What Recent Changes Mean for the Metal Recycling Industry

There’s been a lot of movement in Washington lately—especially with the passing of that big, bold bill earlier this month. And while we don’t spend our time arguing policy (we’re a little busy recycling the future over here), we do keep a close eye on decisions that affect how we work—and the communities we work with.

Lately, some of those decisions are pointing in the right direction. After decades of doing the gritty, essential work of metals recycling, it finally feels like our industry is getting some of the recognition and support it deserves.

Here’s what we’re noticing:

A Stronger Spotlight on American Steel and Manufacturing

Support is growing for the industries that keep this country running—steel production, manufacturing, infrastructure, and construction. That’s good news for all of us. It means more consistent demand for recycled materials, fewer supply chain hiccups, and more steady work across the board.

More Incentives to Invest and Grow

There’s been movement toward making it easier for companies to upgrade tools and equipment. And we’re not just talking about giant corporations. Small, family-run yards and local recyclers—like us—stand to benefit, too. 

When reinvestment becomes more possible, we’re able to grow, hire, and serve our communities better.

A Shift Toward Domestic Supply

There’s renewed interest in using American-made goods and materials, and that creates real opportunity for recyclers right here at home. It means more material flowing through local yards instead of shipping across oceans, and less dependence on raw mining when we already have valuable metals being recycled right here in our towns.

What It All Means

Politics aside, it feels like people are finally seeing the value in what recycling centers like Comal Iron & Metals do. And that’s a good thing—for workers, for manufacturers, and for every neighbor who rolls up with a truck bed full of metal knowing it’ll be put to better use.

But the real power behind what we do has always been the community.

So New Braunfels—we see you. Whether you dropped off an old fridge, a busted lawnmower, or a few bags of crushed cans, you’re part of something much bigger. You’re keeping metal in motion, jobs on the map, and waste out of the landfill.

That’s worth backing.

Want to know how long we’ve been doing this kind of work in America?

Spoiler alert: it’s not a new trend. From wartime scrap drives to post-war manufacturing booms, metals recycling has always been part of the American story.

Read our next blog to learn how recycling helped shape U.S. history.