The global Copper and Copper Alloy Scrap and Recycling Market is entering a decade of unprecedented expansion, poised to grow from USD 46.7 billion in 2025 to USD 123.4 billion by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.2%. This remarkable growth underscores copper’s critical role in sustainable industrial ecosystems, as industries worldwide pivot towards circular economy practices, resource efficiency, and decarbonization goals.

The trajectory of this market reflects a dynamic shift. The initial phase from 2025–2029 will see accelerated growth fueled by rising adoption of urban scrap recovery systems, stricter regulatory pressures, and surging demand from automotive, electronics, and construction sectors. As the market matures post-2030, growth will remain strong, though slightly moderated, as recycling systems achieve greater efficiency and large-scale adoption takes hold.

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A Structural Growth Story for a Sustainable Future

Copper recycling is more than a cyclical market—it represents a structural transformation of the global supply chain. Recycled copper already accounts for an estimated 18–22% of the global copper supply chain and 25–28% within secondary metals markets. By 2035, this share is expected to expand further, reshaping how industries secure raw materials.

Sectors such as electrical and electronics (31% share in 2025), construction (12–15% share), and automotive/transportation (20–23% share) are driving sustained demand. The combination of urbanization, electrification, and renewable energy projects will ensure that copper recycling remains an essential pillar of the global economy.

Market Dynamics: Why Growth is Accelerating

Several key drivers explain this surge:

• Sustainability Mandates – Governments across North America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe are enforcing recycling targets to reduce landfill waste and promote circular economy practices.
• Technological Advancements – Cutting-edge scrap sorting, hydrometallurgical processing, and electrometallurgical methods are delivering higher purity levels and recovery rates, reducing dependence on primary mining.
• Industrial Demand – The expansion of electric vehicles, renewable power infrastructure, and smart consumer electronics continues to elevate demand for high-quality recycled copper.
• Economic Efficiency – With rising primary copper prices, industries increasingly see recycled copper as a cost-effective and reliable alternative.

Industry Trends Shaping the Next Decade

• Integration with Electric Vehicles: Recycled copper is becoming indispensable for wiring harnesses, motors, and batteries. EV growth directly accelerates copper scrap demand.
• Green Construction Materials: Recycled copper is gaining traction in sustainable roofing, cladding, and plumbing systems.
• Digitalization of Recycling: AI and IoT-enabled monitoring systems are improving scrap sorting and refining accuracy, ensuring consistency for end-users.
• Strategic Partnerships: Increasing collaborations between recyclers, automakers, and electronics manufacturers ensure supply stability and compliance with sustainability standards.

Competitive Landscape: Established Giants and Emerging Innovators

The competitive arena is shaped by global leaders such as Aurubis, Glencore, Boliden, and Umicore, alongside a diverse ecosystem of regional recyclers and niche operators.

• Aurubis leads with vertically integrated recycling operations and long-term feedstock contracts, securing consistent output.
• Glencore leverages its global trading networks to optimize scrap sourcing and delivery across industries.
• Boliden emphasizes recovery efficiency, supplying high-purity copper for industrial and electronics use.
• Umicore is pioneering integration between recycling and chemical refining, enabling specialty alloys production.

At the same time, emerging recyclers and regional operators are finding opportunities by focusing on localized scrap collection, cost-effective smelting, and partnerships with manufacturers. Many of these players are innovating with AI-powered scrap sorting, robotics-driven dismantling of electronics, and green smelting technologies.

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Copper and Copper Alloy Scrap and Recycling Market by Segments

Type:

• Copper scrap
• Copper alloy scrap

Source:

• Old scrap (post-consumer)
• New scrap (pre-consumer/industrial)

End Use:

• Electrical and electronics
• Transportation
• Industrial machinery and equipment
• Consumer products
• Others

Processing Method:

• Pyrometallurgical processing
• Mechanical processing
• Hydrometallurgical processing
• Electrometallurgical processing
• Other processing methods

Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Western Europe
• Eastern Europe
• East Asia
• South Asia and Pacific
• Middle East & Africa

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Future Market Insights, Inc. (ESOMAR certified, recipient of the Stevie Award, and a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce) offers profound insights into the driving factors that are boosting demand in the market. FMI stands as the leading global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, consulting, and events for the Packaging, Food and Beverage, Consumer Technology, Healthcare, Industrial, and Chemicals markets. With a vast team of over 400 analysts worldwide, FMI provides global, regional, and local expertise on diverse domains and industry trends across more than 110 countries.