【SMM Copper Flash News】Unleashing the potential of copper scrap recycling is urgent

Published: Oct 1, 2025 15:26

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Currently, recycled copper accounts for approximately one-third of the global copper supply. While recycled copper cannot completely replace primary ore copper, it can provide a buffer to stabilize market prices during periods of supply shortage. Electronic waste, with its high copper content, is one of the fastest-growing waste sources globally, reaching up to 62 million tons annually and presenting enormous potential for development. Modeling results from MIT researchers indicate that recycled copper, particularly from end-of-life products, will play a key role in meeting growing copper demand by mid-century. Thanks to advanced processing technologies and significantly increased recycling rates, approximately two-thirds of newly generated copper scrap could be recycled by 2040. This means that over 6 million tons of copper could be recovered from landfills annually, equivalent to building 16 Empire State Buildings made of pure copper and 30% more than the combined output of the world's top ten copper mines in 2023. To this end, some countries have introduced measures to support copper recycling. However, to fully realize the potential of copper scrap and meet growing demand, the global copper scrap recycling rate must double from the current 32% to 66%.

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