Lead Recovered From Scrap Processed In The United States By Kind Of Scrap And Form Of Recovery

This table provides detailed information on the quantities of lead recovered from various types of scrap processed within the United States, categorized by the kind of scrap and the form in which the lead is recovered. This data is crucial for understanding the domestic recycling industry's contribution to the lead supply chain, which supports numerous industrial applications such as battery manufacturing, construction, and electronics. Tracking lead recovery from scrap not only helps in assessing resource efficiency and environmental impact but also informs economic decisions related to raw material sourcing and market dynamics in the lead sector.

Analysis of the data reveals that in 2022, the total lead recovered from scrap decreased slightly to 1,010,000 metric tons from a revised 1,050,000 metric tons in 2021. This decline was primarily driven by a reduction in old scrap, battery-lead recovery, which fell from 1,030,000 metric tons to 989,000 metric tons. Conversely, lead recovered from new scrap increased from 14,500 metric tons to 17,800 metric tons, indicating a modest shift in scrap composition. In terms of recovery form, soft lead remained the dominant product, though its quantity also declined from 874,000 metric tons to 834,000 metric tons. The total value of lead recovered from scrap was nearly stable, slightly decreasing from $2.61 billion to $2.59 billion, reflecting relatively stable lead prices despite the volume changes. These trends highlight ongoing fluctuations in scrap availability and processing efficiency within the U.S. lead recycling industry.