Recycling Today
25 January 2026
Global steel output continues slide in December 2025
Why It Matters for ITAD
Steel is a major component in ITAD recycling streams (e.g., server racks, casings). Reduced steel production signals lower demand for scrap steel, potentially decreasing the value recovered from recycled electronics. This directly impacts ITAD revenue from commodity sales and necessitates cost adjustments.
Producers worldwide made less steel in December 2025 compared with one year earlier and the previous month, according to Worldsteel.
Key Takeaways
- • Anticipate lower scrap steel prices, impacting revenue from recycling IT equipment.
- • Increased pressure to maximize value recovery through other streams like refurbishment or component resale.
- • Highlights the importance of tracking commodity markets for accurate pricing and service cost modeling.
