From E-Waste to Asset: Why Metal Recovery is Booming in 2025

How global supply chain shocks and green tech demand are fuelling innovation in metal reclamation

In a world of growing demand and shrinking resources, 2025 is shaping up to be a critical year for the metal recovery industry. As geopolitical instability, environmental regulation, and technological innovation converge, companies around the globe are racing to secure sustainable, circular sources of critical materials.

At RS Bruce, we’re seeing this firsthand — from catalysts to electronics, more industries are recognising the hidden value in their waste streams. And they’re turning to metal recovery not just as a sustainability initiative, but as a strategic advantage.
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Why 2025 Is a Turning Point for Metal Recovery

The metals that power everything from electric vehicles to jet engines — platinum, palladium, rhenium, and rare earth elements, are increasingly difficult to source. A mix of factors is driving this:

• Geopolitical tension: Export controls on rare earths and critical metals from major suppliers like China are forcing manufacturers to look for alternative supply chains.
• War-related disruptions: Ongoing global conflicts have limited access to key mining regions, particularly those rich in platinum group metals (PGMs).
• Environmental pressure: Governments and corporations are under mounting pressure to prove ESG compliance and reduce reliance on environmentally damaging mining operations.

In response, industries are re-evaluating their waste. Metal recovery — once seen as a cost-saving measure, is now being recognised as a reliable, scalable source of high-value materials.

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Urban Mining and the E-Waste Opportunity

According to the UN’s 2024 Global E-Waste Monitor, over 62 million tonnes of electronic waste were generated last year, with less than 20% being formally recycled.

That’s a huge lost opportunity.

E-waste contains significant amounts of gold, silver, palladium, and other high value metals. Recovering even a small fraction can yield meaningful returns while reducing the need for virgin mining. This has led to the rise of urban mining  the practice of reclaiming metals from existing products, scrap, and industrial waste.

For manufacturers and recyclers, working with a partner who can extract these metals safely and efficiently is now essential.

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How RS Bruce Supports Sustainable Sourcing

At RS Bruce, we’ve specialised in complex metal recovery for over 40 years. Our facilities in the UK are equipped to process and recover precious and specialist metals from a wide range of materials, including catalysts, turbine blades, and chemical processing waste.

We work with industries across:

• Aerospace
• Pharmaceuticals
• Electronics
• Automotive & EV

Our team provides tailored solutions for clients needing to extract high-value materials from spent equipment or waste, helping them meet both economic and environmental goals.

Whether it’s recovering platinum from a spent catalyst or extracting rhenium from turbine components, our processes are designed to maximise yield, reduce loss, and support circular supply chains.

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The Future of Metal Recovery: Smart, Clean, Circular

As the metal recovery sector grows, so too does the technology behind it. Some trends we’re keeping a close eye on include:

• AI and automation to improve metal yield forecasting
• Closed-loop systems that enable real-time tracking of metal inputs and outputs
• Tighter compliance with international standards on waste, emissions, and ESG reporting
• Partnerships with OEMs and recyclers to recover metals before they’re lost to landfill

At RS Bruce, we’re continuously investing in cleaner, smarter recovery methods, because we believe sustainability shouldn’t be a compromise.

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Final Thoughts

In 2025, metal recovery isn’t just a good idea, it’s a necessity.

Whether driven by economics, regulation, or a genuine push toward sustainability, companies can no longer afford to ignore the value in their waste streams. With decades of experience and a deep focus on innovation, RS Bruce is proud to help clients turn scrap into strategic advantage.

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