BMRA advocates change in metal recycling practice

The British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA) is calling for a strengthened and more focused attach on illegal operators who fail to meet the regulations in the metals industry.

The BMRA recently published a policy paper highlighting this issue entitled “Agenda for Change.” The Agenda outlines various issues in the £5 billion metal recycling industry in the UK, as well as the changes that the BMRA feels are necessary for the government and other regulators to introduce into the industry in the future.

According to the association the “one-size fits-all environmental regulation and the lack of an industry-focused strategy are creating trade barriers and could stifle future development”.

The Agenda suggests the creation of a Recycling Task Force in which the BMRA and the government and industry members can cooperate in developing infrastructure to meet European requirements.

One such requirement is the target to recycle, recover or reuse 95 per cent of the materials which make up end-of-life vehicles. Such materials, and other recoverable metals, are valuable raw material, according to the policy paper, and should not be treated as waste.

Lindsay Millington, director general of the BMRA, said: “Metal recycling is the UK’s biggest recycling sector, and already makes a major contribution to the economy and the country’s environmental performance. Given the right regulatory framework and political support, we can make an even bigger contribution.

“Agenda for Change explains what is holding back progress and what metal recyclers believe are some straightforward solutions. Over the coming months BMRA will be using Agenda for Change to set out the key issues that affect our domestic and international trade and to show MEPs, MPs and officials how a few, simple, policy changes could make a real difference.”