Recycling of Metals Following a Cremation
We've raised and donated tens of thousands of pounds to charity by recycling metals that remain after a cremation.
In order for metals to be recycled, people who have lost loved ones need to give permission for the recycling of all metals that remain following a cremation. Where permission is not granted, the metal is returned to the family within the ashes following the cremation.
Under the conditions of participation, the council is required to donate the money raised to locally based death-related charities (see table below) and receives no commercial gain from participating in this scheme.
| Date of Donation | Recipient | Amount Donated |
|---|---|---|
| February 2024 | Stafford and District Bereavement and Loss Support Service | £14,000 |
| September 2022 | Windmills Charity (Acute Bereavement Support for Children and Young People in Staffordshire) |
£12,000 |
| February 2022 | Stafford Samaritans | £15,000 |
| July 2021 | A Child of Mine | £10,000 |
| December 2020 | Stafford and District Bereavement and Loss Support Service | £10,000 |
| March 2020 | Postponed (Covid-19) | - |
| November 2019 | Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide | £8,000 |
| July 2019 | Fountains Counselling Service | £8,000 |
| March 2018 | The Moira Fund | £5,000 |
| June 2018 | A Child of Mine | £5,000 |
| October 2017 | Donna Louise Trust | £5,000 |
| March 2017 | Douglas McMillan Hospice (DougieMac) | £5,000 |
| September 2016 | Katharine House Hospice | £4,337 |
| March 2016 | Stafford and District Bereavement and Loss Support Service | £4,445 |
| November 2015 | Donna Louise Trust | £4,321 |
| September 2014 | Katharine House Hospice | £3,333 |
| March 2014 | A Child of Mine | £4,412 |
| August 2013 | Stafford and District Bereavement and Loss Support Service | £3,400 |
For many years it was standard practice all over the UK for metals remaining following a cremation to be collected and respectfully buried in the grounds of crematoria and cemeteries.
We don't do this anymore as it introduces metals into the ground that will remain there forever and doing this also used up valuable space.
Primarily used for implants, such metals that remain after a cremation include special medical grade stainless steel, titanium and cobalt chrome all produced from non-renewable resources.
For a number of years now it has been possible to recycle these metals and in August 2013 the Council joined the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management's Metal Recycling Scheme.
This arrangement ensures all metals following cremation are properly collected and recycled at no cost. This is completed in conjunction with OrthoMetals; a company based in Holland which has been providing this service through the Dutch Cremation Federation for many years.
Our unreserved thanks are extended to those bereaved families who have given permission and made this scheme such a success. It's our hope that they take comfort in the knowledge that their loss is helping fund a charity dedicated to making life easier for others who have suffered bereavement.
We would like to know of any bereavement related charities based in Stafford Borough that we could consider for future donations as part of this worthwhile scheme.
Please email bereavementservices@staffordbc.gov.uk or call 01785 242594