Non-ferrous Scrap Recycling

Global Non-ferrous Scrap Recycling Market to Reach US$76.3 Billion by 2030

The global market for Non-ferrous Scrap Recycling estimated at US$64.4 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$76.3 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 2.9% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Construction Sector, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 3.5% CAGR and reach US$35.9 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Automotive Sector segment is estimated at 3.0% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$17.5 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 5.6% CAGR

The Non-ferrous Scrap Recycling market in the U.S. is estimated at US$17.5 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$15.0 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 5.6% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 1.1% and 2.2% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 1.6% CAGR.

Global Non-Ferrous Scrap Recycling Market – Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Is Non-Ferrous Scrap Recycling Gaining Ground in the Circular Economy Era?

Non-ferrous scrap recycling is rapidly emerging as a cornerstone of the global circular economy, driven by escalating demand for sustainable raw materials and the environmental imperatives of reducing mining activity. Unlike ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals such as aluminum, copper, lead, nickel, zinc, and precious metals retain their chemical and physical properties even after multiple recycling cycles, making them highly valuable for reuse in industrial manufacturing. The growing emphasis on resource efficiency and carbon footprint reduction is compelling governments and corporations alike to integrate recycled metals into their supply chains. From electric vehicles to renewable energy infrastructure and electronics, non-ferrous metals play a vital role—one that increasingly depends on the availability of high-quality secondary raw materials. Additionally, non-ferrous recycling significantly reduces energy consumption compared to primary production, with aluminum recycling consuming up to 95% less energy than virgin smelting. As global climate commitments intensify and ESG considerations take center stage in procurement strategies, non-ferrous scrap recycling is being recognized as both an environmental solution and a viable economic activity with growing investment appeal.

How Are Technology and Infrastructure Improvements Reshaping Market Efficiency?

Innovations in sorting, shredding, and metal recovery technologies are redefining the efficiency and profitability of non-ferrous scrap recycling operations. Advanced sensor-based sorting systems, such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), and eddy current separators, are enhancing material purity and enabling recyclers to recover even trace amounts of high-value metals with precision. Automation and AI integration in scrap yards are streamlining logistics, reducing labor costs, and improving throughput in sorting lines. Simultaneously, advancements in melt treatment and alloy identification are enabling better blending and refining of recycled metals, making them more suitable for direct application in high-grade manufacturing processes. Logistics infrastructure is also evolving, with smart tracking systems and containerized scrap handling improving traceability and supply chain transparency. Furthermore, digitization is facilitating real-time pricing, trading platforms, and inventory management systems that allow scrap dealers and end-users to respond quickly to market fluctuations. These technology-driven efficiencies are closing the quality gap between recycled and virgin metals, making non-ferrous scrap increasingly attractive for direct use in automotive, aerospace, construction, and electronics industries.

What Regional and Regulatory Trends Are Influencing Market Expansion?

Geographic and policy-driven dynamics are playing a critical role in shaping the global non-ferrous scrap recycling landscape. In Europe, the European Green Deal and extended producer responsibility (EPR) mandates are pushing industries to source a higher percentage of materials from recycled content, giving a substantial boost to domestic scrap processing and intra-regional trade. In North America, infrastructure modernization, demand from the electric vehicle (EV) sector, and export restrictions to certain regions are creating localized demand surges and encouraging investment in advanced recycling facilities. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific remains a major driver of global scrap flows, with China, India, and Southeast Asian nations investing in formalizing their recycling sectors to meet industrial demand and reduce dependence on raw imports. China`s tightening of import policies through the "Green Fence" and "National Sword" initiatives has reshaped global scrap trade flows, pushing other nations to develop self-sustaining recycling ecosystems. Governments worldwide are also offering subsidies, tax benefits, and regulatory incentives for adopting environmentally friendly recycling practices. These factors, combined with growing public and private sector emphasis on circularity, are fostering a more structured, resilient, and policy-aligned growth environment for non-ferrous scrap recycling across both mature and emerging markets.

What Are the Core Drivers Powering the Non-Ferrous Scrap Recycling Market’s Expansion?

The growth in the non-ferrous scrap recycling market is driven by several factors rooted in sustainability goals, material scarcity, and industrial demand. The rising cost and volatility of primary raw materials are pushing manufacturers to turn to secondary sources to secure long-term material supply and cost efficiency. Increasing demand from key end-use industries such as automotive (especially EVs), electronics, construction, and packaging is fueling consumption of non-ferrous metals, many of which are now being sourced from recycled streams. Regulatory mandates promoting recycling rates and recycled content in product manufacturing are further incentivizing investment in non-ferrous recovery systems. Technological advancements in sorting, identification, and purification have made it feasible to recover high-purity metal fractions even from complex or contaminated waste streams. The global push toward decarbonization and circular value chains is encouraging companies to embed recycled metals into their production cycles as a key sustainability lever. Evolving trade regulations and localization efforts are also prompting countries to develop in-house processing capacities, reducing reliance on international scrap exports. Moreover, consumer awareness and brand accountability around ethical sourcing and environmental impact are placing additional pressure on companies to prioritize recycled inputs. Collectively, these interlinked market forces are positioning non-ferrous scrap recycling as a critical growth sector within the global green economy.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Non-ferrous Scrap Recycling market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Sector (Construction Sector, Automotive Sector, Consumer Goods Sector, Industrial Goods Sector); Metal (Aluminum Metal, Copper Metal, Lead Metal, Other Metals)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Select Competitors (Total 41 Featured) -

• Alamo Metal Recycling
• Alter Trading Corp.
• AMI Metals
• Aston Processors
• Aurubis AG
• Baheti Recycling Industries
• Commercial Metals Company
• David J. Joseph Co.
• European Metal Recycling (EMR)
• Glencore
• Hugo Neu Corp.
• Marubeni Corporation
• Metal Management Inc.
• MS Enterprises
• Nucor Corporation
• OmniSource Corp.
• PSC Metals, Inc.
• Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc.
• Sims Limited
• Umicore

TARIFF IMPACT FACTOR

Our new release incorporates impact of tariffs on geographical markets as we predict a shift in competitiveness of companies based on HQ country, manufacturing base, exports and imports (finished goods and OEM). This intricate and multifaceted market reality will impact competitors by artificially increasing the COGS, reducing profitability, reconfiguring supply chains, amongst other micro and macro market dynamics.

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APRIL 2025: NEGOTIATION PHASE

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