Non–ferrous metals: new regulations in the United Kingdom and criteria for increased recycling

The 'environmental revolution' is now just over twenty years old. During this period thinking and action in the United Kingdom have undergone their own revolution under the separate pressures of scientific and technological developments, public concerns and political responses. These influences have led to the Environment Protection Act, 1990. In the first part of this paper, I shall review, from an industrial standpoint, the likely impact of this major act. In the second part, I shall deal with some specific issues for non–ferrous metals, particularly the urgent need to increase recycling and some of the criteria, which I judge, are necessary for this to happen.