BMRA Calls on UK Government to Support Metals Recycling Industry

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA), which represents the UK metals recycling sector, is urging the Government to take steps to make it easier for metal recyclers to operate. By fostering industry growth and recognising its vital role in sustainability, BMRA believes metals recycling can significantly contribute to the UK’s target of achieving net zero by 2050.

BMRA has put forward An Agenda for Change to Government Ministers, detailing the crucial measures needed to support the sector. The proposals focus on maintaining fair trade, improving site safety, and ensuring metals recycling plays a key part in the UK’s green transition.

Presented at a parliamentary dinner, the agenda outlines key industry challenges and requests the Government to:

-Protect free and fair trade by avoiding export restrictions on scrap metal, as the UK generates more than enough to supply domestic steelmakers.

-Increase hazardous and POPs waste treatment facilities while promoting eco-design to eliminate harmful substances at the source.

-Allow the metals recycling sector to benefit from the British Industry Supercharger (lower energy rates) and support collaboration between recyclers and steel manufacturers to advance technological innovation.

-Introduce kerbside collection for batteries and small WEEE to minimise fire risks caused by lithium-ion batteries at waste and recycling sites.

-Implement mandatory minimum recycled content requirements for new public sector infrastructure projects.

-Adopt a variable-rate deposit return scheme to encourage the use of fully recyclable metal packaging instead of plastic.

Courtesy: www.businessmole.com