Copper Recovered As Refined Copper And In Alloys And Other Forms From Purchased Copper-Base Scrap In The United States

This table presents data on the quantities of copper recovered in the United States as refined copper and in various alloys from purchased copper-base scrap. The data is categorized by type of operation—ingot makers, refineries, brass and wire-rod mills, and foundries and miscellaneous manufacturers—and further divided into copper recovered from new scrap, which is generated during manufacturing processes, and old scrap, which consists of copper items previously used by consumers. This information is critical for understanding the role of scrap recycling in the domestic copper supply chain, reflecting economic and industrial activity related to resource efficiency, cost savings, and environmental sustainability in the copper industry.

Analysis of the data reveals that the total copper recovered from purchased scrap decreased from 803,000 metric tons in 2020 to 784,000 metric tons in 2021, a decline of approximately 2.4 percent. Brass and wire-rod mills dominate the recovery process, accounting for the vast majority of copper recovered—655,000 metric tons in 2021—though this represents a slight decrease from 670,000 metric tons in 2020. Refineries showed an increase in total copper recovered, rising from 43,200 metric tons in 2020 to 48,900 metric tons in 2021, driven largely by a significant increase in copper recovered from old scrap (from 23,100 to 28,800 metric tons). In contrast, ingot makers experienced a notable reduction in total recovered copper, dropping from 51,600 metric tons in 2020 to 39,500 metric tons in 2021. Foundries and miscellaneous manufacturers saw a modest increase in total recovery, from 38,800 to 40,000 metric tons. These trends highlight shifting dynamics in scrap copper processing and the importance of different sectors in sustaining copper recycling efforts.