The British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA) has made the guidance on acceptance criteria for bulk UK ferrous scrap available to its members this week.
The guidance sets exclusion criteria for major hazards including closed containers, batteries, munitions and radioactive sources.
The aim of the document is to “help ensure quality and safety throughout the supply chain”, BMRA has said.
Produced in conjunction with the BMRA Board and the metal shredder operator members of its main Legislative Policy Group, the document aims to address the potential for issues to arise with quality and safety of main fragmentiser feed.
Grades
This includes grades such as HMS 1 and 2, 0A, Plate and Girder, 7B as well as the main WEEE grades arriving at metal recycling facilities.
Companies including Chris Allsop Metal Recycling, EMR, HKS Metals, Morecambe Metals, Recycling Lives, Ripley, Robertson Metals Recycling, S Norton, Sackers, Sims Metal Management and Ward have adopted the guidelines.
James Kelly, chief executive of BMRA, said: “These criteria were developed because we identified a potential threat to the UK scrap supply chain posed by poor quality or the inclusion of hazardous items such as lithium ion batteries and cylinders. It is heartening to have this Guidance supported by members and I believe it will help position the UK as one of the best producers of furnace-ready scrap metal.”
Some in the sector see the development of quality standards for the material as part of a broader approach across all materials to improve standards and quality. While the BMRA statement did not comment on whether there might be different pricing structures for material conforming to the new acceptance criteria, there is the possibility that a small price premium could be paid for better quality material, such as for light iron – 5C grade – compared to poorer quality material.
Related Links
BMRA Members – Bulk ferrous scrap guidance
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