Scrap metal collection and recycling have always played an important role in supporting local industry, with recovered metals used in everything from manufacturing to construction. At Morecambe Metals, this work has been at the heart of what we do for over three decades, helping businesses and households across the North West manage their metal waste responsibly.​
The evolution of scrap metal collection and recycling at Morecambe Metals reflects wider changes in regulation, technology, and environmental expectations. This article explores how our family-run business has developed over the years and how we continue to support a more sustainable future.
Family Foundations
Morecambe Metals is a 3rd generation family-run company with over 35 years’ experience in the scrap metal industry. Based in the seaside town of Morecambe, our business has grown from a local scrap operation into a trusted regional recycler serving a wide range of domestic, trade, and industrial clients.​
Being family-run means the industry knowledge and values behind Morecambe Metals have been passed down through generations. This continuity has helped us build long-term relationships with customers who value consistent service, fair pricing, and a deep understanding of scrap metal recycling.​
Our Site and Services in Morecambe
We operate from our main site on Northgate, White Lund Industrial Estate, Morecambe (LA3 3AZ), where we process and recycle various ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metals. This includes everything from end-of-life vehicles and demolition scrap to consumer goods and other metal-bearing materials that are no longer needed or no longer functioning.​
Over the years, we have expanded our services to support both local people and businesses. Today, Morecambe Metals offers solutions such as scrap metal collection, scrap car services, and industrial dismantling, as well as specialist processes including non-ferrous metal recycling, ferrous metal recycling, non-ferrous processing, shearing, and vehicle depollution.​
Commitment to Compliance and the Environment
The environment is something we are committed to helping protect. Our recycling of metals helps combat waste that could otherwise damage the environment we live in. We work hard to ensure that our scrap metal collection, processing, handling, and the quality of our recycled metals consistently meet health and safety and environmental legislation.​
As members of the British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA), we align our operations with strict industry standards and best practice guidance, giving our customers confidence that their scrap is handled responsibly and traceably.​
The Modern Era
In 2001, the British Metals Recycling Association was created, helping companies like Morecambe Metals keep up to date with changing legislation and maintain high industry standards.​
The main distinction between metal recycling of the past and the present is that it was once driven largely by economics, whereas now environmental performance, compliance, and transparency are just as important.
The Scrap Metal Dealers Act was updated in 2013, incorporating modern technologies and trends into the law. This change made it illegal to trade any type of scrap metal for cash and requires identification to be shown at the point of sale. Scrap dealers must now hold a licence to operate, and scrap metal can no longer be bought with cash. Morecambe Metals operates fully within this framework, ensuring all transactions are compliant and properly documented.
Current Industry Impact
Metals are among the most widely recycled materials worldwide, and the UK metal recycling industry saves significant amounts of energy and natural resources each year. An aluminium can, for example, can go from your recycling box back onto supermarket shelves in as little as six weeks.
At Morecambe Metals, we contribute to this circular economy by processing a wide variety of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metals from domestic, trade, and industrial sources. Our services are designed to support local businesses through regular collections, on-site processing, and tailored recycling solutions that maximise material recovery and minimise waste.​
Most metals used in the UK can be recycled into new products, making metal recycling one of the most economic and environmentally friendly options for industry. Using recycled metals helps preserve natural mineral deposits, reduces harmful emissions, and saves on the energy required to mine and process raw materials. In 2016, the UK’s target for recycling metal packaging waste was 50%, and the nation exceeded this by recovering 68.7%.​
The Future of Scrap Metal Recycling
Scrap metal collection and recycling will remain vital for maintaining a cleaner environment and supporting sustainable growth. At Morecambe Metals, we are committed to continuous investment in our people, processes, and technology to ensure we stay at the forefront of best practice in metal recycling.​
We offer a wide range of services for both domestic and trade customers and corporate commercial clients, ensuring all our processes meet environmental, international, and industry standards. Whether you need regular collections, end-of-life vehicle processing, industrial dismantling, or one-off scrap metal clearance, our experienced team can help.​
If you would like to find out more about our scrap metal processing and scrap metal collection services, please get in touch with a member of our team by calling 01524 69191 or emailing info@morecambemetals.co.uk.​