'Watershed' scrap metal laws come into force

On October 1, new scrap metal recycling legislation - the Scrap Metal Dealers' Act 2013 - came into force, replacing a 1964 Act and being welcomed by both councils and the dealers themselves. The new law hands local authorities enhanced powers to tackle the theft of scrap metal, reports Collect and Recycle (http://www.collectandrecycle.com).

The new legislation means that scrap metal dealers cannot trade without obtaining a licence from their local authority, while the council can also revoke or suspend a licence in the event of the breach of regulations. The new regulations will begin to be enforced by local authorities from December 1, when a full licence with the relevant council will need to be held by traders. But until October 15, firms can apply for a temporary licence covering the interim period, as they await the processing of full applications.

Aluminium and copper recycling specialists have had two pieces of legislation to deal with in the last 12 months that have focused on the elimination of the illegal trade in stolen metal. The first was the Legal Aid and Sentencing of Offenders (LASPO) Act, which was passed last year and banned scrap metal dealers from trading in cash.

The LASPO Act actually created a loophole allowing the continued payment of cash for scrap by itinerant dealers, which many industry observers bemoaned as potentially undermining legitimate trade. With the introduction of the Scrap Metal Dealers' Act 2013, that loophole has now been closed.

Hailing the legislation finally coming into force was the sector's trade body, the British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA), with director General Ian Hetherington hailing it as "a watershed moment for the industry; it’s an opportunity to rid the industry of the 'Steptoe and Son' stereotype once and for all.

"Metals recycling is a British success story; it contributes £5.6 billion to the economy whilst increasing the UK’s share of the global market for recycled metals. The industry has led the way in developing sophisticated materials recycling processes and continues to do so by diverting waste metal away from landfill."

The Act seeks to deter prospective sellers of illegal scrap by requiring dealers to verify and record the identity of anyone that they purchase scrap metal from. Police officers will also face fewer barriers to the entrance and inspection of unlicensed premises, with illegal traders also being subject to stiffer penalties.

There will also be a publicly available register of all UK-licensed scrap dealers, which the Environment Agency will be tasked with maintaining.

Also approving of the new regulations was chair of the Local Government Association's Safer Communities Board, Mehboob Khan, who said that it would assist in tackling the "mindless crime" of metal thefts.

As leading and fully legally compliant specialists in copper and aluminium recycling, Collect and Recycle (http://www.collectandrecycle.com) joins other sector stakeholders in welcoming an Act that promises to clean up our industry, ridding it of the worst rogue traders. Contact us now to find out more about how to get paid for recycling.

Editor’s Note: Collect and Recycle (http://www.collectandrecycle.com) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Defra strikes back over Daily Mail ‘recycling con’ story

Those recycling old computers and other materials with Collect and Recycle (http://www.collectandrecycle.com) may be interested to read of a publicity storm that has brewed over the supposed illegal export and sending to landfill of millions of tonnes of waste, as reported recently by the Daily Mail.

The claims have now been described as “myth” by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), in response to the newspaper’s front page headline on Saturday 6^th April, “Recycling: The Great Con Trick”. The ensuing article claimed that most of the recyclable waste being shipped to countries including India, China and Indonesia was disposed of in landfill after being rejected by reprocessors.

In news that may have alarmed many of those with an interest in services like computer, aluminium, cardboard or copper recycling, the newspaper added that it was ‘compulsory recycling schemes’ set up so that the Waste Framework Directive’s requirements could be met, rather than insufficient landfill space in the UK, that was to blame for the large amount that was disposed abroad.

However, Defra described the allegations as “untrue”, adding that “the vast majority of the millions of tonnes of waste that is legally exported for recycling is dealt with properly and recycled into other products.” In a statement on its website, it described the exporting of household waste from the UK for dumping as “absolutely illegal”, and said that the illegal export of improperly sorted materials was a prosecutable offence.

Defra added that the only materials that could be legally exported were “sorted materials such as metals, paper, card, glass or plastic that can be reused again”. It went on to state that it was presently working on updating the Transfrontier Shipment of Waste Regulations, which make clear the requirements for UK agencies’ enforcement of EU waste shipment regulations.

The statement continued:  “We are clamping down on people illegally exporting waste and giving enforcement agencies the necessary powers to combat illegal activity. Under international law, importing countries will also refuse entry to illegal shipments of waste.”

Adding that the materials recycling trade was a “global market”, the Department also indicated its wish for the growth of the UK’s recycling industry, which would present an “opportunity” to be grasped “with both hands” to the British economy’s benefit.

The Daily Mail’s allegations have also been refuted by those involved in services like aluminium recycling, who have stated that it would make little economic sense for a company to export waste abroad so that it could be buried in landfill.

With services ranging from WEEE disposal to cardboard recycling, here at Collect and Recycle (http://www.collectandrecycle.com), we offer a comprehensive and efficient recycling service that is also fully compliant with the law at all times. We serve a wide range of businesses and organisations across the United Kingdom, and ensure that your waste items are safely, securely and lawfully disposed of and destroyed.

Editor’s Note: Collect and Recycle (http://www.collectandrecycle.com) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Scrap Metal Dealers Bill is now law

Regular readers of the blog of electrical waste recycling firm Collect and Recycle (http://www.collectandrecycle.com) will know that we have been closely following the movements of the Scrap Metal Dealers Bill, from its introduction as a Private Members’ Bill by Conservative backbench MP Richard Ottaway to its recent successful passage through parliament. Now, the bill proposing that local authorities license scrap metal dealers is finally law, having received Royal Assent on 28^th February.

Now the Scrap Metal Dealers Act, the new legislation will come into force from October, and gives councils powers to issue a licence to trade in scrap metal. It also closes a loophole created in the Legal Aid and Sentencing of Offenders (LASPO) Act which allows itinerant traders to continue to pay cash for scrap – which has been criticised by many copper and aluminium recycling industry insiders as potentially undermining trade. The LASPO Act was passed last year, and had otherwise banned scrap dealers from trading in cash.

This makes the latest Act the second piece of legislation within a year to attempt to eliminate the illegal trade in stolen metal within the aluminium and copper recycling industry. The powers that have been given to local councils also extend to the revocation or suspension of licences, while the Environment Agency will have responsibility for the maintenance of a publicly available register of all the UK’s licensed scrap dealers. The production of photographic proof of identity at the point of sale of scrap will also be a legal requirement.

Describing the Scrap Metal Dealers Bill’s passage into law as “a milestone in bringing licensing up to date and in tackling metal theft”, Ian Hetherington, director general of the British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA), said that the new Act’s autumn implementation would “eradicate some of the issues brought about by the introduction of the LASPO Act late last year and will help to close down traders who operate on the wrong side of the law.

“We now have six months in which to work with local authorities, the Environment Agency, the police and members to make sure that everyone has the tools in place to follow and enforce the new rules as quickly as possible.”

The Local Government Association (LGA), the body representing councils, also hailed the new Act, with Councillor Mehboob Khan, chairman of the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, stating that “councils have long been clear that we need a comprehensive and modern system for running the metal recycling industry, with a proper licensing system to hold scrapyards to account.”

He added that the body welcomed the chance of “working with the Home Office and councils to make sure the system is up and running as quickly as possible.”

Here at scrap metal recycling specialists Collect and Recycle (http://www.collectandrecycle.com), we too welcome the Scrap Metal Dealers Bill’s final passage into law. We take pride in ensuring that at all times, our own services are not just convenient to all involved, but also fully compliant with current legislation.

Editor’s Note: Collect and Recycle (http://www.collectandrecycle.com) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

MRF Code of Practice launched

The 1^st February 2013 saw the long-awaited launch of the Code of Practice for material recycling facilities (MRFs) by resource minister Lord de Mauley. The event in Southwark also saw the unveiling of a Quality Action Plan, in news that will interest many of those who have used computer recycling specialists like Collect and Recycle (http://www.collectandrecycle.com).

As a result of the Code of Practice, presently in draft form, all MRFs of a certain minimum size will need to measure the quality of their inputs and outputs. Users of services like aluminium recycling would then be able to see the results, whether they are local councils or others responsible for supplying material to the MRFs, or organisations that purchase the recycling material.

The mandatory code has arisen from an initiative developed by the trade association for the UK's waste management sector, the Environmental Services Association (ESA). Although it is anticipated that businesses involved in affected areas like computer disposal will spend around £13 million implementing the MRF code and quality action plan, the Government has anticipated that the resulting higher material revenue and reduction in landfill costs will bring them a net saving of £31 million. Greenhouse gas emissions will also be reduced.

Lord de Mauley commented at the official launch event of the "strong business and environmental case for driving up quality", adding that “it is in all our interests to obtain the maximum economic value from our recyclates, whatever the material. The right levels of quality unlock and deliver value to the whole supply chain. Get the quality right, and this consultation will help do that, I hope, and manufacturers that use recyclates will want access to greater quantities."

The minister said that while "there has been a quiet revolution in the volume of cycling collected, processed and traded ... quality is perhaps as important". He praised WRAP for supporting the MRF code and the ESA and its members for their early input in its development. Although the minster seemed to give out mixed messages on the code's mandatory aspects in a question and answer session, it is understood that the code is mandatory and the accompanying Quality Action Plan is more voluntary in nature.

Delivery of the MRF code will take place through alterations to the Environmental Permitting Regulations (England and Wales) which would be in force by April 6 2014. Consultations opened today on the proposals, with April 26 the deadline for responses. The regulations will apply to all permitted MRFs that process over 1,000 tonnes of dry recyclate per annum.

As leading specialists in electrical waste recycling, Collect and Recycle (http://www.collectandrecycle.com) welcomes moves to better regulate our industry to the benefit of all parties. We remain abreast of the latest amendments to the law in our provision of fridge recycling and similar services, ensuring that customers benefit from a service that is entirely legal as well as affordable, practical and reliable.

Editor’s Note: Collect and Recycle (http://www.collectandrecycle.com) is represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Please direct all press queries to Louise Byrne. Email: louise@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Scrap Metal Dealers Bill passes successfully through Parliament

Proposed legislation for the licensing of scrap metal dealers by local authorities, which also closes a loophole that means that itinerant scrap metal traders can continue trading with cash, has received final approval in Parliament. The news will interest many clients of Collect and Recycle’s (http://www.collectandrecycle.com) scrap metal recycling services.

The Scrap Metal Dealers Bill completed its third reading in the House of Lords earlier this week, and now awaits Royal Assent. The Lords had their final chance to make alterations to the Bill in this third reading, but chose not to make any amendments. With agreement on the Bill’s text therefore having been reached by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, it will be known as the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2012-2013 after receiving Royal Assent.

Although it is not yet known when this will happen, it is thought likely to occur ahead of the summer, with the regulations set in the Act potentially becoming active by the autumn. The Bill’s measures include giving councils the authority to issue, revoke or suspend licences to trade in scrap metal. Meanwhile, the Environment Agency will have responsibility for maintaining a register of all of the UK’s licensed scrap dealers, which will also be publicly available.

Having first been tabled by Conservative backbench MP Richard Ottoway in the form of a Private Members Bill – a type that does not often traditionally make it into the statute book – the Scrap Metal Dealers Bill received sufficient support from the Home Office and opposition MPs to pass through Parliament.

Mr Ottoway commented after the Bill’s third reading in the House of Lords: “Today marks a significant victory for communities throughout the country. For too long they have provided rich feeding grounds for opportunistic thieves who know they can get rid of stolen metals at rogue or negligent scrap yards.

“Metal theft is no petty crime. It hits at the heart of our daily lives – grinding trains to a halt, cutting off power supplies to hospitals and other lifelines, stripping roofs off churches and schools at huge public expense.”

The news about the impending regulatory changes for aluminium and copper recycling was also welcomed by the body representing the UK’s councils, the Local Government Association (LGA). Councillor Mehboob Khan, chairman of the LGA's Safer and Stronger Communities Board, described it as “excellent news for councils up and down the country who have suffered at the hands of unscrupulous metal thieves.”

Meanwhile, the representatives of the UK’s scrap metal recyclers at British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA) also welcomed the Bill’s passage through Parliament, as BMRA director general Ian Hetherington reasserted the importance of the reforms quickly becoming law.

As a fully licensed waste carrier, here at Collect and Recycle (http://www.collectandrecycle.com), we also completely support the anticipated passage of the Bill into law. Customers of our own copper and aluminium recycling services are assured that our practices always remain fully in compliance with the latest legislation.

Editor’s Note: Collect and Recycle (http://www.collectandrecycle.com) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Do you know about the scrap metal recycling cash ban?

Do you know that it’s now against the law for cash payments to be made between scrap metal recycling customers and dealers? As of the 3^rd December last year, there has been a cash ban on scrap metal recycling in a bid to tackle the increasing problem of metal theft in the UK, reports IT, electrical waste and scrap metal recycling providers Collect and Recycle (http://www.collectandrecycle.com/).

Early December 2012 saw an amendment to the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders (LASPO) Act which stipulated that all cash payments for metal recycling at yards would from then on be illegal. The upper limit of fines for breaking this law was also removed for scrap metal dealers, although itinerant scrap metal traders will be able to accept cash payments until the Scrap Metal Dealers Bill, which is currently going through Parliament, becomes law.

British Transport Police deputy chief constable Paul Crowther said: “Despite recent reductions in offending, metal theft remains a serious threat to the infrastructure of Great Britain and we will only make a real difference if we continue to take positive action in conjunction with strengthened legislation. For several years metal thieves and unscrupulous metal recyclers have exploited outdated legislation to make profit from criminal activity. This stops now. Changes to the LASPO Act have outlawed all cash transaction at metal recycling yards across England and Wales and there has been a significant increase in fines for those dealers who abide by the rules. These measures will seriously curtail the market for stolen metal as there will now be a clear audit trail back to those bringing communities into recycling yards and severe sanctions for those who step out of line. The step forward in legislation is welcome and significant, but will not work in isolation. Industry, police and other agencies must continue to work together to enforce the new legislation, support further modernisation of the law and take action against those criminals who continue to target the very infrastructure we have all come to rely upon.”

At Collect & Recycle, we welcome any measure which helps to legitimise all aspects of the recycling industry and remove any rogue elements, organisations or individuals. Our scrap metal recycling service works entirely within the law, incorporating all amendments to legislation as soon as they come into force. What that means for our customers is access to a nationwide scrap metal recycling which is practical, reliable, affordable and entirely within the confines of the law at all times. Our service includes aluminium recycling, copper recycling, mixed metal recycling and more. To find out full details, go to http://www.collectandrecycle.com/.

Editor’s Note: Collect and Recycle (http://www.collectandrecycle.com/) is represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Please direct all press queries to Louise Byrne. Email: louise@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.