Metal recycling brings community, scrap yards together

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 percent recyclable and has an instant value, BMRA says in a news release announcing the initiative. On Global Recycling Day today, The BMRA is asking people to check their sheds, garages and even their kitchens for metals that are no longer being used, take it to a local scrap yard and donate the money to a good cause.

“As part of Global Recycling Day, 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,” BMRA President Susie Burrage says. “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 recognizes that businesses like mine can make a difference to our local community and to the environment,” she adds.

BMRA encourages communities to recycle old bikes, scooters, greenhouses, pots and pans and electronics, such as old phones, tablets, computers, refrigerators and washing machines.

“The metals recycling industry, while being a driver of the circular economy, faces many challenges,” BMRA CEO James Kelly says. “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 too. 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.”

BMRA members who are supporting the initiative include:

Sackers, Great Blakenham, England, invited primary schools from Suffolk to visit its yard and presented to local schools.

Recycled Products Ltd., Chesham, is partnering with Kite Ridge School in High Wycombe to host Marvelous Metals Day.

Great Ellingham, Norfolk-based Mellor Metals is working with Great Ellingham Community Primary School and Rocklands Community Primary School.

Rogers Metal Management, Nuneham Courtney, Oxfordshire, will be supporting local schools and scout groups.

KA Anderson, 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.

Learn more about the regulations when selling scrap metal here.