The scrap metal recycling industry in the US plays a crucial role in resource management and environmental sustainability. Companies in this sector range from large corporations to local scrap yards, providing services such as collection, processing, and resale of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. As industries aim for greener practices, the demand for recycled metals has surged, bolstered by innovations in technology and increasing regulatory pressures. Notably, recycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions and conserves natural resources, making it a key player in the circular economy. With evolving trends in sustainability, this sector is poised for growth in the coming years.


This article presents a closer look at 18 prominent investors in the scrap metal recycling sector across the US. The list includes venture capital firms, corporate investors, and private equity firms, with headquarters spanning from New York to California. Founded in various decades, these investors differ in size, ranging from small teams to major organizations. Their investment activity in 2024 consisted of multiple transactions, showcasing an increasing interest in sustainable ventures. In particular, firms like Sosv and Advantage Capital have made headlines with their dedicated support for recycling initiatives.


Top 18 Scrap Metal Recycling Investors in the US


1. Sosv

  • Website: sosv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 170
  • LinkedIn: sosv

Sosv is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, based in the United States, that specializes in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a focus on health and climate technology, Sosv operates globally, connecting innovative companies with investors. In 2023, Sosv invested in Biometallica during a seed round, which is likely involved in the recycling of metals. Additionally, they led a funding round for Octopus, a company that has created a circular economy platform in Indonesia, facilitating the sale of waste materials to the recycling industry. This involvement highlights Sosv's commitment to supporting initiatives that contribute to recycling and sustainability, further emphasizing their relevance in the scrap metal recycling context.


2. Advantage Capital


Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm based in New Orleans, Louisiana, founded in 1992. The firm specializes in providing equity and debt financing to small businesses, particularly in underserved communities. Their investment strategy includes supporting entrepreneurs through flexible capital solutions aimed at fostering growth and sustainability. Notably, Advantage Capital has been involved in several transactions relevant to the recycling industry, including significant investments in City Carting & Recycling. In 2012, they provided $10 million in debt financing and later participated in a Series A round and additional debt financing for the same company in 2012 and 2013. This involvement highlights their commitment to the recycling sector, alongside their broader focus on agribusiness, solar projects, and affordable housing.


3. Waste Connection


Waste Connections is a waste management company founded in 1997, based in Portland, Oregon. The company provides a variety of services, including garbage collection, recycling, and dumpster rentals, catering to residential customers, businesses, and municipalities. Notably, Waste Connections has been active in expanding its operations through strategic acquisitions. In 2022, they acquired Rogue Disposal & Recycling, Inc., which enhances their capabilities in recycling services. Additionally, their acquisition of Penn Waste, a regional hauler and materials recovery facility (MRF) operator, further emphasizes their commitment to recycling operations. These transactions highlight Waste Connections' involvement in the recycling industry, including the potential for scrap metal recycling, making them a relevant player in this sector.


4. FJ Labs

  • Website: fjlabs.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 169
  • LinkedIn: fj-labs

FJ Labs is a venture capital firm based in New York, specializing in investing in marketplace and network effect businesses. Founded in 2015, the firm has made over 1,000 investments, many of which have achieved unicorn status. Notably, FJ Labs has participated in funding rounds for companies like Schrott24, which operates in the scrap metal recycling space, raising funds in multiple seed rounds from 2017 to 2022. Additionally, they were involved in a Series A funding round for Metaloop, an Austrian company focused on metal recycling, which raised $17 million in September 2023. These transactions highlight FJ Labs' engagement in the scrap metal recycling industry, alongside their broader investment strategy in various sectors such as e-commerce and logistics.


5. Breakthrough Energy


Breakthrough Energy is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2015, based in Kirkland, Washington, dedicated to accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy. They support innovative technologies and advocate for policies that promote clean energy solutions. Their investment portfolio includes significant contributions to the metals recycling sector, particularly through their involvement with Sortera Technologies, which raised a total of $50.5 million across three funding rounds (Series A, B, and C) from 2021 to 2023. Sortera Technologies focuses on AI-driven metals recycling, aiming to expand operations across North America. Additionally, Breakthrough Energy has invested in Redwood Materials, which raised $700 million in a Series C round to enhance battery recycling operations. These transactions highlight Breakthrough Energy's commitment to advancing recycling technologies and sustainable practices within the broader context of clean energy.


6. Closed Loop Partners

  • Website: closedlooppartners.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: closed-loop-fund

Closed Loop Partners is an investment firm based in New York, founded in 2014, that specializes in building the circular economy through investment management services, venture capital, and private equity. They operate the largest privately held recycling company in North America, serving businesses and organizations that aim to implement sustainable practices and reduce waste. In 2024, they participated in a significant transaction by providing $10 million in debt financing to Eureka Recycling, a company that aligns with their mission of promoting recycling and sustainability. Their involvement in other transactions, such as funding rounds for companies like Solarcycle, which focuses on recycling solar panels, further demonstrates their commitment to the recycling industry. Overall, Closed Loop Partners is dedicated to creating a balanced economic system that prioritizes resource efficiency and sustainability.


7. Orion Resource Partners (USA) LP


Orion Resource Partners (USA) LP is a private equity investment firm based in New York, specializing in metals and materials. Founded in 2004, the firm provides a range of investment solutions, including resource royalties and mine finance, primarily targeting institutional investors. Orion Resource Partners focuses on addressing challenges in the metals sector and advancing sustainable economic growth through tailored financial strategies. Notable transactions include investments in companies like Horizonte Minerals, Sydvaranger, and Bushveld Minerals, which, while not exclusively in scrap metal recycling, indicate a strong involvement in the metals industry. Their recent activity, including a $39 million investment in Capstone in 2024, further demonstrates their commitment to the sector, which may encompass aspects of scrap metal recycling.


8. 500 Global

  • Website: 500.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 98
  • LinkedIn: 500-startups

500 Global is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. In recent years, 500 Global has been involved in various transactions, including investments in Whole Surplus, which focuses on surplus goods, and Remoov, a platform for removing unwanted items. Notably, they invested in Proglix, a B2B platform for trading raw materials, securing $1.35 million in seed funding in February 2023. This investment highlights their engagement in sectors related to material trading, which is relevant to the scrap metal recycling industry.


9. IFC - International Finance Corporation

  • Website: ifc.org
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1956
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 107
  • LinkedIn: ifclinkedin

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1956, based in Washington, D.C. It focuses on private sector development in emerging markets by providing investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions. IFC operates in over 100 countries, addressing poverty and promoting sustainable development. Notably, IFC has invested in companies like Elemental Holding SA, which is developing a recycling and refining facility for processing e-waste concentrate, and Orizon Valorização de Residuos, which is involved in waste valorization. These transactions highlight IFC's engagement in the recycling sector, particularly in projects that contribute to sustainable practices and economic growth.


10. Schnitzer Steel


Schnitzer Steel is a corporate investor based in Portland, Oregon, founded in 1906. The company operates Radius Recycling, which emphasizes sustainability and the circular economy by providing Third Party Recycling and Vehicle Recycling Services. Schnitzer Steel has made several strategic acquisitions in the scrap metal recycling sector, including Columbus Recycling in 2021, Regional Recycling in 2005, and Steel Pacific Recycling in 2010. These acquisitions demonstrate Schnitzer Steel's commitment to expanding its footprint in the recycling industry and enhancing its capabilities in processing scrap metal, making it a key player in the market.


11. Steel Dynamics, Inc

  • Website: steeldynamics.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1993
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: steel-dynamics-inc

Steel Dynamics, Inc. is a leading steel manufacturer and recycler based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, founded in 1993. The company produces a diverse range of steel products, including hot roll and cold roll steel, and plays a crucial role in the metals recycling sector. Notably, Steel Dynamics has made significant investments in scrap metal recycling, including the acquisition of OmniSource Corporation, a prominent scrap recycling company, for over $1 billion in 2007. This acquisition allowed Steel Dynamics to enhance its recycling capabilities and integrate scrap processing into its operations. In 2022, they further expanded their recycling footprint by acquiring ROCA ACERO S.A. de C.V., a Mexican metals recycling company with substantial processing capabilities. These strategic moves underline Steel Dynamics' commitment to sustainable practices and its position as a key player in the scrap metal recycling industry, serving customers in construction and manufacturing sectors who rely on high-quality steel solutions.


12. Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator


The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2011, dedicated to fostering an inclusive green economy by supporting cleantech startups through various programs, including business acceleration and funding opportunities. LACI has been involved in several transactions that highlight its commitment to the recycling sector, particularly through investments in companies like Lasso Loop Recycling, which raised $50,000 in a Pre-Seed round in May 2023, and Homeboy Recycling, which secured funding in a Seed round in November 2013. These investments reflect LACI's focus on sustainable practices and technologies, making it a relevant player in the recycling industry, including scrap metal recycling.


13. Reliance, Inc.

  • Website: reliance.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Scottsdale, Arizona, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1939
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: reliance-rs

Reliance, Inc. is a corporate investor based in Scottsdale, Arizona, founded in 1939. The company is a metal solutions provider that specializes in a diverse range of metal products and processing services, catering to various industries including aerospace and automotive. Reliance operates through a network of subsidiaries, ensuring efficient distribution and customer service. Notably, Reliance has made significant acquisitions in the metal industry, including Metals USA in 2013 for $772 million, Admiral Metals in 2021, and Sunbelt Steel Texas in 2012. These transactions indicate a strong presence in the metal sector, which encompasses scrap metal recycling activities. Their recent acquisition of American Alloy Steel further emphasizes their commitment to expanding their footprint in the metal distribution and processing market, which is closely related to scrap metal recycling.


14. LyondellBasell

  • Website: lyondellbasell.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: lyondell-basell

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. is a corporate investor based in Houston, Texas, specializing in the production of basic chemicals and polymers for various industries, including automotive and packaging. Founded in 2007, the company has a strong commitment to advancing sustainable technologies. In recent transactions, LyondellBasell has acquired a 50% stake in Stiphout Industries, a Dutch plastics recycler, and a 50% stake in De Paauw Sustainable Resources, indicating their interest in sustainable resource management. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for companies like Pryme N.V., which focuses on reducing plastic waste through innovative processes. These activities reflect LyondellBasell's strategic direction towards sustainability, although their primary operations do not center on scrap metal recycling.


15. Fifth Wall

  • Website: fifthwall.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: fifth-wall-ventures

Fifth Wall is a venture capital firm based in New York, specializing in technology investments for the real estate industry. Founded in 2016, the firm focuses on funding innovative technology companies that tackle critical issues such as climate change and infrastructure challenges. Notably, Fifth Wall has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Cyclic Materials, which is an advanced metals recycling company, raising over $52 million in Series B funding in 2024 and $27 million in Series A funding in 2023. They also led a $20 million Series D extension round for RoadRunner Recycling, a company dedicated to enhancing recycling processes through technology. These transactions highlight Fifth Wall's commitment to supporting advancements in the recycling sector, particularly in the context of scrap metal recycling.


16. Ryerson

  • Website: ryerson.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1842
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: ryerson

Joseph T. Ryerson & Son, Inc. is a metal processing and distribution company based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 1842. The company serves various industries, including transportation and industrial automation, by offering a wide range of metal products and processing services. Ryerson has been active in expanding its capabilities through acquisitions, including Guy Metals, Inc., which enhances their processing capabilities in stainless steel; Fay Industries, Inc., which aligns with their strategy to expand service offerings; and Specialty Metals Processing, a toll processor that focuses on stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, and nickel alloy products. These transactions highlight Ryerson's commitment to enhancing its value-added processing capabilities, which is relevant to the scrap metal recycling industry.


17. The Carlyle Group

  • Website: carlyle.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1987
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: the-carlyle-group

The Carlyle Group Inc. is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1987, specializing in private equity, real assets, and private credit. With a global presence and a focus on providing tailored investment solutions to institutional investors, Carlyle aims to drive long-term value. Notably, they have made significant investments in the waste management sector, including the acquisition of Waste Services Group in December 2024, which enhances their portfolio in waste disposal and recycling. Additionally, their investment in The City Bin Company, a waste disposal operator, reflects their commitment to expanding in this area. Furthermore, their acquisition of Traxys S.A. in 2014, a company involved in the metals and minerals sector, aligns with interests that could encompass scrap metal recycling. These transactions highlight Carlyle's strategic positioning in industries related to waste management and materials, making them a noteworthy player in the context of scrap metal recycling.


18. Closed Loop Foundation


Closed Loop Foundation is an investment firm based in New York, founded in 2014, that focuses on advancing the circular economy through venture capital, growth equity, and buyout strategies. They aim to support companies innovating in sustainability and reducing waste. Notable transactions include a $9.9 million venture round for Eureka Recycling, which specializes in recycling services, and a $2 million debt financing for First Star Recycling, a company involved in scrap metal recycling. Additionally, they have invested in GreenMantra Technologies, which develops technologies for recycling plastics, and Lakeshore Recycling Systems, further emphasizing their commitment to the recycling industry. These investments highlight their active role in promoting recycling initiatives, including those relevant to scrap metal.



Scrap Metal Recycling Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
Waste ConnectionPortland, Oregon, United States (USA)11-5019970
FJ LabsNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-502015169
Breakthrough EnergyKirkland, Washington, United States (USA)51-200201538
Closed Loop PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-5020148
Orion Resource Partners (USA) LPNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-20020043
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
IFC - International Finance CorporationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-50001956107
Schnitzer SteelPortland, Oregon, United States (USA)1001-500019060
Steel Dynamics, IncFort Wayne, Indiana, United States (USA)10001+19931
Los Angeles Cleantech IncubatorLos Angeles, California, United States (USA)51-20020112
Reliance, Inc.Scottsdale, Arizona, United States (USA)10001+19392
LyondellBasellHouston, Texas, United States (USA)10001+20075
Fifth WallNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-200201615
RyersonChicago, Illinois, United States (USA)1001-500018421
The Carlyle GroupWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-5000198725
Closed Loop FoundationNew York, New York, United States (USA)1-1020140


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