preparation of metal scrap for recycling. As the first step in metal processing, shredders increase efficiency by reducing large volumes of metal into manageable sizes, making it easier to separate and process recyclable materials.
The building and construction sector is expected to dominate the market due to the significant demand for recycled metals in infrastructure development. The shift toward sustainable construction practices, alongside government regulations promoting the use of recycled materials, is expected to fuel the need for recycled metals in this sector.
The report provides a detailed analysis of the following market segments:
| Global Metal Recycling Market |
| 1 Executive Summary |
| 2 Introduction |
| 2.1 Key Highlights of the Report |
| 2.2 Report Description |
| 2.3 Market Scope & Segmentation |
| 2.4 Research Methodology |
| 2.5 Assumptions |
| 3 Global Metal Recycling Market Overview |
| 3.1 Global Regional Macro Economic Indicators |
| 3.2 Global Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume, 2021 & 2031F |
| 3.3 Global Metal Recycling Market - Industry Life Cycle |
| 3.4 Global Metal Recycling Market - Porter's Five Forces |
| 3.5 Global Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Regions, 2021 & 2031F |
| 3.6 Global Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Metal Type, 2021 & 2031F |
| 3.7 Global Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Scrap Types, 2021 & 2031F |
| 3.8 Global Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Equipment Types, 2021 & 2031F |
| 3.9 Global Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume Share, By End-users, 2021 & 2031F |
| 4 Global Metal Recycling Market Dynamics |
| 4.1 Impact Analysis |
| 4.2 Market Drivers |
| 4.3 Market Restraints |
| 5 Global Metal Recycling Market Trends |
| 6 Global Metal Recycling Market, 2021 - 2031 |
| 6.1 Global Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Metal Type, 2021 - 2031 |
| 6.1.1 Overview & Analysis |
| 6.1.2 Global Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Ferrous Metal, 2021 - 2031 |
| 6.1.3 Global Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Non-ferrous Metal, 2021 - 2031 |
| 6.2 Global Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Scrap Types, 2021 - 2031 |
| 6.2.1 Overview & Analysis |
| 6.2.2 Global Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Old Scrap, 2021 - 2031 |
| 6.2.3 Global Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By New Scrap, 2021 - 2031 |
| 6.3 Global Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Equipment Types, 2021 - 2031 |
| 6.3.1 Overview & Analysis |
| 6.3.2 Global Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Shears, 2021 - 2031 |
| 6.3.3 Global Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Shredders, 2021 - 2031 |
| 6.3.4 Global Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Briquette Machines, 2021 - 2031 |
| 6.3.5 Global Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Granulating Machines, 2021 - 2031 |
| 6.3.6 Global Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Others, 2021 - 2031 |
| 6.4 Global Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By End-users, 2021 - 2031 |
| 6.4.1 Overview & Analysis |
| 6.4.2 Global Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Building & Construction, 2021 - 2031 |
| 6.4.3 Global Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Packaging, 2021 - 2031 |
| 6.4.4 Global Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Automotive, 2021 - 2031 |
| 6.4.5 Global Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Industrial Machinery, 2021 - 2031 |
| 6.4.6 Global Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Electronics & Electrical Equipment, 2021 - 2031 |
| 6.4.7 Global Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Shipbuilding, 2021 - 2031 |
| 6.4.8 Global Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Others, 2021 - 2031 |
| 7 North America Metal Recycling Market, Overview & Analysis |
| 7.1 North America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
| 7.2 North America Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Countries, 2021 - 2031 |
| 7.2.1 United States (US) Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
| 7.2.2 Canada Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
| 7.2.3 Rest of North America Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
| 7.3 North America Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Metal Type, 2021 - 2031 |
| 7.4 North America Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Scrap Types, 2021 - 2031 |
| 7.5 North America Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Equipment Types, 2021 - 2031 |
| 7.6 North America Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By End-users, 2021 - 2031 |
| 8 Latin America (LATAM) Metal Recycling Market, Overview & Analysis |
| 8.1 Latin America (LATAM) Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
| 8.2 Latin America (LATAM) Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Countries, 2021 - 2031 |
| 8.2.1 Brazil Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
| 8.2.2 Mexico Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
| 8.2.3 Argentina Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
| 8.2.4 Rest of LATAM Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
| 8.3 Latin America (LATAM) Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Metal Type, 2021 - 2031 |
| 8.4 Latin America (LATAM) Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Scrap Types, 2021 - 2031 |
| 8.5 Latin America (LATAM) Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Equipment Types, 2021 - 2031 |
| 8.6 Latin America (LATAM) Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By End-users, 2021 - 2031 |
| 9 Asia Metal Recycling Market, Overview & Analysis |
| 9.1 Asia Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
| 9.2 Asia Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Countries, 2021 - 2031 |
| 9.2.1 India Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
| 9.2.2 China Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
| 9.2.3 Japan Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
| 9.2.4 Rest of Asia Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
| 9.3 Asia Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Metal Type, 2021 - 2031 |
| 9.4 Asia Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Scrap Types, 2021 - 2031 |
| 9.5 Asia Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Equipment Types, 2021 - 2031 |
| 9.6 Asia Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By End-users, 2021 - 2031 |
| 10 Africa Metal Recycling Market, Overview & Analysis |
| 10.1 Africa Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
| 10.2 Africa Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Countries, 2021 - 2031 |
| 10.2.1 South Africa Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
| 10.2.2 Egypt Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
| 10.2.3 Nigeria Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
| 10.2.4 Rest of Africa Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
| 10.3 Africa Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Metal Type, 2021 - 2031 |
| 10.4 Africa Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Scrap Types, 2021 - 2031 |
| 10.5 Africa Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Equipment Types, 2021 - 2031 |
| 10.6 Africa Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By End-users, 2021 - 2031 |
| 11 Europe Metal Recycling Market, Overview & Analysis |
| 11.1 Europe Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
| 11.2 Europe Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Countries, 2021 - 2031 |
| 11.2.1 United Kingdom Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
| 11.2.2 Germany Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
| 11.2.3 France Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
| 11.2.4 Rest of Europe Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
| 11.3 Europe Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Metal Type, 2021 - 2031 |
| 11.4 Europe Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Scrap Types, 2021 - 2031 |
| 11.5 Europe Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Equipment Types, 2021 - 2031 |
| 11.6 Europe Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By End-users, 2021 - 2031 |
| 12 Middle East Metal Recycling Market, Overview & Analysis |
| 12.1 Middle East Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
| 12.2 Middle East Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Countries, 2021 - 2031 |
| 12.2.1 Saudi Arabia Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
| 12.2.2 UAE Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
| 12.2.3 Turkey Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, 2021 - 2031 |
| 12.3 Middle East Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Metal Type, 2021 - 2031 |
| 12.4 Middle East Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Scrap Types, 2021 - 2031 |
| 12.5 Middle East Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By Equipment Types, 2021 - 2031 |
| 12.6 Middle East Metal Recycling Market, Revenues & Volume, By End-users, 2021 - 2031 |
| 13 Global Metal Recycling Market Key Performance Indicators |
| 14 Global Metal Recycling Market - Export/Import By Countries Assessment |
| 15 Global Metal Recycling Market - Opportunity Assessment |
| 15.1 Global Metal Recycling Market Opportunity Assessment, By Countries, 2021 & 2031F |
| 15.2 Global Metal Recycling Market Opportunity Assessment, By Metal Type, 2021 & 2031F |
| 15.3 Global Metal Recycling Market Opportunity Assessment, By Scrap Types, 2021 & 2031F |
| 15.4 Global Metal Recycling Market Opportunity Assessment, By Equipment Types, 2021 & 2031F |
| 15.5 Global Metal Recycling Market Opportunity Assessment, By End-users, 2021 & 2031F |
| 16 Global Metal Recycling Market - Competitive Landscape |
| 16.1 Global Metal Recycling Market Revenue Share, By Companies, 2024 |
| 16.2 Global Metal Recycling Market Competitive Benchmarking, By Operating and Technical Parameters |
| 17 Top 10 Company Profiles |
| 18 Recommendations |
| 19 Disclaimer |