This year (2023) Earth Overshoot Day is today, the 2 August. This is the day in the year that the consumption of the earth’s natural resource by humans exceeds the ability of the earth to regenerate those resources in 12 months.

Or, to put it another way, we currently need 1.7 earths to sustain current human consumption. Nearly 50 years ago this day was December 31*. 

Even more sobering is that the UK's Earth Overshoot Day is in May: www.overshootday.org/newsroom/country-overshoot-days/

While the UK Government's target of net zero by 2050 seems to already be off target, and there seems to be a cooling towards achieving this at the rate hoped. It does, however, give us in the metals recycling industry pause to consider our role and our contribution to net zero.

The Association was quoted in Chris Skidmore MP led Government Net Zero review early in 2023. The review covers 129 recommendations for how Government can best reap the economic benefits of net zero.

On page 70, in reference to procurement processes the report states that the “British Metals Recycling Association outlined that the UK Government has an opportunity now to put in place strong green procurement policies, especially within national infrastructure projects where the Government could require certain levels of recycled metals to be used.”

On page 72 – in reference to supporting critical net zero technology sectors – we are referenced as saying “the British Metals Recycling Association were confident that the grant application approach would benefit domestic recycling capabilities, advising: The Government should consider the development/implementation of sector-specific grants to support decarbonisation projects thereby creating the first metal recycling industry to be net zero in the world.”

How can metals recycling contribute to net zero?

Metal, unlike some other recyclable materials, is in the enviable position of being endlessly recyclable with no loss of quality. Closed loop recycling systems operate for aluminium metal drinks container enabling them to be back on a shelf in 60 days.  It also offers limitless potential for its future uses. Metal from cars can become reinforcing bars for skyscrapers or metal parts for computers, or any number of components for another car. Metal from mobile phones has been used in Olympic medals.  

This is before you consider that metal recycling protects the environment by reducing the need for mining and the destruction of natural habitat, as well as saving energy and reducing emissions.

But we are not just focusing on what this industry is doing externally, we look to what metal recyclers can do themselves. This is why we have established the BMRA's Carbon Action Committee.

This committee is dedicated to identifying best practice in decarbonisation and will seek economic alternatives for metal recyclers to switch to net zero themselves, capitalising on the already well-established green credentials of metal recycling by enabling the industry as a whole to benefit.

It may take some time for earth to recharge her batteries. Earth Overshoot Day is a stark reminder that there is still much work to be done and we must all play our part. 

www.overshootday.org/ 

 *https://www.overshootday.org/newsroom/past-earth-overshoot-days/