U.S. Copper Scrap Market Analysis by Type (Refined Copper Scrap (e.g., bus bars, cathodes, ingots), Copper Wire Scrap (bare, insulated, magnet wire), Copper Alloy Scrap (brass, bronze, other alloys), Electronic & E-scrap (PCBs, connectors, electronic components), Other Copper Scrap (turnings, powder, sheet offcuts)), Source, Process and End Use Industry: Production (Metric Tons), Recycling Rate, Pricing Analysis, Trends and Forecast Till 2033

Market Overview

U.S. Copper Scrap Market recorded a production of 870,000 metric tons in 2024 and is estimated to reach a volume of 1,431,803 metric tons by 2033.

The rapid expansion of electric vehicle (EV) production in the United States is becoming a critical long-term driver for the U.S. copper scrap market, significantly reshaping demand dynamics and recycling strategies. Copper serves as a key material in EV manufacturing due to its outstanding electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and durability. Each electric vehicle requires about 80 kilograms of copper for essential components such as batteries, electric motors, inverters, wiring harnesses, and charging infrastructure. This demand is notably higher than that found in internal combustion engine vehicles, which typically contain around 20–25 kilograms of copper each. The rise in EV production is directly linked to increased copper demand, presenting a substantial opportunity for scrap recycling to complement primary copper supplies and lessen reliance on mined materials.

In 2023, over 800,000 electric vehicles were manufactured in the U.S., and this number is projected to grow exponentially as consumer adoption and government incentives gain momentum. This growth is driven by federal and state policies aimed at promoting clean energy transitions, meeting emission reduction targets, and establishing nationwide EV charging networks. As EV production increases, a portion of the copper needed can be sourced from scrap, which not only helps lower costs for manufacturers but also aligns with sustainability goals and the principles of a circular economy. Post-consumer and post-industrial copper scrap such as old wiring, electronics, and manufacturing offcuts becomes a vital feedstock for meeting the rising demand from the EV sector.

Additionally, the growing emphasis on domestic supply chains for EV components enhances the appeal of U.S. copper scrap as a readily available and cost-effective resource. Recycling scrap copper shortens lead times associated with imported primary copper and minimizes exposure to fluctuations in global commodity prices. In response, industrial recyclers and scrap processing companies are investing in advanced collection, sorting, and refining technologies to capture high-purity copper suitable for EV production.

The demand driven by EVs also creates ripple effects across related industries. Battery manufacturers, motor producers, and electronics suppliers are increasingly collaborating with scrap processors to secure a reliable supply of copper feedstock. With forecasts anticipating millions of EVs on U.S. roads in the coming decade, the U.S. copper scrap market is poised for sustained growth, fueled by the dual forces of escalating copper consumption in EVs and a stronger emphasis on sustainable, recycled material use. This long-term trend not only bolsters the scrap market but also contributes to broader environmental and economic objectives, establishing copper recycling as a strategic priority for the future of U.S. electric mobility.

Recycling Rate (%)

The U.S. copper scrap market is experiencing a steady increase in recycling rates, highlighting the growing significance of sustainability and the rising demand for secondary copper. Recent data indicates that the copper recycling rate in the U.S. was 33% in 2023, with projections pointing toward a gradual rise to 40% by 2033. This upward trend is fueled by several factors, including heightened environmental awareness, stringent regulatory frameworks, and the economic benefits of utilizing scrap copper in place of primary copper. Both manufacturers and consumers are increasingly recognizing the energy savings and cost efficiencies associated with recycled copper, prompting improvements in collection and processing infrastructures to enhance the availability of high-quality scrap material.

This rising recycling rate is closely aligned with the rapid growth of end-use sectors that heavily depend on copper, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) and renewable energy industries. Each EV requires around 80 kilograms of copper, making the expansion of EV production a significant driver of demand for copper feedstock, a portion of which can be met through efficient scrap recycling. Additionally, sectors such as electronics, construction, and industrial machinery produce substantial amounts of post-industrial and post-consumer copper scrap that can be reintroduced into manufacturing processes. By boosting recycling rates, the U.S. can reduce its reliance on mined copper, mitigate supply chain risks, and stabilize raw material costs, particularly in the face of global commodity price fluctuations.

Furthermore, the increasing recycling rates reflect advancements in collection and processing technologies. Modern methods of sorting, shredding, and refining enable recyclers to recover higher-purity copper from a broader array of sources, including complex e-waste and insulated wiring. These technological advancements not only expand the pool of usable scrap but also enhance the attractiveness of secondary copper for high-value applications, such as EV batteries, electric motors, and sophisticated electronics. Government initiatives and incentive programs are further bolstering recycling efforts, promoting participation in copper recovery programs among both corporations and consumers.

Overall, the projected increase from 33% in 2023 to 40% in 2033 indicates a maturing and increasingly efficient U.S. copper scrap market. This trend benefits various stakeholders: manufacturers gain access to reliable, cost-effective copper; recyclers enjoy improved profitability and operational scale; and the environment sees reductions in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions resulting from primary copper production. As the recycling ecosystem strengthens and end-use demand continues to grow, the U.S. copper scrap market is well-positioned for long-term growth, supporting the country’s industrial, technological, and sustainability objectives in the coming decade.

Segmental Analysis- Type

The U.S. copper scrap market showcases a varied composition across different scrap types, mirroring the country's copper consumption structure and the recycling infrastructure's dynamics. Recent data indicates that copper wire scrap dominates the market, accounting for approximately 32%. This highlights the significant contribution of the electrical and construction sectors in generating recyclable copper. The post-consumer and post-industrial scrap primarily consists of bare and insulated wires, along with magnet wires sourced from residential, commercial, and industrial applications. With high recoverability rates and relatively low contamination, wire scrap remains a favored feedstock for smelters and refiners, solidifying its leading position in the market.

 
Refined copper scrap closely follows, comprising 28% of the market. This category includes bus bars, cathodes, and ingots, which are already high-purity and ready for direct remelting. Industrial end-users place immense value on refined scrap due to its minimal processing requirements, allowing for easy reintegration into production cycles. Its considerable presence in the market reflects the effectiveness of industrial collection programs and the strong demand from high-volume manufacturing sectors, including electronics, automotive, and industrial machinery.

Electronic and e-scrap represent approximately 18% of the U.S. copper scrap market, driven by the increasing prevalence of consumer electronics, computing devices, and communication equipment. Components like printed circuit boards and connectors are rich in copper and have become high-priority targets for recycling, influenced by both economic incentives and environmental regulations concerning e-waste. The segment's growth is further accelerated by advancements in separation, shredding, and chemical extraction technologies, facilitating the recovery of high-purity copper from increasingly complex electronic waste streams.

Copper alloy scrap, encompassing materials such as brass and bronze, constitutes about 15% of the market. While not as abundant as pure copper scrap, alloy scrap plays a vital role in applications that demand specific mechanical and corrosion-resistant properties. Consistent quantities of alloy scrap are generated from industrial and construction activities, which are subsequently collected and processed for reuse in plumbing, decorative hardware, and specialized machinery components.

Lastly, other copper scrap comprising turnings, powders, and sheet offcuts represents a smaller share of 7%, stemming from machining and fabrication processes. Despite its lower volume, this residual material contributes to the circularity of the U.S. copper supply chain, minimizing material loss and supporting sustainability efforts.

In summary, the U.S. copper scrap market reflects a balance between high-volume, easily recoverable materials and specialized, high-value feedstocks. Wire scrap and refined copper lead the market due to their purity and availability, while electronic, alloy, and residual scrap segments provide essential support for niche applications. This distribution not only illustrates current consumption trends but also signifies considerable growth opportunities, particularly in e-waste recycling and electric vehicle-related scrap as the market shifts towards greater circularity and resource efficiency.

Company Analysis

The U.S. copper scrap market is dominated by key players such as Sims Metal Management Ltd., Commercial Metals Company, OmniSource Corporation, Nucor Corporation’s Recycling Division, SA Recycling, Inc., Aurubis AG’s U.S. operations, Glencore PLC’s Copper Recycling Division, along with several other regional and specialized recyclers