Crematorium’s recycling scheme raises thousands
RECYCLED hips, knee joints, pins and screws have helped the borough’s crematoriums raise more than £5,000 for charity.
Orbitas, the council’s arms length company which looks after Cheshire East’s bereavement services, has raised the cash by recycling metal work recovered following cremations, and has donated the total to Winston’s Wish, a charity which provides specialist child bereavement support across the UK.
Councillor David Marren, chairman of Orbitas Bereavement Services, said: “Following a cremation, remains can contain metals such as items used in the construction of the coffin and, on some occasions, orthopaedic implants such as hip and knee replacement joints.
“These items can be recycled but this is only carried out with the explicit prior written consent of bereaved families, and in accordance to strict Environment Agency guidelines.
“We hope that those families suffering bereavement will take some comfort from the fact that a much-loved and worthy cause is benefitting in some way”.
It’s part of a national scheme run by the Institute of Cremations and Cemetery Management to benefit both the environment and provide a lasting legacy to charities providing bereavement care and support services.
Corinne Mason, from Winston’s Wish, said: “The support of Orbitas, Bereavement Services and all the bereaved families who have made this donation possible means so much to Winston’s Wish.
“This amazing gift could fund our Freephone National Helpline number for a year.
“More than 100 children are bereaved of a parent every day in the UK and this generous donation will directly help us to reach more bereaved children and young people, giving them the tools they need to face the future with confidence and hope.”