ICCM Metals Recycling  
Scheme

ICCM Metals Recycling Scheme

Each year, many choose cremation as a respectful option after death. With the informed consent of families, metals recovered after cremation are recycled responsibly through our partnership with OrthoMetals.

The metals include orthopaedic implants mainly fabricated using stainless steel and titanium alloys, as well as coffin staples, and nails.   This independently run, audited scheme recycles metals that might otherwise have ended up in landfill and reduces the amount of new metal ores that need to be mined.  Twice a year, our members are asked to nominate charities to receive an equal share of the money raised from the combined sale of metals recovered from over 160 crematoriums nationwide.

Pacemakers can also be collected and recycled from yourlocal funeral director to assist them with their own recycling of material Twice a year, our members are asked to nominate charities toreceive an equal share of the money raised from the combined sale of metalsrecovered from over 160 crematoriums nationwide.

This unique scheme ensures sustainability, supports important causes, and provides crematoriums with a meaningful way to give back.                  

Who Benefits?
Thanks to the collective efforts of participating crematoriums, by 2024 over £23 million had been raised through the scheme in partnership with OrthoMetals. This money, donated to UK charities makes a real difference.                      

ICCM Metals Recycling Update

17,000.00

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council

Council Donates £17,000 to Local Support Charities Two local charities have received a significant boost to support vital grief‑counselling services for people coping with the loss of a loved one. Fresh Minds Education and Cruse Bereavement Support will share a generous £17,000 donation, helping them continue their essential work within the community. This contribution has been made possible through Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s participation in the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management’s (ICCM) National Recycling of Metals Scheme. Since the Crematorium opened in June 2023, this marks the sixth major donation awarded to local charities, bringing the total amount donated through the scheme to an impressive £65,100. The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, presented the cheque to Kirsty Cherry, Fundraising and Partnership Lead, Fresh Minds Education, and Elaine Brannigan, Senior Development Officer, Cruse Bereavement Support at a special reception held at Antrim and Newtownabbey Crematorium. Speaking at the event, Councillor Kirkpatrick said, “ Both of these organisations carry out remarkable work. Society often expects people to simply ‘move on’ after losing someone they love, but grief is not something that can be rushed. Our communities rely on charities like Fresh Minds Education and Cruse to help people cope with the profound pain of loss. I am delighted that this donation will support their continued efforts, ensuring that anyone facing grief knows that compassionate help is available.” Both organisations play an essential role in supporting bereaved individuals and families. Fresh Minds Education focuses on helping children, young people and their families navigate grief, while Cruse Bereavement Support offers specialist counselling and guidance for anyone experiencing loss.

17,000.00

Eastbourne Council

Eastbourne Borough Council has donated £17,000 to the charity from money raised by taking part in the national metal recycling scheme. The money will help the Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team continue to provide life saving support to people in crisis, offering rapid-response patrols across the clifftop area and compassionate intervention for those in need. This contribution brings the total amount Eastbourne Borough Council has donated to local bereavement and life-saving charities to more than £176,000 since joining the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) recycling scheme. Councillor Candy Vaughan, Cabinet Member for Communities and Accessibility, said: “We are very grateful for the life saving work that is carried out by the Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team, and I am delighted we are supporting them through this scheme.