Latin America Metal Recycling Market (2025-2031) | Trends, Size, Outlook, Growth, Companies, Industry, Revenue, Forecast, Analysis, Value & Share

Latin America Metal Recycling Market Size & Growth Rate

According to 6Wresearch internal database and industry insights, the Latin America Metal Recycling Market size was valued at USD 12.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 16.7 billion by 2031, reflecting a CAGR of approximately 4.5% between 2025 and 2031.

Latin America Metal Recycling Market Highlights

Topics Covered in the Latin America Metal Recycling Market Report

The Latin America Metal Recycling Market report thoroughly covers the market by countries, metal type, scrap type, equipment type, and end -user. The market report provides an unbiased and detailed analysis of the ongoing market trends, opportunities/high growth areas, and market drivers which would help the stakeholders to devise and align their market strategies according to the current and future market dynamics.

Latin America Metal Recycling Market Synopsis

Latin America Metal Recycling Industry is growing at a modest pace, driven by increased environmental restrictions, rising awareness of waste management, and the decreasing cost of recycling vs. producing primary metals. The increase in scrap metal production is supported by the region's level of industrialization and urban growth.

Latin America Metal Recycling Market is expected to grow at a significant CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period 2025-2031. This growth has been influenced by various factors including the increasing demand for recycled metals utilized in automotive, construction, and manufacturing industries. Other key drivers of the market include rising environmental consciousness and government projects to establish a formal and organized recycling ecosystem, in addition to the rapid growth of electric arc furnaces (EAFs) for crude metal manufacturing which will further drive the demand for scrap metal.

Latin America Metal Recycling Market Challenges

Latin America Metal Recycling Market faces several challenges that hinder its growth, such as economic cycles in some countries which can affect consumer consumption and industrial processes. The industry is faced with a high level of informality which makes it hard for authorities to track and regulate the process. Other challenges include a lack of modern recycling infrastructure, supply chain disruptions, and competition from new technologies.

Latin America Metal Recycling Market Trends

Latin America Metal Recycling Market is witnessing key trends such as increasing adoption of advanced recycling technologies across the construction, automotive, and manufacturing sectors. With a growing focus on environmental compliance and resource efficiency, industries are shifting towards energy-efficient and automated recycling systems. The drive for sustainability has led to the integration of AI-powered sorting mechanisms, emission reduction technologies, and cleaner processing methods. These trends not only improve material recovery rates and operational efficiency but also align with environmental regulations and global sustainability goals.

Investment Opportunities in the Latin America Metal Recycling Market 

 Latin America Metal Recycling Market is experiencing substantial investment opportunities, particularly in modernizing recycling facilities and expanding regional processing capacities. With increasing demand for recycled metals such as aluminium, copper, and steel, there is a strong incentive to develop efficient collection and sorting infrastructure. Additional opportunities exist in the development of specialized recycling streams, such as e-waste and battery metals. Strategic partnerships with public and private sector entities, automation of scrap handling systems, and localized metal processing are expected to boost competitiveness and enhance profitability across the region.

Leading Players in the Latin America Metal Recycling Market 

 Latin America Metal Recycling Industry is characterized by the presence of both major global recyclers and competitive regional firms meeting the diverse industrial demand for recycled metals. Leading players such as Novelis, European Metal Recycling, Commercial Metals Co, GFG Alliance, and Tata Steel Ltd dominate through advanced processing technologies, extensive supply chains, and strategic collaborations. Regional companies like Gerdau S.A. and Companhia Brasileira de Aluminium (CBA) also play a vital role by offering cost-effective and customized recycling solutions, contributing to the region’s circular economy and strengthening local metal supply chains.

Government Regulations in the Latin America Metal Recycling Market

Governments play a pivotal role in shaping the Latin America Metal Recycling Market Growth through the implementation of environmental, trade, and industrial regulations. Many countries have introduced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks, particularly for products like electronics, batteries, and vehicles, compelling manufacturers to ensure proper end-of-life disposal and recycling. Policies are also being put in place to formalize the recycling sector, reducing the role of informal operators and promoting traceable, compliant systems. Environmental laws are becoming stricter, requiring emission controls, safe handling of scrap, and adherence to waste classification protocols.

Future Insights of the Latin America Metal Recycling Market

Latin America Metal Recycling Market appears promising, driven by rising environmental awareness, industrial growth, and a growing commitment to circular economy practices. As sustainability becomes a strategic priority across industries, demand for recycled metals is expected to increase, particularly in sectors such as construction, automotive, and renewable energy.

Governments are likely to continue promoting regulations and incentives that support formalization, emission reduction, and local processing capacity, which will strengthen the overall structure of the market. Technological advancements such as automated sorting systems, AI integration, and cleaner production techniques will further enhance operational efficiency and output quality.

Market Segmentation Analysis

The Market report includes the following segments:

Brazil to Dominate the Market - By Countries

According to Sachin, Senior Research Analyst, 6Wresearch, Brazil is expected to dominate the regional market due to its large industrial base, significant infrastructure projects, and government initiatives promoting recycling. 

Ferrous Metals to Dominate the Market - By Metal Type

Ferrous metals, such as steel and iron, are projected to lead the market due to their high volume of waste generated from construction, automotive, and industrial activities. 

Old Scrap to Dominate the Market- By Scrap Type

Old scrap is rising as a global push for sustainability, increasing environmental regulations and transition to circular economy.

Shredders to Dominate the Market-By Equipment Type 

Shredders are emerging as the fastest- growing sector in metal recycling market by handling, processing and sorting the recycled metal.

Building and Construction to Dominate the Market - By End-User

Building and Construction sector is expected to lead demand due to the necessity for sustainable and cost-effective building materials. 

Key Attractiveness of the Report

• 10 Years of Market Numbers.
• Historical Data Starting from 2021 to 2024.
• Base Year: 2024
• Forecast Data until 2031.
• Key Performance Indicators Impacting the Market.
• Major Upcoming Developments and Projects.

Key Highlights of the Report:

• Latin America Metal Recycling Market Outlook
• Market Size of Latin America Metal Recycling Market, 2024
• Forecast of Latin America Metal Recycling Market, 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of Latin America Metal Recycling Revenues & Volume for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Latin America Metal Recycling Market Trend Evolution
• Latin America Metal Recycling Market Drivers and Challenges
• Latin America Metal Recycling Price Trends
• Latin America Metal Recycling Porter's Five Forces
• Latin America Metal Recycling Industry Life Cycle
• Historical Data and Forecast of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Metal Type for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Ferrous Metal for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Non-ferrous Metal for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Brazil Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Metal Type for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Brazil Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Ferrous Metal for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Brazil Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Non-ferrous Metal for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Mexico Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Metal Type for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Mexico Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Ferrous Metal for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Mexico Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Non-ferrous Metal for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Argentina Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Metal Type for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Argentina Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Ferrous Metal for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Argentina Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Non-ferrous Metal for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Rest of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Metal Type for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Rest of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Ferrous Metal for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Rest of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Non-ferrous Metal for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Scrap Types for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Old Scrap for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By New Scrap for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Brazil Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Scrap Types for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Brazil Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Old Scrap for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Brazil Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By New Scrap for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Mexico Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Scrap Types for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Mexico Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Old Scrap for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Mexico Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By New Scrap for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Argentina Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Scrap Types for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Argentina Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Old Scrap for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Argentina Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By New Scrap for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Rest of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Scrap Types for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Rest of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Old Scrap for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Rest of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By New Scrap for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Equipment Types for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Shears for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Shredders for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Briquette Machines for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Granulating Machines for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Others for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Brazil Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Equipment Types for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Brazil Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Shears for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Brazil Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Shredders for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Brazil Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Briquette Machines for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Brazil Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Granulating Machines for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Brazil Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Others for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Mexico Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Equipment Types for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Mexico Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Shears for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Mexico Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Shredders for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Mexico Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Briquette Machines for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Mexico Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Granulating Machines for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Mexico Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Others for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Argentina Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Equipment Types for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Argentina Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Shears for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Argentina Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Shredders for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Argentina Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Briquette Machines for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Argentina Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Granulating Machines for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Argentina Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Others for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Rest of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Equipment Types for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Rest of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Shears for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Rest of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Shredders for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Rest of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Briquette Machines for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Rest of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Granulating Machines for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Rest of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Others for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By End-users for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Building & Construction for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Packaging for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Automotive for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Industrial Machinery for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Electronics & Electrical Equipment for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Shipbuilding for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Others for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Brazil Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By End-users for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Brazil Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Building & Construction for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Brazil Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Packaging for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Brazil Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Automotive for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Brazil Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Industrial Machinery for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Brazil Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Electronics & Electrical Equipment for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Brazil Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Shipbuilding for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Brazil Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Others for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Mexico Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By End-users for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Mexico Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Building & Construction for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Mexico Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Packaging for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Mexico Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Automotive for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Mexico Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Industrial Machinery for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Mexico Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Electronics & Electrical Equipment for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Mexico Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Shipbuilding for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Mexico Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Others for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Argentina Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By End-users for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Argentina Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Building & Construction for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Argentina Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Packaging for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Argentina Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Automotive for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Argentina Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Industrial Machinery for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Argentina Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Electronics & Electrical Equipment for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Argentina Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Shipbuilding for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Argentina Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Others for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Rest of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By End-users for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Rest of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Building & Construction for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Rest of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Packaging for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Rest of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Automotive for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Rest of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Industrial Machinery for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Rest of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Electronics & Electrical Equipment for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Rest of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Shipbuilding for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Historical Data and Forecast of Rest of Latin America Metal Recycling Market Revenues & Volume By Others for the Period 2021 - 2031F
• Latin America Metal Recycling Market - Key Performance Indicators
• Latin America Metal Recycling Market - Import Export Trade Statistics
• Latin America Metal Recycling Market - Opportunity Assessment By Countries
• Latin America Metal Recycling Market - Opportunity Assessment By Metal Type
• Latin America Metal Recycling Market - Opportunity Assessment By Scrap Types
• Latin America Metal Recycling Market - Opportunity Assessment By Equipment Types
• Latin America Metal Recycling Market - Opportunity Assessment By End-users
• Latin America Metal Recycling Market - Top Companies Market Share
• Latin America Metal Recycling Market - Top Companies Profiles
• Latin America Metal Recycling Market - Comparison of Players in Technical and Operating Parameters
• Latin America Metal Recycling Market - Strategic Recommendations

Markets Covered

The Market report includes the following segments:

By Metal Type

• Ferrous Metals
• Non-ferrous Metals

By Scrap Type

• Old Scrap
• New Scrap

By End Users

• Building and Construction
• Automotive
• Packaging
• Industrial Machinery
• Shipbuilding
• Electronics & Electrical Equipment
• Others

By Equipment Type

• Shears
• Shredders
• Briquette Machines
• Granulating Machines
• Others

By Countries

• Mexico
• Argentina
• Brazil
• Rest of Latin America