MP visits Newport to see how Sims recycles metals and electronics

Ms Griffith, who chairs the All Party Parliamentary Steel and Metal Group, was accompanied by Ken Mackenzie of the British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA), of which Sims is a member.

Ms Griffith was given a guided tour around the Newport site which is home to both Sims Metal Management and Sims Recycling Solutions WEEE plant.

Derek Campbell, of Sims Metal Management said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Ms Griffith to the site here in Newport to explain about the metals recycling industry and to show her how metals are recycled, including Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and fridges. Metals recycling in the UK plays a vital role in helping the country to reduce its reliance on landfill, recycle more and reduce CO2 emissions.”

Ms Griffith said: “Metals recycling is very important to South Wales and the UK economy and I found it extremely valuable to get an insight into the business. Metals and electronics recycling in the UK is a globally competitive and environmentally important industry and one we should be proud of.

“Companies like Sims are contributing to our environmental objectives of reducing waste and cutting carbon emissions by preventing waste metal and other valuable commodities being disposed of in landfill sites and instead transforming them into a useful resource.”

Ken Mackenzie of the British Metals Recycling Association, said: “We are pleased Ms Griffith came to visit Sims in Newport.  It was a very productive visit which allowed us to discuss some of the key issues facing UK metals recyclers today.

“The BMRA is committed to working with government to improve understanding of how metals recycling operates, the economic and environmental benefits it can deliver, and the nature of the industry’s needs."