The falling price of scrap metal is adding to the impact of reduced commodity prices in the local authority sector and causing concerns in the WEEE sector.

Local authorities are having to face up to reduced prices for light iron and other metals while some recyclers of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) consider that the UK system is not set up to cover the cost of processing when metals prices are reduced.

Commenting on the current situation with regard to local authorities, Steve Palfrey, chair of the National Association of Waste Disposal Officers, and head of waste at Suffolk county council, said that volatile markets are of concern.

Mr Palfrey said: “An increasing number of authorities have risk, reward and share contracts and as we see markets becoming more volatile, this is a real financial concern for authorities.”

For more information see LetsRecycle article here.