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Metals Recycling

Recycling Rates

Recycling rates vary widely by metals, but for most metals, including those critical for a renewable energy transition, recycling rates are low.

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Source: UNEP 1.

The International Energy Agency has also compiled some recycling rates by metal, which are a bit lower than the figures reported by UNEP above. For most metals, reliable figures are difficult to ascertain.

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Source: IEA 2.

The optimal recycling rate for a given metal is likely less than 100%, because the last few uses of a metal tend to be very diffuse and energy-intensive to recover 3.

Use of Recycled Metals

With overall growth in mineral demand, the rate of use of recycled metals (secondary production) is less than the recycling rate, but it is substantial.

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Source: IEA 2.

E-Waste

E-waste refers to appliances, computer equipment, and other electronics that have reached the end of their useful lives. As electronics are a major use of metals, e-waste is a major issue in metals recycling, and it is also a significant health concern. E-waste recycling rates remain low.

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Source: Forti et al. 4.

As retiring electric cars become more common, recycling and reuse of EV batteries will become more important 2.

References

  1. Graedel T. et al. "Recycling Rates of Metals: A Status Report". UN Environment Programme, International Resource Panel, Working Group on the Global Metal Flows. 2011. ↩

  2. International Energy Agency. "The Role of Critical World Energy Outlook Special Report Minerals in Clean Energy Transitions". May 2021. ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  3. Norgate, T. "Metal recycling: The need for a life cycle approach". CSIRO: Minerals Down Under Flagship. May 2013. ↩

  4. Forti, V., Baldé, C. P., Kuehr, R., Bel, G. "The Global E-waste Monitor 2020". International Telecommunications Union. June 2020. ↩