The Canadian Metals Recycling Industry

Canada's metals recycling sector is both mature and extensive. It comprises over 2800 firms across every province and territory. Virtually every major Canadian community is serviced in some manner by the Canadian metals recycling industry.

These firms vary widely in size, scope and level of sophistication. The industry’s infrastructure resembles that of a pyramid, in which a large number of small and medium firms form the base and a smaller number of larger, more sophisticated firms occupy the apex. All these firms are vital to the inter-related and inter-dependent activities that make up the smooth and efficient collection, recycling and recovery processes.

Click on the sections of the pyramid for definitions of the industry’s subsectors.

Consumers/End Users of Recycled Metals

Firms that process and prepare industrial tonnage of recyclable metals to meet international specifications and standards for sale in domestic and international markets.

Wholesalers/Processors

Firms that process and prepare industrial tonnage of recyclable metals to meet international specifications and standards for sale in domestic and international markets.

Dealers/Processors

Firms that process recyclable metals (sort, bale, shear, cut, grade) for sale to larger, usually domestic, wholesalers/processors.

Collectors

Firms that collect recyclable material from residential, commercial or institutional sources and transport it to processors or end users. Collectors do not normally include recycling facility operators; their engagement in materials processing is typically limited.

Generators

Firms that generate scrap metal as part of their core activity. The biggest generators are the manufacturers that use metals to build products. These manufacturers usually subcontract collectors. Municipalities generate large amounts of recyclable materials. These materials are collected through drop-off depots and curb-side collection. The automotive scavenging and parts industries also generate scrap metal that flows into the recycling industry.

Brokers/Traders

Firms that broker the purchase and sale of recyclable metals. They may also arrange or facilitate the international movement of recyclables destined for recovery operations.