Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) has this week become the latest charity to benefit from the proceeds of recovering and recycling metals from cremations.
Perth and Kinross Council support the ICCM (Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management) Metals Recycling Scheme where, with informed consent from families, metals recovered from cremation are recycled responsibly. The metals include orthopaedic implants mainly fabricated using stainless steel and titanium alloys as well as coffin staples and nails.
The independently run and audited scheme prevents valuable reusable materials from going to landfill and reduces the amount of new metal ores needing to be mined.
ICCM members are asked twice a year to nominate charities to receive an equal share of the money raised from the combined sale of metals recovered from over 160 crematoriums nationwide. As of 2024, over £23 million had been donated to charities around the UK through the scheme.
In Perth and Kinross, the Council has previously donated to a range of charities including Macmillan Cancer Support and Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA).
A cheque for £17,000 was presented to CHAS Community Fundraiser Alison Rennie by the Vice-Convener of the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee Councillor Liz Barrett, and the Vice-Convener of the Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee, Councillor Sheila McCole.
Councillor Barrett said: "This unique scheme promotes sustainability through reuse of materials, supports important local causes, and provides Perth Crematorium, and the Council, with a meaningful way to give back."
Councillor McCole added: "Our greatest thanks go to the bereaved families, as without their valued consent this initiative would not be possible. At what is a difficult time for them, their support helps us contribute to making a difference for community life."
CHAS Community Fundraiser Alison Rennie said: "We are very grateful to receive this generous donation from £17,000 from Perth and Kinross Council as part of the ICCM Metals Recycling Scheme and would like to thank everyone involved. It comes at a poignant time as CHAS recently launched its More Than A Hospice Appeal which aims to raise £20 million to dramatically refurbish Rachel House in Kinross, improve our other hospice, Robin House in Balloch and help transform palliative care across Scotland. The donation will make a real difference in helping CHAS continue its work supporting children with life-shortening conditions and their families."
Further information about the ICCM Metals Recycling Scheme is available from the ICCM website.
