Sefton Council has received a cheque for £8,808 after taking part in a specialist recycling scheme and all the money will go towards the Mayor’s Charity Fund.
Sefton is one of many authorities across the country that is part of a national cremation scheme which recycles the metal in orthopaedic implants such as replacement hip and knee joints. Unlike gold or silver, the alloys used in orthopaedic implants survive the cremation process.
The metals recycling scheme is administered nationally by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM), and relates to cremations at Southport Crematorium and Thornton Garden of Rest. Combined together, about 3,000 cremations are carried out at both sites each year.
A specialist company, based in Holland, collects the metal, sorts it out and then smelts it which is often used to manufacture new implants with any profits from the scheme distributed to local charities.
Mayor of Sefton, Cllr Stephen Kermode, said: “A cheque this size will go a long way to helping the Mayor’s Charity Fund.
“Every year thousands of pounds is collected through the Fund which helps many of the smaller charitable and voluntary groups that do not have a national profile and sometimes find fund-raising rather difficult.
“The money donated by the ICCM through this important scheme will assist local charities right on our doorstep.”
In Sefton there is a specific consent form dealing with the disposal of metal body implants which forms part of the paperwork that families sign when requesting a cremation.
Cllr John Fairclough, Cabinet Member Locality Services, added: “As there is an opportunity to recycle the metals that remain after a cremation, this will obviously benefit the environment.
“The fact so many families give their consent for us to do this will in turn benefit local charities within the borough.”
If any individuals or businesses wish to make a donation to the current Mayor’s Charity Fund, contact Shaun Pimblett on 0151 934 2062.
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