Skip navigation
Reports & Analysis Custom Research Research Subscriptions
Sign In / Create Account Cart
Sign In / Create Account Cart
  • Reports & Analysis
  • Custom Research
  • Research Subscriptions

Resources

  • Analyst Buzz
  • Press Releases
  • Blog
  • Resources & Downloads

The Freedonia Group

  • Contact
  • About
  • Our Staff
  • Help Center
  • Career Opportunities
Freedonia Market Research Freedonia Focus Reports Recovered Metals: United States

Recovered Metals: United States

Focus Reports, United States

Report Overview

This report forecasts to 2028 US recovery of post-consumer metal from the US municipal solid waste (MSW) stream in short tons. For comparison, this report also forecasts the generation of post-consumer metal in the MSW stream to 2028. Total metal recovery and generation are segmented by type in terms of: ferrous, lead, aluminum, and other nonferrous (generation only).

To illustrate historical trends, total metal volumes generated and recovered along with their segments are provided in annual series from 2013-2023.

Pre-consumer metal (industrial scrap) and lead from non-battery sources and non-vehicle batteries are excluded from the scope of this report. The following materials are excluded from this analysis because MSW volumes are considered negligible (less than 0.05% of the total volume) or a method for accurately quantifying these volumes has not been established: recovery of aluminum from nondurable and durable goods, and recovery of other nonferrous metals (such as copper, titanium, zinc, and brass).

Throughout this report, measures in tons refer to short tons.

Generation refers to the weight of materials and products as they enter the waste management system from residential, commercial and institutional sources and before recycling, composting, combustion or landfilling take place. Pre-consumer (industrial) scrap is not included in the generation estimate. Source reduction activities, such as backyard composting, take place ahead of generation.

Recycling is defined as the recovery of useful materials, such as paper, glass, plastic and metals, from the MSW stream, along with the transformation of the materials, to make new products to reduce the amount of virgin raw materials needed to meet consumer demands.

Key macroeconomic indicators are also provided with quantified trends. Other various topics, including profiles of pertinent leading companies, are covered in this report. A full outline of report items by page is available in the Table of Contents.

Related NAICS Codes

NAICS Codes Related to the Recovered Metals Industry
NAICS Code Code Description
331110 Iron and Steel Mills and Ferroalloy Manufacturing
331314 Secondary Smelting and Alloying of Aluminum
332431 Metal Can Manufacturing
335911 Storage Battery Manufacturing
423930 Recyclable Material Merchant Wholesalers
562111 Solid Waste Collection
562920 Materials Recovery Facilities

Table of Contents


HIGHLIGHTS

MARKET ENVIRONMENT
  • Historical Trends
  • Key Economic Indicators
  • Recycling Programs & Initiatives
  • Secondary Metal Production
GENERATION & RECOVERY SEGMENTATION & FORECASTS
  • Ferrous
  • Lead
  • Aluminum
INDUSTRY STRUCTURE
  • Industry Characteristics
  • Recovery Industry Leaders
  • Recycling Industry Leaders
ABOUT THIS REPORT
  • Scope
  • Sources
  • Industry Codes
  • Freedonia Methodology
  • Resources
LIST OF TABLES & FIGURES
  • Figure 1 | Key Trends in US MSW Metal Recovery & Generation, 2023 - 2028
  • Figure 2 | US MSW Metal Recovery & Generation Trends, 2013 - 2023
  • Table 1 | Key Indicators for US MSW Metal Recovery & Generation; 2013, 2018, 2023, 2028 (2017US$ bil)
  • Figure 3 | US MSW Metal Recovery by Type, 2013 - 2028 (mil tons)
  • Table 2 | US MSW Metal Historical Recovery by Type, 2013 - 2023 (000 tons)
  • Table 3 | US MSW Metal Forecast Recovery by Type, 2023 - 2028 (000 tons)
  • Figure 4 | US MSW Metal Generation by Type, 2013 - 2028 (mil tons)
  • Table 4 | US MSW Metal Historical Generation by Type, 2013 - 2023 (000 tons)
  • Table 5 | US MSW Metal Forecast Generation by Type, 2023 - 2028 (000 tons)
  • Figure 5 | US MSW Metal Recovery Rates by Type, 2013 - 2028 (mil tons)
  • Table 6 | US MSW Metal Historical Recovery Rates by Type, 2013 - 2023 (000 tons)
  • Table 7 | US MSW Metal Forecast Recovery Rates by Type, 2023 - 2028 (000 tons)
  • Figure 6 | US MSW Metal Recovery by Type Performance Index, 2013 - 2028 (2013=1.00)
  • Figure 7 | US Survey: Re-Used or Recycled in the Last 30 Days: Aluminum Beverage Cans, 2013 - 2023 (% of households)
  • Figure 8 | US MSW Metal Recovery by Type, 2013 - 2028 (%)
  • Table 8 | Leading Participants in the US MSW Metal Industry by Type
  • Table 9 | NAICS & SIC Codes Related to MSW Metal Recovery & Generation
Purchase Options

Purchase Report

Select your license:

  • $900.00
  • $1,200.00

Free Sample Report

A free sample report is available.

Subscription Options

License by subscription

Check to see if this report is available through our subscription services.

Subscription Pricing
Already have a subscription? Log in.

Questions & Assistance

Email us

Share This Report

Copied to clipboard. Could not copy to clipboard.

Download a Free Sample Report Now

Sample Reports include examples of all the tables, charts, infographics and topics included in this study.
We are providing this product sample both to illustrate the nature of our product and to collect contact information for future marketing purposes. If you do not provide your marketing consent we reserve the right not to deliver the product sample.
The Freedonia Group needs the contact information you provide to us to contact you about our products and services. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For information on how to unsubscribe, as well as our privacy practices and commitment to protecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy.

Use Licenses

The Single User License (SUL) authorizes a single individual to use the electronic study acquired. Agreement to the SUL is required in order to purchase the study. If you require more than one user a Departmental Site License or Global Site License should be purchased. 

The Departmental Site License (DSL) authorizes up to five users to share the study acquired. Agreement to the DSL is required in order to purchase the study. If your organization requires more than five users, the Global Site License should be purchased.

The Global Site License (GSL) allows everyone in your organization to share the study intelligence. Agreement to the Global Site License terms is necessary in order to purchase it. 

;

Related Reports and Studies

  • Aluminum: United States Report

    Focus Reports

    This report forecasts to 2029 US aluminum demand and production in metric tons.

    NEW! May 2025 37 pages
    Free sample available
  • Salt: Canada

    Focus Reports

    This report forecasts to 2029 salt demand in metric tons in Canada.

    NEW! February 2025 24 pages
    Free sample available
  • Metal Services: United States

    Focus Reports

    This report forecasts to 2028 US metal services revenues in nominal US dollars at the wholesale level. Total revenues are segmented by product in terms of: ferrous metals and nonferrous metals.

    NEW! December 2024 38 pages
    Free sample available
  • Copper Pipe: United States

    Focus Reports

    This report forecasts to 2028 US copper pipe demand in nominal US dollars at the manufacturer level. Total demand is segmented by market in terms of: structural and mechanical; potable water; drain, waste, and vent; industrial processing; irrigation.

    NEW! October 2024 24 pages
    Free sample available
  • Global Engineered Stone Countertops

    Focus Reports

    This report forecasts to 2028 global demand for engineered stone countertops by market, area of installation, and major world region in square meters.

    August 2024 35 pages
    Free sample available
  • Engineered Stone Countertops: Europe

    Focus Reports

    This report forecasts to 2028 engineered stone countertop demand in square meters and nominal US dollars at the manufacturer level in Europe.

    August 2024 27 pages
    Free sample available
  • Recovered Glass: United States

    Focus Reports

    This report forecasts to 2028 US recovery of post-consumer glass from the US municipal solid waste stream in short tons.

    July 2024 31 pages
    Free sample available
  • Recovered Packaging: United States

    Focus Reports

    This report forecasts to 2028 US recovery of post-consumer packaging from the US municipal solid waste (MSW) stream in short tons.

    May 2024 36 pages
    Free sample available
  • Iron, Steel, & Ferroalloy Manufacturing: United States

    Focus Reports

    This report forecasts to 2028 US iron, steel, and ferroalloy industry shipments in US dollars at the manufacturer level.

    April 2024 31 pages
    Free sample available
  • Abrasives: China

    Focus Reports

    This report forecasts to 2028 abrasives demand and production in nominal US dollars at the manufacturer level in China.

    March 2024 34 pages
    Free sample available
View More

Have unique research needs?

Freedonia Custom Research listens intently to your needs and objectives. Then we work diligently to define a service offering to meet them.
Learn About Our Custom Research Services

Stay informed with Freedonia

Receive periodic updates about new market research in areas relevant to your business. Have the convenience of Freedonia research at your fingertips when you need it.
The Freedonia Group needs the contact information you provide to us to contact you about our products and services. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For information on how to unsubscribe, as well as our privacy practices and commitment to protecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy.
  • Contact
  • About
  • Help Center
  • Career Opportunities
  • Press Contact
  • User Agreement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Site Map

Additional Resources

  • Market Size Resources
  • Lawn & Garden Market Research
  • Roofing Market Research
  • Pet Products Market Research
  • Countertops Market Research
  • Power Tools Market Research
  • Publishing for the PreK-12 Market Research
  • Insulation Market Resaerch
  • Cabinets Market Research
  • Flooring Market Research
  • Pet Supplements Market Research
  • Agricultural Equipment Market Research
  • Open Access Publishing Market Research
  • Silicones Market Research
  • For Legal Inquiries, contact Cohen & Cohen
Copyright © 2025 The Freedonia Group, Inc. All rights reserved.