U.S. Recycled and Upcycled Building Materials Market size to reach USD 212 Billion by 2034
Published Date: September 2025
Selbyville, DE. - The U.S. recycled and upcycled building materials market was estimated at USD 97.2 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow from USD 104.5 billion in 2025 to USD 212 billion by 2034 at a CAGR of 8.2%, according to the latest report published by Global Market Insights Inc.
In the United States, federal, state, and even municipal governments are actively strengthening sustainability mandates within the construction sector. These regulations are designed to reduce the environmental impact of buildings by promoting the use of eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and resource-conscious materials.
Key Insights:
Market Size & Growth:
- 2024 Market Size: USD 97.2 billion
- 2025 Market Size: USD 104.5 billion
- 2034 Forecast Market Size: USD 212 billion
- CAGR (2025–2034): 8.2%
Regional Insights:
- Largest Market: West Region
- Fastest Growing Market: Southwest Region
- Emerging States: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont
Key Growth Drivers:
- Growing demand for circular economy practices: Architects, builders, and developers are aligning with circular economy principles, which prioritize reuse, repurposing, and material recovery, driving interest in upcycled and recycled construction inputs.
- Cost-effectiveness and waste diversion benefits: Recycled materials can be more cost-effective than virgin materials, particularly in high-volume construction projects.
- Innovation in material processing and design: Advancements in processing technology allow for higher-quality recycled materials, such as composites, reclaimed wood, recycled concrete, and repurposed metals, that meet performance and safety standards.
- Corporate ESG commitments and public image: Construction and real estate firms are under pressure to meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.
- Urban redevelopment and deconstruction trends: The rise in urban revitalization and deconstruction projects is increasing the availability of salvageable materials.
Key Players:
- Holcim US Inc. led the market with over 10.1% share in 2024.
- Some of the top players in this market include Holcim US Inc., Trex Company, CEMEX USA, Heidelberg Materials North America, Owens Corning, which together held a 46.8% share in 2024.
Key Challenges
- Inconsistent quality and performance standards: Recycled and upcycled materials can vary in durability, structural integrity, and appearance, making it difficult to meet uniform building codes or gain acceptance in large-scale commercial projects.
- Limited supply chain infrastructure: There is a lack of established, large-scale collection, processing, and distribution systems for many recycled materials, which affects availability, pricing, and delivery timelines across regions.
- High processing and certification costs: Turning reclaimed or waste materials into construction-grade products often requires advanced processing, quality testing, and third-party certification, raising costs and discouraging small manufacturers.
- Perception issues among builders and buyers: Many contractors, architects, and end users still perceive recycled materials as lower in quality or aesthetically inferior to virgin alternatives, creating hesitation in adoption, especially for premium builds.
- Complex regulations and approval delays: Navigating different state and local codes for approval of non-traditional materials can be time-consuming and inconsistent, slowing down project timelines and adding compliance hurdles.
Browse key industry insights spread across 210 pages with 150 market data tables and figures from the report, “U.S. Recycled and Upcycled Building Materials Market Size - By Material Type, Application, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034” in detail, along with the table of contents:
https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/us-recycled-and-upcycled-building-materials-market
Rising use of recycled concrete aggregates
The recycled concrete aggregates segment gained strong traction in 2024 as builders look for cost-effective and eco-conscious alternatives to traditional raw materials. Recycled aggregates, sourced from demolition waste and surplus construction materials, are being widely used in foundations, road bases, and backfill applications. Their ability to reduce landfill burden and lower the demand for virgin aggregates makes them a sustainable solution for urban infrastructure projects. In addition, advancements in crushing and sorting technologies are improving the consistency and strength performance of recycled concrete, bringing it closer to conventional material standards.
Structural Applications to Gain Traction
The structural applications segment held a sustainable share in 2024, driven by certified commercial and residential developments. These applications include load-bearing walls, beams, slabs, and framing components, where performance and compliance are non-negotiable. Innovations in engineered recycled products, such as composite lumber and recycled steel, are helping meet both structural and sustainability requirements.
West Region to Emerge as a Propelling Region
The West region recycled and upcycled building materials market is poised to grow at a robust rate in 2024, driven by progressive environmental policies and strong green building momentum. High rates of urban development, coupled with strict waste diversion targets and sustainability mandates, are fueling the demand for eco-friendly construction inputs. Cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles have implemented ordinances that promote the use of reclaimed and recycled materials in both public and private projects.
Major players in the U.S. recycled and upcycled building materials market are Owens Corning, Trex Company, CEMEX USA, Holcim US Inc., and Heidelberg Materials North America.
To strengthen their foothold in the recycled and upcycled building materials market, companies are adopting multifaceted strategies focused on innovation, partnerships, and regional expansion. Leading firms are investing in advanced recycling technologies to improve the quality and scalability of their product lines, ensuring they meet evolving building codes and performance standards. Strategic collaborations with demolition contractors, material recovery facilities, and green architects are enabling better material sourcing and project integration.





