Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT

REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-21895, 333-100511, 333-160996) of Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. of our report dated October 29, 2013 relating to the financial statements, financial statement schedules and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Portland, Oregon

October 29, 2013