Mapping the dynamics shaping the future of steel recycling

Abstract While steel is the most recycled material, it is often downcycled due to the accumulation of unwanted elements. These not only diminish its quality but also represent a resource loss. Previous research has looked into the causes behind the accumulation of tramp elements in the metal and the resource loss stemming from current recycling processes. Nevertheless, these rarely consider the complex interactions between industrial practices, resource flows and system constraints, nor examine time delays in the system. This exploratory study is the first attempt to use Causal Loop Diagrams to bring together and map these interdependencies, incorporating time delays to better understand the accumulation of unwanted elements and its impact on the future of the steel recycling industry. The findings suggest that persisting with current practices risks creating accumulations of overly-contaminated, unusable scrap, thereby jeopardising the future of metal recycling.