AC Environmental has successfully delivered a significant environmental permit variation for Kuusakoski Ltd, the UK arm of one of Europe’s largest and most established metal recycling groups. The updated permit, issued by the Environment Agency under reference EPR/GP3498ZY/V004, authorises Kuusakoski to expand operations at its Crown Works facility in Sheffield, strengthening its capability to process mixed metals safely and compliantly.
Kuusakoski, headquartered in Finland, operates across Scandinavia, Estonia, Russia and the UK, and has a history in metals recovery stretching back more than 100 years. The company is recognised globally for its innovation in recycling technologies and its commitment to circular‑economy principles.
Permit Variation Overview
The Environment Agency has now confirmed that Kuusakoski can operate in accordance with the updated permit, stating that the activities can be carried out “without causing harm to the environment or human health.”
The variation achieves three major outcomes:
1. Expansion of the permitted site boundary
The permit now includes an additional area of land directly opposite the existing facility on Faraday Road, enabling Kuusakoski to expand its operational footprint and improve site logistics.
2. Removal of outdated activities
The previous SR2008 No.23 WEEE ATF activity has been removed, reflecting the company’s current operational focus and simplifying the permit structure.
3. Full modernisation of the permit
The entire permit has been rewritten into the Environment Agency’s modern permit format, updating all conditions, definitions and compliance requirements.
What the Updated Permit Authorises
The revised permit allows Kuusakoski to operate a Metal Recycling Site – Mixed Metals, including:
- R13: Storage of waste prior to recovery
- R4: Recycling and reclamation of metals
Permitted treatment activities include sorting, separation, grading, shearing, baling, compaction, crushing and cutting of non‑hazardous metal wastes.
Key operational limits
- Up to 75,000 tonnes per year of mixed metals
- All activities on impermeable surfaces with sealed drainage
- No acceptance of dusts, powders, loose fibres, sludges or liquids
Approved Management Plans
Two critical management plans are now formally embedded within the permit:
- Dust & Emissions Management Plan (DEMP)
- Fire Prevention Plan (FPP)
These plans set out the site’s controls for dust, emissions, fire risk, storage arrangements and emergency response, and are now legally enforceable.
How AC Environmental Supported the Project
AC Environmental was approached by Kuusakoski’s former consultant, who had retired from permitting work, to take over the variation process. The project was led by Leisl Heath, who prepared the variation application, updated the management plans and liaised with the Environment Agency throughout the determination.
This successful outcome ensures that Kuusakoski’s Sheffield facility can continue operating safely, efficiently and in full compliance with current environmental regulations.
About Kuusakoski
Founded in 1914, Kuusakoski is one of the world’s most experienced metal recycling companies, specialising in the recovery of metals and materials for reuse in manufacturing and energy production. The business operates across multiple countries and is known for its advanced processing technologies and commitment to sustainable resource management.
Learn more: https://www.kuusakoski.com/en/united-kingdom/
Frequently Asked Questions About Permit Variations
What is an environmental permit variation?
- An environmental permit variation is a formal request to the Environment Agency to change an existing permit. Variations can add land, update activities, modernise conditions or remove outdated operations.
Why did Kuusakoski need a permit variation?
- The company expanded its operational footprint and needed the permit to legally include the additional land and reflect its current metal recycling activities.
What activities does a Metal Recycling Site permit allow?
- A mixed‑metals permit typically allows sorting, shearing, baling, crushing, compaction and storage of non‑hazardous metal wastes under R13 and R4 recovery codes.
What management plans are required for metal recycling permits?
- Most sites require a Fire Prevention Plan (FPP), Dust & Emissions Management Plan (DEMP) and a written management system demonstrating how pollution risks are controlled.
How much waste can Kuusakoski now process?
- The updated permit authorises up to 75,000 tonnes of mixed metals per year.
Who can help with permit variations?
- Environmental consultants such as AC Environmental support operators with permit applications, variations, management plans and ongoing compliance.
Supporting Environmental Compliance Across the UK
AC Environmental continues to support operators across the waste, recycling, energy and industrial sectors with:
- Environmental permit applications and variations
- Fire Prevention Plans
- Dust & Emissions Management Plans
- COTC cover and technical competence
- Ongoing compliance support
If your site requires permitting support or a variation to reflect operational changes, our team is here to help.
Call 01782 308 444 or email info@ac-environmental.co.uk
