The Sustainable Choice For America's Water Infrastructure: Ductile Iron Pipe Made From Recycled Metal

Across the United States, communities are rethinking infrastructure with sustainability at the forefront. As environmental responsibility becomes inseparable from performance and longevity, the materials used in critical water systems matter more than ever. Domestic ductile iron pipe stands out as the industry’s most sustainable and circular solution.

U.S. Pipe ductile iron pipe is proudly manufactured in the United States using a minimum of 90% recycled scrap metal. Much of this material comes from reclaimed automobiles and other end-of-life iron and steel, transforming discarded resources into high-performance water infrastructure. This closed-loop manufacturing process dramatically reduces waste while lowering the environmental impact associated with extracting and processing virgin raw materials.

Compared to plastic alternatives, the sustainability advantage is clear. PVC pipe must be produced from pure, virgin resin to meet AWWA standards and cannot incorporate recycled content. As a result, each new installation depends on freshly manufactured petrochemical materials. Ductile iron pipe reverses this model by conserving natural resources, diverting scrap from landfills, reducing energy consumption, and strengthening domestic recycling markets and U.S. manufacturing jobs.

The sustainability story doesn’t end after installation. After decades of proven service underground, ductile iron pipe can be fully reclaimed and recycled—again and again—into new iron and steel products, including new ductile iron pipe. This perpetual recyclability makes it a future-ready choice for generations to come.

When municipalities, engineers, and contractors choose U.S. Pipe, they’re selecting more than durability. They’re investing in circular sustainability—made from recycled metal, made in America, and made to support a cleaner, more resilient future.