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Ferrous

Iron and steel, also known as ferrous metals, are the most recycled materials in the United States and worldwide. Ferrous metals are vital components to essential infrastructure. The U.S. steel industry relies on recycled steel as its largest single raw material input. Ninety percent of the structural steel used in buildings like hospitals is recycled steel.

Recyclers use shredding, shearing, and other techniques to process the material for use in steel mills. The recycled iron and steel are then used in automobiles, bridges, buildings, public transportation, heavy equipment, and other materials.

Car factory production line in 3d. Large conveyor with car body frames on the assembly line in vehicle manufacturing plant.

impact and uses

Recycled Ferrous Metals

Recycling ferrous metals is essential: it saves natural resources, reduces energy costs, and strengthens the economy. And the good news is, because metals don’t degrade or lose their chemical properties in the recycling process, they can be recycled infinitely.

Industrial iron large metal gantry crane with a hook mounted on the supports for lifting and carrying heavy cargo, moving along the rails at the factory. The crane is of bridge type.

Recycled iron and steel are the most important raw material inputs for U.S. steel production. In 2019, U.S. steel mills consumed more than 60 million metric tons of the recycled material to produce 87 million metric tons of steel.

The largest single source of obsolete iron and steel in the United States is end-of-life vehicles, providing more than 13 million tons annually. The recycling of steel from automobiles is estimated to save the equivalent energy necessary to power 18 million homes every year.

Producing new steel from recycled content requires 60 percent less energy and reduces CO2 emissions by 58 percent compared with producing steel from primary materials.

Recycling one car saves more than 2,500 lbs. of iron ore, 1,400 lbs. of coal, and 120 lbs. of limestone. The industry recycles approximately 17 million vehicles in the U.S. annually, according to recent data.

The U.S. is the world’s leading recycled iron and steel exporting country, selling to buyers in 70 countries around the world and generating about $5 billion in export sales.

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Ferrous Facts

You can tell if something is ferrous by holding a magnet up to it. If the magnet sticks, it is iron or steel.
On average, the United States processes enough iron and steel every day to build 25 Eiffel Towers.

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Nonferrous

More than half of all aluminum consumption by manufacturers in the United States comes from recycled commodities. Get to know aluminum and other nonferrous metals.

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Plastics

Recycled plastic uses 88 percent less energy than sourcing new plastic from primary materials. Find out more about recycled plastics.

Learn More About Plastic

Glass

Glass is 100 percent recyclable and can be recycled endlessly without losing quality. Learn more about the benefits of recycled glass.

Learn More About Glass

Tires and Rubber

The smooth road you drive on is thanks to asphalt made with recycled tires. Understand the benefits of recycled rubber.

Learn More About Rubber

Textiles

Many cars use recycled clothes as sound insulation, keeping your drive quiet. Discover more about the impact of recycled textiles.

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Paper

More than 75 percent of U.S. paper mills depend on recovered fiber from recycling operations for daily production needs. Find out how recycled paper is a part of your daily routine.

Learn More About Paper

Electronics

According to Apple, the iPhone 16 contains more than 30 percent recycled material. Learn more about the impact of recycled electronics.

Learn More About Electronics

Ferrous

Iron and steel, aka ferrous metals, are the most recycled materials globally. Buildings, bridges, and more are made using recycled ferrous metal.

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The Power of Recycling

Recycled materials are a big part of life. We help make items that you use and depend on every day. From the wiring and plumbing in your home, to the coffee maker that gets your day started. From the roads, bridges, and highways you travel on, to the schools our children learn in – maybe even the laptop or smartphone you’re reading this on. They all likely contain recycled material.

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