Crematorium recycling scheme raises money for local charity

A local charity has benefited from thousands of pounds raised by a recycling scheme at Cambridge Crematorium.

Cambridge City Council recently presented a cheque for £5,000 to Arthur Rank Hospice, which provides support for people living with life-limiting illnesses and their loved ones.

The money was raised through a scheme run by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM). This enables people arranging funerals to give their consent for metals such as those found in orthopaedic implants or in coffins to be recycled following the cremation process.

After consent has been received a specialist company recycles the metal and the ICCM makes a donation to the nominated charity based on its value.

The ICCM’s Recycling of Metals Scheme has raised just under £5million since it began in 2004, with 376 different charities receiving donations.

Cllr Anna Smith, Executive Councillor for Streets and Open Places, said: “This scheme is a wonderful, and moving, example of how even while going through very difficult times people can think of others, to benefit a very deserving local charity. It also reflects the sensitive way in which our Bereavement Services team carry out their work.”