News : Roundswell & Sticklepath

National charities and the environment are to benefit from a new recycling scheme at North Devon’s Crematorium.

The Crematorium is joining a national scheme to recycle waste metals, following guidance from the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM).

From 1st September 2008, with the consent of the bereaved families, any waste metals that remain after cremation will be sent for recycling.

Any money raised by recycling these metals will be donated to a range of bereavement related charities such as the Heart Foundation and Cancer Research.

The metals involved include implants such as joint replacements, and the metal components of coffins. Until recently these waste metals have been removed from the ashes and buried in the grounds of the Crematorium, a practise that has a negative effect on the environment.

The North Devon Crematorium Joint Committee, run by North Devon and Torridge District Councils, recently approved the recycling scheme, which has already been running in parts of Europe for a number of years.

Cllr Peter Christie, Chairman of the Joint Committee says: “The committee running the Crematorium discussed this at great length and unanimously agreed that this was the right way to go. Burying left-over metals is not environmentally sound especially where their recycling can help living people”

Vice-Chairman, Cllr Des Brailey says: “Although a sensitive subject, the benefits of this scheme cannot be ignored. We hope you agree that it not only protects the environment but provides potential benefits for the living by raising money for charity”.

From September cremation paperwork will include a consent form seeking permission to recycle the metals. If family members do not want the metals to be recycled, then they can be returned to the family, or left in the cremated remains. Soft and precious metals melt during the cremation process and cannot be recovered so it is recommended that all jewellery be removed prior to cremation.

Full records of all collections, monies raised and charities that have benefited from the scheme will be available for inspection at the crematorium when the scheme is up and running.

If you would like any further information please contact the North Devon Crematorium on 01271 345431.

For more information contact:

Cllr Peter Christie
Chairman, Joint Crematorium Committee
Torridge District Council
01271 473577
councillor.christie@torridge.gov.uk

Cllr Des Brailey
Vice-Chairman, Joint Crematorium Committee
North Devon Council
01271 388323
david.brailey@northdevon.gov.uk

Graham Bailey
Crematorium Manager
North Devon Crematorium
01271 345431
graham.bailey@northdevon.gov.uk