Bradford Waste Traders urges UK businesses to scrap responsibly

Photo © Bradford Waste Traders

United Kingdom-based Bradford Waste Traders, a recycling and trading company specializing in scrap metals, is encouraging U.K. businesses to recycle their scrap materials both professionally and legally in light of what the company describes as a rise in illegal scrap metal collections in the region.

The company says it is working to help the European Union reach a 90 recycling rate target for all ferrous metal by 2030. As such, Bradford Waste Traders says it is vital for local businesses to ensure they are recycling their possessions with legitimate scrap collectors, thereby reaping all environmental benefits while also supporting local businesses.

A spokesperson for the company observes, “It is so important to ensure the collector you are working with is qualified and has the correct license to collect scrap metal. This means that everything is legal and you know your scrap metal is recycled sufficiently and effectively.”

The U.K. implemented the Scrap Metal Dealers Act in 2013 and created a regulatory regime for scrap metal recycling industries across the nation. In a bid to clamp down on illegitimate collectors, U.K. magistrates are now able to fine illegal scrap collectors up to £5000 for dealers who trade in cash, Bradford Waste Traders points out in a press release issued by the company.

“With the tighter regulations on scrap metal collecting, hopefully this will lead to a decrease in businesses using traders without a license and make it clear what is expected from waste traders," the Bradford spokesperson says.

For more than a decade, Bradford Waste Traders has used its authorised vehicle treatment facility centre (AFT) and other specialised equipment to remain complaint with best practise disposal. The company says it treats, depollutes, destroys and disposes of old vehicles and other scrap metal in an environmentally sound manner. Bradford points out this may not be the case with illegitimate scrap metal collectors and that, often, smaller waste collectors lose income to unlicensed traders.

The environmental benefits of using recycled metals include a reduction of 86% in air pollution, 40% in water use and 76% in water pollution, according to the company.