Crematorium showsitsmetal

The team at Perth Crematorium has been able to make thousands of pounds worth of charitable donations, by recycling metal left behind after loved ones are cremated.

Once bodies have been cremated at the Crieff Road crematorium, any metal left behind is removed by staff before the ashes are presented to grieving families.

The metal could come from parts of the coffin, and also bodily implants such as knee replacements, hip replacements and metal joints.

Metal removed from ashes in the Fair City to be recycled often go on to become new orthopaedic implants.

Cllr Angus Forbes, convener of environment and infrastructure at Perth and Kinross Council - who run Perth Crematorium - said:“It is important that bereaved families know that when they allow us to recycle any recovered metals, they are being put to good use and will benefit many people.

“Local funeral directors have been briefed on the process and can explain it in greater detail to bereaved families considering making a donation of metals for recycling.”

The Conservative representative added:“I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of Perth and Kinross Council and the crematorium staff to thank everyone who allows this process to take place.”

By recycling the metal materials, Perth Crematorium has been able to make a number of charitable donations to local causes with the money made from this process.

Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) based at Perth Airport is the latest charity to receive a funding boost from the recycling scheme at the crematorium.

Last week, the team at the crematorium donated £5000 to SCAA with the money generated from recycling metal.

Consent from loved ones is sought before any metal is recycled by the crematorium.