ICCM Metals Recycling Scheme
Each year, many choose cremation as a respectful option after death. With the informed consent of families, metals recovered after cremation are recycled responsibly through our partnership with OrthoMetals. The metals include orthopaedic implants mainly fabricated using stainless steel and titanium alloys, as well as coffin staples, and nails.
This independently run, audited scheme recycles metals that might otherwise have ended up in landfill and reduces the amount of new metal ores that need to be mined.
Twice a year, our members are asked to nominate charities to receive an equal share of the money raised from the combined sale of metals recovered from over 160 crematoriums nationwide. This unique scheme ensures sustainability, supports important causes, and provides crematoriums with a meaningful way to give back.
What Happens to Orthopaedic Implants After Cremation?
Watch the OrthoMetals process in action. (embed video)
An inside look at how orthopaedic metals are ethically and responsibly recycled.
Who Benefits?
Thanks to the collective efforts of participating crematoriums, by 2024 over £20 million had been raised through the scheme in partnership with OrthoMetals. This money, donated to UK charities makes a real difference.
The Harvey Hext Trust and Haycombe Crematorium
The Harvey Hext Trust, a charity that supports bereaved children who have lost their siblings was awarded £12,500 from Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Haycombe Crematorium. The charity provides memory boxes and bears to families and bereavement support professionals to help children keep alive their memories of their brothers and sisters.
Sarah Hext, founder of the Harvey Hext Trust, said: “We were absolutely delighted and extremely grateful to receive this very generous grant from Haycombe Crematorium. The kindness of the families who agree to the Recycling of Metals scheme means we will be able to support bereaved children by offering our bespoke memory boxes to them when they need them most, offering critical emotional and practical support during the most challenging of times. We will also be able to continue our support of bereaved families with Harvey’s Holdalls, giving families a dignified way to transport their child’s belongings home after they have died. Thank you so much.”
Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “The Harvey Hext Trust does amazing work helping children preserve cherished memories of the brothers and sisters they have sadly lost. We are incredibly proud to be part of a scheme that not only contributes to sustainability through recycling but also provides essential financial support to local charities.”
In 2024, a total of £25,600 was donated to charities from Haycombe Crematorium.
Kettering General Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit and Nene Valley Crematorium
Kettering General Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit received £11,600 from Nene Valley Crematorium to provide patients with much-needed critical care and visitors a safe space where they can be sure their family members or friends are receiving the highest level of treatment.
Nick Hayton, from the Northamptonshire Health Charity, said: “This significant contribution will directly support Kettering General Hospital's Intensive Care Unit, helping to enhance the care and treatment of patients. It is a testament to the spirit of community and compassion that exists in our area.”
Councillor Paul Bell said: “This significant contribution will directly support Kettering General Hospital's Intensive Care Unit, helping to enhance the care and treatment of patients.”
Parkinson's UK and Eastbourne Borough Council
Parkinson's UK gives comprehensive support to people with Parkinson's throughout their entire care journey, from diagnosis to end-of-life care, alongside help for their families, carers and loved ones. The charity's bereavement services are particularly valued in helping families navigate the emotional, psychological, and practical challenges following the loss of a relative.
Eastbourne Borough Council awarded the national charity £12,500.
Councillor Colin Swansborough, Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Community Spaces and Planning, said: "We are proud to partner with charities like Parkinson's UK that are doing such vital work in our community to support those facing bereavement or are engaged in life-saving efforts.
"Our participation in this scheme exemplifies the council's dedication to both environmental responsibility and community support."
Kirsty Berrigan, head of community fundraising at Parkinson's UK, said: "We are incredibly grateful to Eastbourne Borough Council for this generous donation. This is a fantastic example of how communities can come together to make a real difference.
"Parkinson's is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, affecting 153,000 people in the UK. It has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety, and there is currently no cure. Thanks to initiatives like the metal recycling scheme and the support we've received from the council, we can continue our work to ensure no one faces Parkinson's alone."
These are just a few of the hundreds of charities whose work is supported through the scheme.
Are you from a Crematorium?
If you're a crematorium operator and not yet part of the ICCM Metals Recycling Scheme, now is the time to join.
By participating, your crematorium can:
- Support local and national charities.
- Reduce environmental impact.
- Fulfil best-practice recommendations for ethical recycling.
Apply to join the scheme today
(Click through to access the application form)
First and Best
The ICCM pioneered this scheme in the UK and remains the only national scheme run by a not-for-profit organisation with all surplus funds going to charity.
Here are three standout examples:
First crematorium to join the scheme: Oxford Crematorium in 2006, setting the standard for others nationwide.
Highest single donation: Over £35,000 donated to a regional hospice in 2023 by one crematorium alone.
Youngest beneficiary: A six-year-old supported by a children's grief charity funded through the scheme.
Together, we lead the way—ethically, sustainably, and compassionately.