EXHIBIT 23.1
                                                                    ------------



                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 33-87008, 333-21895, and 333-100511) of Schnitzer
Steel Industries, Inc. of our reports dated October 1, 2003 relating to the
financial statements and financial statement schedule, which appear in this Form
10-K.


PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
- --------------------------



Portland, Oregon
November 24, 2003
- -----------------