Scrap Metal Recycling: Bigger, Smarter, and More Vital Than Ever

From keeping valuable metals in circulation to cutting energy use and emissions, scrap metal recycling is one of the fastest, most effective ways to power a circular U.S. economy. Below is an updated look at the impact, trends, and what it means for manufacturers, municipalities, and households.

Prefer the quick-hit version? Revisit our original 15 Scrap Metal Facts or explore the Albert Bros. Scrap Metal Blog for more insights.

Why Scrap Metal Recycling Matters in 2025

It’s a major U.S. economic engine. In Connecticut recycling has over $1.7Billion economic impact. Supplies over 6000 jobs, pays over $500 Million in wages and puts over $215 Million in tax revenue back into our state. United States Recycling supports hundreds of thousands of American jobs and contributes well over $100B in total economic activity. Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI).
It cuts energy use and emissions—fast. Aluminum made from recycled content uses up to 95% less energy than primary production, and steelmaking with scrap avoids significant CO2 and raw material use. Learn more from the Aluminum Association and World Steel Association.
It strengthens U.S. manufacturing resilience. The U.S. is steadily shifting toward efficient, lower-emission electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking that relies on scrap metal recycling. American Iron and Steel Institute.

Whether you’re a manufacturer or a homeowner, our industrial scrap recycling capabilities and retail recycling services make it simple to turn metal waste into value.

What the Numbers Say (Latest Data)

Steel & Iron Scrap

U.S. consumption of iron and steel scrap was an estimated ~63 million tons in 2024. Electric arc furnaces already produce about 70% of U.S. steel today, with that share expected to climb as more mills lean on high-quality scrap. Source: U.S. Geological Survey.

Aluminum Scrap

In 2024, the U.S. recovered about 3.6 million tons of aluminum from purchased scrap—roughly 56% from new (manufacturing) scrap and 44% from old (post-consumer) scrap. Old-scrap recovery equaled about 37% of apparent consumption. Source: U.S. Geological Survey.

Closed-loop can-to-can recycling remains a standout: a used beverage can can be back on shelves as a new can in under 60 days. Sources: Aluminum Association and the Can Manufacturers Institute.

Lead (A Closed-Loop Success Story)

Nearly all U.S. secondary lead is recovered from old scrap—primarily vehicle and industrial batteries—making it one of the most circular metal supply chains. In 2024, secondary lead equaled ~70% of apparent domestic consumption. Source: U.S. Geological Survey.

Environmental Wins You Can Measure

Aluminum: Recycling aluminum saves about 95% of the energy required to make primary aluminum, translating to large CO2 reductions and cost savings. Source: International Aluminium Institute.
Steel: Each tonne of steel scrap used can avoid roughly 1.5 tonnes of CO2 and save about 1.4 tonnes of iron ore, 740 kg of coal, and 120 kg of limestone. Source: World Steel Association.
Across materials: Expanding recycling delivers meaningful national greenhouse gas reductions. Source: U.S. EPA.

See how we back these gains with real practices: Environmental Sustainability at Albert Bros.

Tech That’s Supercharging Recovery

Sensor-based sorting and AI are raising purity and throughput—especially for challenging non-ferrous streams:

LIBS & XRF alloy ID: Advanced metal identification helps separate high-value alloys at scale. Source: National Institute of Standards and Technology.
AI-powered robotics: Vision systems and high-speed pickers improve capture rates and quality. Source: EPA Sustainable Materials Management.

Market Signals to Watch

More domestic melting of scrap: U.S. mills consumed ~63 million tons of ferrous scrap in 2024; growing EAF capacity continues to anchor demand. Source: U.S. Geological Survey.
Scrap exports ebb: U.S. steel scrap exports declined again in 2024, reflecting tighter global spreads and strong domestic use. Source: U.S. Department of Commerce.

Turn Your Scrap into Value with Albert Bros.

Ready to boost landfill diversion, cut costs, and improve your sustainability profile? We can help you design a high-value program—collection, transport, processing, and transparent reporting. Contact us today to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scrap Metal Recycling

What metals can be recycled?

Most common metals can be recycled, including steel, aluminum, copper, brass, and lead. At Albert Bros., we handle a wide variety of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. See our full list here.

Why is aluminum recycling so important?

Aluminum recycling saves up to 95% of the energy required to produce new aluminum, making it one of the most impactful forms of recycling for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving natural resources.

How quickly can recycled materials be used again?

A recycled aluminum beverage can may return to store shelves as a new can in as little as 60 days. Steel and other metals also re-enter the production cycle quickly once processed.

What are the environmental benefits of scrap recycling?

Recycling metals reduces landfill waste, saves natural resources like iron ore and coal, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. Each ton of recycled steel, for example, avoids about 1.5 tons of CO2 emissions.

How can businesses benefit from scrap metal recycling?

Businesses reduce disposal costs, improve sustainability reporting, and generate revenue from scrap. Albert Bros. provides industrial recycling programs designed to maximize value and efficiency.