No one can ignore the ever-increasing numbers of fires faced by metal recyclers but, in the absence of sector-specific data, metals recycling site fires are being drowned out by reports of fires in the wider waste industry.

To raise better awareness of the specific issue of fires on members’ sites, BMRA is urging them to tell the Association when they suffer a fire – no matter how big or small.

“Organisations such as Materials Focus (MF) have done, and continue to do, amazing work around fires in the waste industry. MF’s ‘Recycle Your Electricals’ campaign urging people not to bin WEEE or batteries is first rate – Hypnocat definitely grabs your attention – but more is needed,” said Antonia Grey, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at BMRA.

Much of MF’s data is around waste sites, and in particular bin lorries, which often hits the headlines. This is little wonder because the number of bin lorry fires is certainly attention-grabbing. So, to get the problem in industry recognised, BMRA needs metals recycling site-specific data to prove that it is, indeed, a problem.

“Over the past few years, I have been asking members whom I am aware have had fires about the nuts and bolts of the fire but also about their interactions with the fire and rescue services. I will continue to ask about this because getting a unified approach to fires on metals recycling sites (where appropriate), could be key.”

The data will also shape the work of the Association’s Fire Prevention Committee. Comprising representatives from member companies, the Committee provides strategic advice and guidance on environmental and legislative matters affecting the metals recycling industry.

To make it easier to report their fires, BMRA’s Fire Prevention Committee has created a form for members to complete, which can be accessed via the website:

Fire form


The questions being asked are:

  • Name of Business
  • Cause of fire
  • Type of material(s) involved in the incident
  • Volume of material involved in the incident (T/KG)
  • Duration of the fire (hours)
  • Did the fire service attend?
  • Did the fire service work with the site?
  • Had the fire service visited the site before for a non-fire incident?
  • Estimated cost of fire
  • Location of site                                              

If you cannot access the website for any reason, please respond to ALL the above questions and sent the data to [email protected].

If you are interested in joining the BMRA Fire Prevention Committee, please email Antonia on the email above.