China's Scrap Metal Recycling Industry Sees Strong Growth Amid Sustainability Push

In 2024, China's scrap Metal Recycling industry continues to grow robustly. According to the “China Renewable Resources Recycling Industry Development Report (2024)” released by the China Association of Resource Comprehensive Utilization, the output of major recycled non-ferrous metals reached 17.88 million tons in 2023, an 8% year-on-year increase. Recycled copper reached 4.1 million tons (up 9.3%), recycled aluminum 9.5 million tons (up 9.8%), recycled lead 2.98 million tons (up 4.6%), and recycled zinc 1.3 million tons (flat year-on-year).

The total recovered volume of scrap non-ferrous metals also increased steadily, reaching 14.48 million tons (metal content), a 5.3% increase from the previous year. This includes approximately 2.4 million tons of scrap copper (up 2.1%), 7.8 million tons of scrap aluminum (up 7.6%), 2.98 million tons of scrap lead (including 4.96 million tons of used lead-acid batteries), and 1.3 million tons of scrap zinc.

Recycled metals offer notable energy and water-saving advantages. Producing 1 ton of recycled copper consumes only 390 kg of standard coal, compared to 1,444 kg for primary copper — a saving of 1,054 kg. Water use is also drastically lower: 2 m³ versus 396.5 m³ for primary production, saving 395 m³ per ton.

Despite rapid development, the industry faces challenges such as raw material shortages and an underdeveloped recycling network. Experts recommend stronger policy support, technological upgrades, and improved collection systems to promote high-quality development in the scrap metal recycling sector.