Global steel demand boosts price for recycled cans

The value of steel cans in the UK waste stream has reached a potential of 40 million, according to Corus

From today, Corus has said it will pay 90 per tonne for cans delivered to one of its 14 CanRoute collection centres across the UK.

The 30 per tonne increase in steel cans has come on the back of world metal prices that have again reached record levels because of demand from countries including China.

Corus said today that 2005 was a record year for its CanRoute centres, with 36,341 tonnes of steel recovered – a 45% increase on 2004.

John May, manager at Corus, said the increase last year had come because a greater number of local authorities are now collecting steel through their kerbside recycling schemes. He added that there was also an increasing awareness among householders of the need to recycle their waste.

Value
Mr May said: “With local authorities and other collectors now entitled to 90 per tonne for steel cans delivered to CanRoute collection centres, the total value of steel cans in the domestic waste stream is now well over 40 million per annum. CanRoute continues to play a vital role in helping to ensure that the UK hits its 54% target for steel packaging recycling in 2008.”

The CanRoute system was launched by Corus in June 1999 specifically to increase the collection of steel packaging, and provides a network of regional centres to which steel packaging can be delivered.

Local authorities and other collectors benefit from being able to deliver their cans to a convenient location, reducing the delivery distance and transport costs as well as the need for additional storage areas locally. Collectors also benefit from prompt payment for their steel cans, Corus said.