Metals recycling can lead green revolution says BMRA

British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA) represents the £5 billion UK metal recycling sector - a globally competitive industry supplying environmentally-friendly raw material to metals manufacturers. Our 300 members trade and process steel, aluminium, copper and most other ferrous and non ferrous metals; and recycle a wide range of related products, such as end of life vehicles, packaging, batteries, domestic appliances, building materials and electronic goods.

The British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA) has outlined how the sector can work with Government to meet materials recycling and recovery targets and aim for zero waste.

It has set out four areas for creating a “truly green economy”, creating green jobs and reducing bureaucracy.

They are better regulation and enforcement – including proposals on combating metal theft; improved planning provision; guidance and support on technologies to maximise recycling rates; and promoting international trade (see box below for more details).

BMRA launched its Agenda for Change with deputy president Graham Davy saying the £5bn UK metal recycling industry already led the green agenda contributing significantly to reaching EU environmental recycling and recovery targets such as End of Life vehicles and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment).

“With the right policy and legislative framework in place, the metals recycling industry can continue to lead the way in developing materials recycling and recovery, he said.

Speaking at the launch, chairman of the House of Commons’ Business, Innovation and Skills select committee Adrian Bailey MP said: “BMRA’s Agenda for Change is a valuable opportunity to take note of the important role metals recycling plays in protecting the environment and to hear how industry and Government can work together to ensure our key environmental objectives of reducing waste and cutting carbon emissions are met.”