Two local organisations have been the recipients of donations from Grimsby Crematorium following the sale of metals, as part of a national recycling scheme.
St Andrew’s Church, Immingham, and Sunflower Children’s Action Group, in Grimsby, received £7,000 each.
The Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) Metals Recycling Scheme at Grimsby Crematorium has been in operation since 2014, collecting recyclable metals such as parts of the coffin and replacement implants or joints following a cremation. Having received permission from the deceased’s relatives beforehand, proceeds from the sale of these metals go into a charity fund, which is donated locally twice a year.
The ICCM is partnered with Orthometals for the scheme, pioneers in the process of recycling metals from cremations, dubbed ‘crecycling’ by those in their circle. Based in the Netherlands, with the environment at the forefront of everything it does, the organisation’s innovative process leaves a mere fraction of the carbon footprint when compared to brand new, raw materials.
Historically, recyclable metals following a cremation would often have been buried or stored on the grounds of a crematorium. This would have taken up much-needed space and the metal would also remain on the land, as it does not decompose.
The current process disposes of the metal safely and allows for cash from the sale to be returned to beneficiaries at local charities. Since the ICCM scheme began in the UK, in 2007, millions of pounds have been donated to bereavement-related charities.
Daniel Intress-Franklin, Deputy Bereavement Services Manager at Grimsby Crematorium, said: “We are very pleased to be able to use the ICCM Metals Recycling Scheme to help support North East Lincolnshire charities. It is an excellent way to dispose of metals from the crematorium through an environmentally friendly system that puts something back into the community.
“We are aware that Sunflower Children’s Action Group children have come up with a wish list of activities they would like to do this year, so we hope that the funds go some way to making their wishes come true.”
Joanne Wright, Sunflower trustee, said on the group’s Facebook page: “This is a fantastic sum that will truly help us to make a difference to local families who have a child contending with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition.
“This cheque is simply fantastic and will sponsor our events through to the end of March. These are exceptionally brave and deserving children and we hope the local community will get behind us and help us to make a difference throughout 2024.”
Reverend Julie Donn, of St Andrew’s Church, said: “The money donated will be used to support families in Immingham, particularly those who have been bereaved.
“This donation will now allow us to set up a dedicated Immingham bereavement support group for all residents. We hope to help people to events to combat isolation, purchase books for children to help with bereavement, and help people to buy items such as memory boxes.”
Councillor Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for environment and transport at North East Lincolnshire Council, added: “We are delighted to be able to hand these sums of money to charities and are pleased that the ICCM scheme is allowing us to put something back into the community.”
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