Crematorium recycling scheme helps charity

A SCHEME to recycle metallic coffin fixtures and joint replacements at a crematorium has resulted in a large donation for a charity.

In the past it has been standard practice for crematoriums to remove leftover metals from the ashes to bury in the ground.

However, a new national recycling scheme launched by the Institute Of Cemetery And Crematorium Management means that, with the consent of the bereaved, metals from things such as artificial hips can now be recycled.

This removes unnecessary pollution from the ground while also generating funds for charities.

Having recently introduced the scheme, the North Devon Crematorium in Barnstaple has been able to make a donation of £8,333 to the North Devon Hospice.

Chris Beach, manager of the crematorium in Barnstaple, said: “I’m really pleased that the North Devon Crematorium has been able to nominate North Devon Hospice to benefit from such an innovative scheme.

“It’s great for bereaved families to see how, with their consent, they can really make a difference to the environment and help people in the local community.”

Hospice chief executive Gordon Lester added: “I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to families and friends who have supported this scheme.

“This is a sizeable donation which will have a lasting impact on the lives of our patients and their families and friends.”