Global Metal Recycling Market Size & Outlook, 2025-2030

The global metal recycling market size was estimated at USD 983,822.4 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1,246,961.2 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2025 to 2030.
Revenue, 2024 (US$M)
$983,822.4
Forecast, 2030 (US$M)
$1,246,961.2
CAGR, 2025 - 2030
4.3%
Report Coverage
Worldwide

Global metal recycling market highlights

  • The global metal recycling market generated a revenue of USD 983,822.4 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1,246,961.2 million by 2030.
  • The market is expected to grow at a CAGR (2025 - 2030) of 4.3% by 2030.
  • In terms of segment, aluminum accounted for a revenue of USD 502,664.3 million in 2024.
  • Steel is the most lucrative metal segment registering the fastest growth during the forecast period.
  • In terms of region, Asia Pacific was the largest revenue generating market in 2024.
  • Country-wise, India is expected to register the highest CAGR from 2025 to 2030.

Global data book summary

Market revenue in 2024USD 983,822.4 million
Market revenue in 2030USD 1,246,961.2 million
Growth rate4.3% (CAGR from 2025 to 2030)
Largest segmentAluminum
Fastest growing segmentSteel
Historical data covered2018 - 2023
Base year for estimation2024
Forecast period covered2025 - 2030
Quantitative unitsRevenue in USD million
Market segmentationSteel, Copper, Aluminum, Other Metals

Other key industry trends

  • In terms of revenue, the North America accounted for 13.1% of the global metal recycling market in 2024.
  • By country, the China is projected to lead the global market in terms of revenue in 2030.
  • By country, India is the fastest growing regional market and is projected to reach USD 21,384.0 million by 2030.

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Metal Recycling Market Companies

Name Profile # Employees HQ Website
Schnitzer Steel Industries View profile 1001-5000 Portland, Oregon, United States, North America http://www.schnitzersteel.com/
GFG Alliance View profile 10001+ London, England, United Kingdom, Europe http://www.gfgalliance.com
European Metal Recycling View profile 1001-5000 Warrington, Warrington, United Kingdom, Europe http://www.emrgroup.com/
Novelis View profile 10001+ Atlanta, Georgia, United States, North America http://novelis.com
Tata Steel Ltd GDR - 144A View profile 73496 24 Homi Mody Street, Bombay House, Fort, Mumbai, MH, India, 400 001 https://www.tatasteel.com
Norsk Hydro ASA View profile 32724 Drammensveien 264, Oslo, Norway, NO-0283 https://www.hydro.com
Commercial Metals Co View profile 13022 6565 North MacArthur Boulevard, Irving, TX, United States, 75039 https://www.cmc.com

Global metal recycling market outlook

The databook is designed to serve as a comprehensive guide to navigating this sector. The databook focuses on market statistics denoted in the form of revenue and y-o-y growth and CAGR across the globe and regions. A detailed competitive and opportunity analyses related to metal recycling market will help companies and investors design strategic landscapes.


Aluminum was the largest segment with a revenue share of 51.09% in 2024. Horizon Databook has segmented the Global metal recycling market based on steel, copper, aluminum, other metals covering the revenue growth of each sub-segment from 2018 to 2030.


Growing concerns pertaining to depletion of non-renewable resources coupled with high manufacturing cost of primary metals has augmented the demand for metal recycling. Emergence of modern technologies have proved to be quite effective in terms of identifying different kinds of metals, especially ferrous.


Growing demand for scrap has compelled scrap yards to install technologically advanced and sophisticated recycling equipment. For instance, large recycling facilities these days have installed sensors to identify metals through infra-red scanning and x-ray. Considering the benefits of recycling, manufacturers are opting for secondary metal production processes for cost effective and environmental-friendly manufacturing. 


Steel is the largest product segment of the metal recycling market. Steel can be manufactured through two processes, basic oxygen furnace and electric arc furnace. Steel manufactured in an electric arc furnace uses scrap as its key raw material. Growing benefits of metal recycling has augmented the production of steel through electric arc furnace. Below chart indicates the growth of crude steel production in electric arc furnace.

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  • Our clientele includes a mix of metal recycling market companies, investment firms, advisory firms & academic institutions.
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Horizon Databook provides a detailed overview of global-level data and insights on the Global metal recycling market , including forecasts for subscribers. This global databook contains high-level insights into Global metal recycling market from 2018 to 2030, including revenue numbers, major trends, and company profiles.

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Global metal recycling market size, by regions, 2018-2030 (US$M)

Top 10 countries: Metal recycling market size, 2024 (US$M)

Global metal recycling market share, by metal, 2024 & 2030 (%, US$M)

Metal recycling market: Opportunity assessment by country

Global metal recycling market, by region, 2024 (US$M)

Global metal recycling market size, by regions, 2018-2030 (US$M)

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