Recycling Basics in Arc Raiders

Recycling breaks items you do not need into raw crafting materials. Yields vary item by item, not by rarity, so check the outputs before you scrap anything.

Published 28 March 2026. Updated 4 October 2026.

What is Recycling

Recycling in Arc Raiders lets you break down items you do not need into raw crafting materials. Recycling happens in Speranza, and every recyclable item breaks into a fixed set of materials. This system turns your unwanted raid loot into the building blocks for better gear and upgrades. Understanding recycling early gives you a massive head start on progression.

Which Items Can Be Recycled

Most weapons, shields, tools, and certain consumables can be recycled. Quest items are generally not recyclable until the associated quest is complete. Check the recycling icon on each item in your inventory to confirm whether it can be processed. The Arc Raiders AI database shows recycling outputs for every item with a confirmed chain.

How Rarity Affects Recycling Output

Rarity does not decide how much an item recycles into: some common items yield more material units than rare ones, and some common items yield rare materials. Check each item's recycling output before you scrap or sell it.

Before You Recycle

Check what an item breaks into before you recycle it: the recycling explorer lists the outputs for every item with a confirmed recycling chain. Recycle at home rather than Topside, where breaking an item down salvages it for fewer materials.

Common Recycling Mistakes

New players often recycle items they will need later for quests or crafting recipes. Before recycling anything, check if it appears in an active quest requirement or an upcoming crafting recipe. Another common mistake, when you need coins, is recycling items that sell to a vendor for more than their parts do. Check its vendor value on the keep or sell page before committing.

Building a Recycling Routine

After each raid, sort your loot into three piles: keep for use, recycle for materials, and sell for currency. Process your recycling pile in batches to get a clear picture of your material gains. This routine ensures you never accumulate junk in storage and always have a steady flow of crafting materials for your next project.