Metal Recycling Market is to grow at a 6.01 % CAGR, as reported by Maximize Market Research

Metal Recycling Market is expected to reach USD 110.18 Bn by 2032. This growth is driven by increasing industrialization, rising demand for sustainable waste management, and strict environmental regulations encouraging the adoption of metal recycling.

Market to Hit USD 110.18 Bn by 2032

Metal Recycling Market was USD 69.07 Bn in 2025 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.01% from 2025 to 2032, reaching USD 110.18 Bn by 2032. The European metal recycling market was valued at an estimated USD 16.68 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2%, reaching USD 30.01 billion by 2034. Metals have a major role in industries including building, automotive, and industrial machines. Metal recycling is a sustainable and affordable alternative because of the growing demand for raw materials brought on by the growth of global infrastructure. Recycling, as opposed to mining and processing virgin ores, can cut greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 60%. This is in line with international climate policy and environmental objectives. Mining new metal uses up to 75% more energy than producing metal from recycled materials. Strict regulations are being put in place in several nations to curb illicit mining and encourage recycling. The European Union, for example, requires that automobile manufacturers contain at least 50% recycled metal by 2030. Metal recovery rates and recycling efficiency are increasing because of innovations like AI-driven recycling facilities, automated metal sorting, and sophisticated purification techniques.

Dive Deeper into Data: Get Your In-Depth Sample Now!

https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/request-sample/146220/

Ferrous metals segment of the Metal Type segmentation dominates the largest market share in the overall Metal Recycling Market 

Due to their extensive industrial use in the manufacturing of equipment, automobiles, and building, ferrous metals which include iron dominate the market. Steel and other ferrous metals are renowned for their strength and ability to withstand corrosion. Because of their economic benefits and reusability, ferrous metals make up more than 70% of all recycled metals globally. Compared to primary steel manufacturing, recycling steel may reduce air pollution by up to 86%, water pollution by up to 76%, and water use by up to 40%.

Old scrap segment of the Scrap Type segmentation dominates the largest market share in the overall Metal Recycling Market 

Old scrap, sourced from end-of-life products like vehicles, appliances, and demolished buildings, plays a crucial role in the metal recycling industry. Old scrap contributes over 60% of total recycled metal due to its availability from discarded consumer and industrial products. Recycling old scrap requires up to 95% less energy than producing new metal from raw ore.

North America is estimated to be the largest dominating region in the Metal Recycling Market 

North America, U.S. and Canada have strict environmental regulations to limit raw metal extraction and promote recycling. The U.S. is investing in AI-based sorting and automated recycling plants, making the process more efficient. The auto industry in North America relies heavily on recycled steel and aluminum for vehicle manufacturing.

Europe is estimated to be the second-largest dominating region in the Metal Recycling Market

European Union enforces circular economy policies, requiring industries to use a higher percentage of recycled materials. Germany, the UK, and France are at the forefront of metal recycling, driven by government incentives and public awareness campaigns.

Asia-Pacific is estimated to be the third-largest dominating region in the Metal Recycling Market

Asia-Pacific is the largest and fastest-growing region in the metal recycling market, Countries like China, India, and Japan are investing heavily in manufacturing, infrastructure, and automotive production.

Market Competitive Landscape

Sims Limited: Sims announced an underlying profit of $35.1 million for the half-year that ended on December 31, 2024, up from $7 million the year before.  Following Toyota Tsusho’s $1.34 billion offer for Radius Recycling in March 2025, Sims’ shares increased by more than 6%, suggesting that investors are once again interested in the metal recycling industry.

Heraeus Holding GmbH: Through acquisitions, Heraeus has broadened its holdings. In 2021, it acquired Norwood Medical, and in 2022, it acquired Perpetual Technologies, a PET recycling firm that was rebranded as Revalyu Resources.  Heraeus expanded its knowledge of precious metals in June 2024 when it purchased McCol Metals, a Canadian business that specialized in recovering iridium from wasted mixed metal oxide electrodes.

Dowa Holdings: Dowa focuses on urban mining, extracting valuable metals from electronic waste, and has invested in recycling plants to support this initiative.​ In July 2023, Dowa was recognized as the top producer worldwide of high-purity gallium, highlighting its leadership in the recycling of rare metals.​

Market Trends and Development

• The combination of robots, advanced sorting technology, and the Internet of Things is increasing productivity, decreasing contamination, and streamlining recycling procedures.

• Companies are investing in lithium, cobalt, and nickel recovery due to the growing popularity of electric vehicles, which makes battery recycling an important market.
• Governments everywhere are implementing more stringent regulations for the recycling and disposal of metal trash, encouraging sustainable metal management, and cutting down on landfill waste. As a result of the depletion of natural resources, more metals are being extracted from discarded devices, which promotes the circular economy and lessens dependency on raw materials.

Conclusion

• Metal recycling is key to reducing carbon emissions and conserving resources.
• AI, automation, and blockchain are improving efficiency and transparency.
• Governments are enforcing strict recycling policies to promote eco-friendly practices.
• Rising use of recycled metals in EVs, construction, and industrial applications.
• Companies are expanding operations through mergers, acquisitions, and new recycling facilities.

Explore Latest Research Reports by Maximize Market Research:

Solvent Recovery and Recycling Market size was valued at USD 1112.64 Million in 2023 and the total Solvent Recovery and Recycling revenue is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.89% from 2024 to 2030, reaching nearly USD 1660.93Million by 2030.

Textile Recycling Market size was valued at USD 6.89 Bn in 2023 and Textile Recycling Market revenue is expected to reach USD 10.57 Bn by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.3 % over the forecast period (2024-2030)

About Maximize Market Research:

Maximize Market Research is a multifaceted market research and consulting company with professionals from several industries. Some of the industries we cover include medical devices, pharmaceutical manufacturers, science and engineering, electronic components, industrial equipment, technology and communication, cars and automobiles, chemical products and substances, general merchandise, beverages, personal care, and automated systems. To mention a few, we provide market-verified industry estimations, technical trend analysis, crucial market research, strategic advice, competition analysis, production and demand analysis, and client impact studies.

Contact Maximize Market Research:

3rd Floor, Navale IT Park, Phase 2

Pune Banglore Highway, Narhe,

Pune, Maharashtra 411041, India

[email protected]

+91 96071 95908, +91 9607365656