Industry Leaders Urge Policy Reforms to Boost Sustainability and Economic Growth
The British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA), representing the UK metals recycling industry, is calling on the Government to introduce measures that make it easier for businesses to operate and expand. With a strong track record in sustainability, the sector plays a crucial role in the UK’s journey to net zero by 2050.
A Roadmap for Change
BMRA has outlined key requests in its newly released Agenda for Change, aimed at Government Ministers. These policy recommendations focus on ensuring fair trade, improving site safety, and strengthening the industry’s contribution to environmental goals. The document was recently presented to MPs at a parliamentary dinner, highlighting the urgent need for reforms.
Among the primary concerns raised, BMRA is urging the Government to:
- Ensure free and fair trade by avoiding export restrictions on scrap metal, allowing the UK steel industry to source necessary materials while maintaining global trade relationships.
- Expand hazardous waste treatment facilities and promote eco-friendly product design to eliminate harmful substances at the source.
- Include metal recycling in the British Industry Supercharger scheme, ensuring recyclers benefit from lower energy costs and improved collaboration with steelmakers.
- Implement kerbside battery and WEEE collections to reduce the risk of fires caused by improperly disposed lithium-ion batteries at waste sites.
- Mandate minimum recycled content in public sector infrastructure projects to drive demand for sustainable materials.
- Introduce a variable-rate deposit return scheme that encourages the use of fully recyclable metals over plastics.
Recycling’s Critical Role in Sustainability
James Kelly, CEO of BMRA, stressed the importance of government support in helping the industry thrive. “Recycling is at the heart of the UK’s net zero strategy. With metals being 100% recyclable, a strong metals recycling industry is essential for meeting the country’s 2050 targets. We need policies that allow recyclers to operate efficiently and sustainably.”
“Our lobbying efforts focus on ensuring the industry remains competitive while making a real impact on CO₂ reduction and resource conservation. The Government must recognise the crucial role metal recycling plays in achieving national sustainability goals.”
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
The UK metals recycling industry generates 11.5 million tonnes of scrap metal annually, exporting 70-80% of it. Even if UK steelmakers sourced 100% of their scrap metal needs domestically, an estimated 4 million tonnes would still be available for export.
However, the cost of disposing of hazardous materials continues to rise, reaching £300-400 per tonne. With the volume of hazardous materials increasing, investment in treatment infrastructure is urgently needed.
Additionally, lithium-ion battery fires pose a major safety threat, with over 1,200 fires occurring in the waste sector due to improper disposal. BMRA advocates for better battery collection systems to prevent further incidents.
A Call for Smarter Green Policies
BMRA believes that embedding sustainable practices within public procurement can drive significant change. For example, using one tonne of recycled steel in government projects can prevent 1.5 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
Furthermore, the current flat-rate deposit return scheme disproportionately favours plastic over metal. Without reform, it could lead to the production of an additional 826 million plastic bottles, undermining the UK’s green ambitions.
A Sustainable Future for UK Metals Recycling
BMRA is urging the Government to seize this opportunity to create a more sustainable, cost-effective, and competitive metals recycling sector. By implementing the proposed changes, policymakers can unlock environmental and economic benefits while ensuring the UK remains a global leader in recycling innovation.
