Crematorium scheme donates £4,321 to Macmillan Cancer Support 

October 2015

The Recycling of Metals scheme was first launched across the UK in 2005.Money from recycled metal which couldn’t be disposed of in another effective, clean or friendly way, was then awarded to charity.

The success of the scheme in Cheshire East  was revealed last week by Cllr Lesley Smetham, Deputy Chairman of Orbitas, Bereavement Services. Lesley said:  

“Our crematoria in Macclesfield and Crewe have been recycling metals since early 2008.  In the past, metal was removed from the cremated remains and buried within the grounds of the crematorium as the bereaved had never expressed any desire for it to be returned to them. Recycling benefits the environment and 80 per cent of the proceeds goes to bereavement related charities including Macmillan Cancer Support; local hospices and the Heart Foundation. Staff at Orbitas always ask permission of the family before any metal is recycled and we are always happy to discuss this issue and answer any questions that families might have."

Cllr Penny Butterill, Director of Orbitas, Bereavement Services said:

“It’s good to know that something beneficial can come out of what is a very hard time for bereaved families. I hope they are able to take comfort in the scheme and that their consent has added to the donation, which will help greatly towards providing cancer care in the area.”

The Recycling Metals scheme since it began in the UK 10 years ago, the scheme has raised close £1 million for a number of bereavement related charities. Scheme members (the crematoria involved) nominate charities to receive donations.These have included local hospices, MacMillan Cancer Support, Cancer Research, Friends in Bereavement, Cruse, Alzheimers Society and the Samaritans.

For more information on the scheme and what is involved, you can visit the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management website.