Most Stainless Steel Is Recycled September 23, 2015 Email Many recyclable items have abysmally low rates of being recycled except for steel. According to the International Stainless Steel Forum, 80-90% of stainless steel is recycled. It can be recycled without degradation. On average, about 60% of any stainless steel item you purchaseĀ is made up of recycled materials.