Metals and Cremation

Surgical Metals Recycling Program: A Final Act of Charity

The Metropolitan Cemeteries Board is proud to participate in a program that gives families the opportunity to recycle surgical metals remaining after cremation, turning loss into a lasting legacy for the Western Australian community.

What are surgical metals?

When a coffin or casket is cremated, most metal components surgically incorporated into the body, such as artificial joints, plates, or screws are not destroyed by the heat of the cremator. These items, often made from high-grade metals like stainless steel, titanium, and chromium, remain in the cremation chamber along with metal fragments from the coffin or casket.

Why recycle?

Historically, these metals were buried in cemetery grounds because they cannot be integrated into the ashes. Today, families are offered the choice to have these items returned, though most choose recycling. This environmentally responsible approach reduces landfill waste and conserves valuable non-renewable resources.

Importantly, recycling also creates a broader social impact. 100% of funds raised are donated to Western Australian charities, transforming loss into meaningful support for those in need.

Expanding our impact

Since 2013, we have partnered with Ortho Metals, a company certified to ISO:9001 and ISO:14001 standards, to ethically recycle the surgical metals that remain after cremation. In 2024–25 alone, we recycled 5,255 kilograms of metals, equivalent to 18 x 44-gallon drums.

In 2025, the Board decided to expand the program’s recipients. We invited our staff to recommend charities that reflect our values of compassion, integrity, and connection. As a result, proceeds now support:

• Cancer Council WA – assisting country cancer patients through Crawford and Milroy Lodges.
• Ronald McDonald House Charities WA – providing accommodation for families with seriously ill children.
• Lifeline WA – funding training for crisis support volunteers across the state.

Since the program began, it has generated over $3.4 million for WA charities, creating a legacy of care that continues to grow.

Where do the metals go?

Recovered metals are securely stored and collected by Ortho Metals for recycling in compliance with local legislation and international standards (ISO:9001 and ISO:14001). They are sent to their specialist recycling facility in the Netherlands.

What if I want the metal item returned?

Families can opt out of the program or request the return of surgical metals before cremation. Simply advise your Funeral Director, and we will ensure the item is kept and returned when the ashes are collected.

What happens to jewellery?

During cremation, chambers reach temperatures of around 800°C to 1,000°C. At these extreme heats, soft jewellery metals such as gold and silver will melt and often vaporise, while gemstones, including diamonds and other precious stones, can crack, discolour, or often vaporise entirely. Because of this, jewellery is not recoverable after cremation. Families who wish to keep jewellery should remove it beforehand and advise their Funeral Director to ensure these items are retained.