Home » Scrap yards and communities
The British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA), the trade association representing metals recycling and scrap yards, has launched a new campaign to encourage members of the public to support their local scrap yard, while raising funds for local schools, community projects and charities.
Unlike other forms of recycled material, metal is 100% recyclable and has an instant value. The BMRA wants people to check their sheds, garages and even their kitchens for metals that are no longer being used, take them to a local scrap yard and, should they wish, donate the money.
‘The BMRA is launching an initiative called ‘Support your local yard, support your local community’, where our members are teaming up with local schools to promote metal recycling. Not only can schools raise money by collecting all kinds of scrap metal, but the children will learn about recycling metals and its importance to the environment.
‘As the fourth generation to run my family business, I am really proud to be supporting an initiative that recognises that businesses like mine can make a difference to our local community and to the environment.’
SUSIE BURRAGE
President of BMRA and MD of Recycled Products Ltd
From old bikes and scooters to greenhouses, pots and pans, if it’s made of metal, it can be recycled.
Even electronics – known as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) – can be recycled. These include old phones, tablets, computers, fridges, washing machines – the list is endless. Just one tonne of mobile phones contains as much gold as 70 tonnes of gold ore.
‘The metals recycling industry, while being a driver of the circular economy, faces many challenges. Some BMRA members lose business to scrap yards who pay cash for scrap metal, which is illegal. It is also illegal to receive cash for your scrap. These yards are often not environmentally compliant. We want the public and businesses to support yards like our members who are highly regulated and professional. It’s a great way to raise money – be it for yourself or for a cause close to your heart.’
JAMES KELLY
CEO, BMRA
Here are just some of the BMRA members who are supporting the ‘Support your local yard, support your local community’ initiative.
Sackers in Great Blakenham, Ipswich invited primary schools from Suffolk to visit its yard and presented to local schools.
Recycled Products Ltd in Chesham is partnering with Kite Ridge School in High Wycombe to host a ‘Marvellous Metals Day’.
Mellor Metals based in Great Ellingham, Norfolk is working with Great Ellingham Community Primary School and Rocklands Community Primary School.
Rogers Metal Management in Nuneham Courtney, Oxfordshire will be supporting local schools and scout groups.
– KA Anderson in Ripon weighs scrap in to contribute to the Ripon Community Scrap Fund, which raises money for community projects including the town’s Christmas lights and St Wilfrid’s Procession.
You can use the BMRA’s recycler directory here to find a metals recycler in your area. It is best to phone ahead to check that the material you have can be taken and you will need identification and bank details to be paid for your scrap.
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