Why Structural Steel is One of the Most Recycled Materials on the Planet

At Tresman Steel, we believe that strong buildings and a sustainable future go hand in hand. One of the most important ways we help achieve that balance is through our work with structural steel — a material that not only builds the modern world but also supports it through its exceptional recyclability.

In this blog, we explore why structural steel is one of the most recycled materials on the planet, and how its sustainable nature makes it a powerful tool in reducing environmental impact across the construction industry.

♻️ What Makes Structural Steel So Recyclable?

Structural steel is unique among construction materials. It can be recycled indefinitely without losing any of its strength or performance characteristics. That means the same steel beam used in one structure can be melted down and reused in another — again and again.

Unlike wood or concrete, which degrade or require significant processing before reuse, steel’s durability and versatility make it a natural fit for the circular economy.

🌍 Global Recycling Stats That Matter

• Over 90% of structural steel used in construction today contains recycled content

• In North America alone, more steel is recycled annually than paper, plastic, aluminum, and glass combined

• Steel maintains 100% of its original strength no matter how many times it's recycled

• The average structural steel beam contains between 85%–95% recycled material

These numbers speak for themselves. Steel is not just durable and strong, it’s one of the greenest materials available to the modern builder.

🏗️ How Recycled Steel Impacts Construction

At Tresman Steel, we regularly use recycled and LEED-compliant steel in our fabrication process, which benefits our clients and the environment:

Reduced Raw Material Extraction

Recycling steel reduces the need for mining raw ore, which saves energy and helps preserve natural landscapes and ecosystems.

Lower Carbon Emissions

Producing steel from recycled material uses 75% less energy compared to producing new steel from raw materials, significantly lowering carbon emissions in the process.

Contribution to LEED & Green Building Goals

Using recycled structural steel helps projects earn points toward LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, making buildings more marketable, efficient, and environmentally responsible.

Waste Reduction

Recycling steel helps reduce construction waste, which is one of the largest contributors to landfills globally.

🔩 Steel Recycling in Action: The Tresman Approach

Every project we take on at Tresman Steel is an opportunity to reduce environmental impact. Whether it’s supplying LEED-standard steel for a distribution centre, or contributing to the green footprint of a large-scale industrial facility, we ensure:

• Material traceability and documentation

• Steel sourced with high recycled content

• Efficient fabrication with minimal scrap

• Responsible disposal or reuse of off-cuts and excess material

This commitment isn’t just good for the environment, it’s part of how we build trust and value into every project.

🌱 Stronger Together: Building with a Sustainable Future in Mind

As the construction industry evolves, so does our responsibility to build smarter and greener. Structural steel offers an unmatched combination of performance, recyclability, and environmental value, making it the ideal material for forward-thinking builders.

At Tresman Steel, we’re proud to be part of this movement. Together with our partners and clients, we’re proving that sustainability and strength can, and should, go hand in hand.

Interested in learning how recycled steel can support your next project’s green goals?

Contact our team or visit www.tresmansteel.com for more insights.