Market Forecast By Type (Iron, Copper, Aluminum, Lead), By Applications (Residential & Commercial, Industrial) And Competitive Landscape
Product Code: ETC037565 | Publication Date: Aug 2023 | Updated Date: Sep 2025 | Product Type: Report | |
Publisher: 6Wresearch | No. of Pages: 70 | No. of Figures: 35 | No. of Tables: 5 | |
The India scrap metal recycling market import shipments experienced a significant growth trend from 2020 to 2024, with a notable CAGR of 27.0%. However, there was a sharp decline in growth rate between 2023 and 2024, indicating a temporary slowdown in the market expansion. Overall, the market showed strong momentum despite the slight dip in growth.
According to 6Wresearch internal database and industry insights, the India Scrap Recycling market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.6% during the forecast period from (2025 to 2031). This growth is driven by increasing demand for cost effective raw materials and expansion of organized recycling facilities.
Report Name | India Scrap Metal Recycling Market |
Forecast Period | 2025-2031 |
CAGR | 8.6% |
Growing Sector | Automotive, Construction and Electronic |
The India Scrap Metal Recycling Market report thoroughly covers the market by type, and applications. The market report provides an unbiased and detailed analysis of the ongoing market trends, industry drivers, investment opportunities, and high growth areas, which would help stakeholders devise and align their strategies according to the current and future market dynamics.
The India Scrap Metal Recycling Market is witnessing an increase in market growth, driven by the rise in industrialization, a growing demand for secondary raw materials, and government initiatives to promote sustainable practices. Growing awareness of environmental benefits, as recycling helps countries to have less dependency on importing raw metals from other countries. Coupled with the requirement to minimize dependency on imports for raw metals, this is enhancing the requirement for recycling practices. The scrap metal recycling process means collecting, sorting, processing, and reusing discarded or obsolete metals to manufacture new raw materials.
The India Scrap Metal Recycling Market is estimated to grow steadily, recording a CAGR of 8.6% during the forecast period 2025-2031. Key drivers spurring the India Scrap Metal Recycling Market Growth include urbanization, increasing demand for cost-effective raw materials, and the expansion of organized recycling facilities. Furthermore, an increase in investments in modern scrap collection systems and the requirement of advanced shredding and sorting technologies are improving the efficiency to a larger extent.
Demand for iron, steel, and aluminium recycling is particularly powerful due to their widespread applications in construction and automotive manufacturing. Global and domestic players are extending their operations in India, which is boosting the India Scrap Metal Recycling Market Revenue and share of the recycling industry.
The expansion of the India Scrap Metal Recycling Industry is hampered by several challenges, such as the unorganized nature of the sector, limited scrap collection networks, and a lack of advanced segregation infrastructure. Moreover, compliance issues and limited awareness among small-scale industries about the economic benefits of recycling also slow down market penetration. Since there is a lack of awareness about recycling, it becomes a major setback for the market, as they will struggle to derive benefits like reduced raw material costs, lower energy consumption, and job creation in the recycling industry.
India Scrap Metal Recycling Market is experiencing notable trends such as the adoption of automated sorting technologies, integration of AI and robotics in recycling plants, and the rise of digital scrap marketplaces connecting buyers and sellers. In addition, growing demand for lightweight recycled aluminum in the automotive and aerospace sectors is reshaping the industry. Circular economy initiatives, supported by both government and private players, are further encouraging industries to recycle metals instead of relying on virgin raw materials.
The India Scrap Metal Recycling Industry presents attractive investment opportunities. Partnerships with municipal corporations for residential scrap collection present untapped prospects for companies. By working directly with local authorities, brands can gain access to a good volume of household scrap, streamline collection processes, and create stronger supply chains. These initiatives assist in promoting community engagement, recycling awareness, and environmental responsibility. Moreover, it helps build the brand’s goodwill to a greater extent.
The India Scrap Metal Recycling Market is competitive with a mix of global and domestic companies focusing on improving collection systems, investing in high-tech machinery, and expanding regional presence. Leading players include Tata Steel Recycling Business, Century Metal Recycling, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India, and Hindalco Industries. Alongside these, several regional recyclers and startups are playing a crucial role in increasing the country’s recycling rate.
According to Indian government data, initiatives has been implemented to support the India Scrap Metal Recycling Industry. The Metal Scrap Recycling Policy 2019, introduced by the Ministry of Steel has the objective to formalize the sector, encourage organized recycling facilities, and ensure quality standards in recycled products. Additionally, the establishment of the Vehicle Scrappage Policy 2021 encourages recycling of end-of-life vehicles, increasing the demand for scrap processing infrastructure. Therefore, there is a high demand for unfit vehicles in the recycling stream. Additionally, a higher supply of scrap materials is being created, such as steel, aluminium, rubber, and plastics.
India Scrap Metal Recycling Market is expected to grow strongly as industries adopt sustainable production methods. Future opportunities include the integration of blockchain for transparent scrap tracking, the use of electric-powered recycling machinery, and the development of regional scrap hubs.
The electric-powered recycling machinery acts as a sustainable substitute to conventional fossil fuel-based systems. This will assist in lowering carbon emissions, reducing operational costs, and aligning with green energy objectives. Rising demand for recycled aluminium and copper in renewable energy, automotive, and electronics industries will further strengthen the market.
The report offers a comprehensive study of the subsequent market segments and their leading categories.
Iron and steel dominate the India Scrap Metal Recycling Market Share due to their extensive use in construction, automotive, and manufacturing industries. The increasing cost of raw steel and growing emphasis on reducing carbon emissions are making the industries move toward secondary steel production through recycling. aluminium follows as the next fastest-growing category, driven by its high demand in automotive lightweighting and the packaging sector.
According to Parth, Senior Research Analyst at 6Wresearch, the industrial sector leads the market as heavy industries, automotive manufacturing plants, and construction companies create the highest scrap volumes and consume the most recycled metals. Residential and commercial segments are also increasing due to the expanding establishment of municipal scrap collection systems and rising awareness of recycling practices in urban households.
The market report provides a detailed analysis of the following market segments:
1 Executive Summary |
2 Introduction |
2.1 Key Highlights of the Report |
2.2 Report Description |
2.3 Market Scope & Segmentation |
2.4 Research Methodology |
2.5 Assumptions |
3 India Scrap Metal Recycling Market Overview |
3.1 India Country Macro Economic Indicators |
3.2 India Scrap Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume, 2021 & 2031F |
3.3 India Scrap Metal Recycling Market - Industry Life Cycle |
3.4 India Scrap Metal Recycling Market - Porter's Five Forces |
3.5 India Scrap Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Type, 2021 & 2031F |
3.6 India Scrap Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Applications, 2021 & 2031F |
4 India Scrap Metal Recycling Market Dynamics |
4.1 Impact Analysis |
4.2 Market Drivers |
4.2.1 Increasing awareness and focus on environmental sustainability |
4.2.2 Government initiatives promoting recycling and waste management |
4.2.3 Growing industrialization and urbanization leading to higher metal consumption |
4.3 Market Restraints |
4.3.1 Lack of proper infrastructure for collection and processing of scrap metal |
4.3.2 Price volatility in the global metal markets affecting recycling profitability |
5 India Scrap Metal Recycling Market Trends |
6 India Scrap Metal Recycling Market, By Types |
6.1 India Scrap Metal Recycling Market, By Type |
6.1.1 Overview and Analysis |
6.1.2 India Scrap Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume, By Type, 2021-2031F |
6.1.3 India Scrap Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume, By Iron, 2021-2031F |
6.1.4 India Scrap Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume, By Copper, 2021-2031F |
6.1.5 India Scrap Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume, By Aluminum, 2021-2031F |
6.1.6 India Scrap Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume, By Lead, 2021-2031F |
6.2 India Scrap Metal Recycling Market, By Applications |
6.2.1 Overview and Analysis |
6.2.2 India Scrap Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume, By Residential & Commercial, 2021-2031F |
6.2.3 India Scrap Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume, By Industrial, 2021-2031F |
7 India Scrap Metal Recycling Market Import-Export Trade Statistics |
7.1 India Scrap Metal Recycling Market Export to Major Countries |
7.2 India Scrap Metal Recycling Market Imports from Major Countries |
8 India Scrap Metal Recycling Market Key Performance Indicators |
8.1 Percentage of metal recycling compared to total metal consumption in India |
8.2 Number of scrap metal recycling facilities in operation |
8.3 Average processing efficiency and recovery rate of metals from scrap materials |
9 India Scrap Metal Recycling Market - Opportunity Assessment |
9.1 India Scrap Metal Recycling Market Opportunity Assessment, By Type, 2021 & 2031F |
9.2 India Scrap Metal Recycling Market Opportunity Assessment, By Applications, 2021 & 2031F |
10 India Scrap Metal Recycling Market - Competitive Landscape |
10.1 India Scrap Metal Recycling Market Revenue Share, By Companies, 2024 |
10.2 India Scrap Metal Recycling Market Competitive Benchmarking, By Operating and Technical Parameters |
11 Company Profiles |
12 Recommendations |
13 Disclaimer |