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Calls for export stability, lower energy costs, and improved waste management among key proposals
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.
BMRA CEO James Kelly stressed the industry’s importance in the UK’s sustainability goals, stating:
“Given recycling’s prominence in achieving net zero goals, and metals’ 100% recyclability, the Government needs a strong metals recycling industry. It will benefit the country to move forward and reach its 2050 targets.”
“I am looking forward to laying out BMRA’s lobbying priorities for the UK metals recycling industry, focusing on key asks that enable our industry to operate in the most cost-efficient and sustainable way.”
“Metals recycling’s evidential impact on sustainability and climate is clear – it lowers CO₂ and helps preserve natural habitats by reducing the need for primary extraction and raw materials. BMRA’s calls on the Government are simple and clear: strongly consider the UK metals recycling industry’s impact to your own ambitions.”
The UK produces 11.5 million tonnes of scrap metal annually, of which 70–80% is exported. Even if UK steelmakers utilised 100% of their required scrap (estimated to reach 60% of total arisings), there would still be a surplus of 4 million tonnes available for export.
Metal recyclers face costs of £300–400 per tonne for hazardous material disposal, yet the volume of such materials continues to rise.
Over 1,200 waste industry fires are linked to lithium-ion batteries, highlighting the need for accessible disposal options.
Lowering electricity costs across the metals value chain would help accelerate the transition to Electric Arc Furnaces, which can run entirely on scrap steel. Switching from a diesel-powered baler to an electric alternative alone can cut CO₂ emissions by 49%.
Integrating sustainability into public sector procurement would support the green economy and help achieve net zero targets. Using one tonne of recycled steel in procurement projects could prevent 1.5 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
A flat-rate deposit return scheme could lead to the production of an additional 826 million plastic bottles, as it incentivises plastic use over steel and aluminium cans.
To access An Agenda for Change, visit: www.recyclemetals.org/agenda-for-change.