BIR autumn convention 2010

BIR
Tel: +32 2 6275770
E-Mail: bir@bir.org
Web site: www,bir.org

BIR is an international trade federation representing the world’s recycling industry, covering in particular ferrous and non-ferrous metals, paper and textiles. Plastics, rubber and tyres are also studied and traded by some BIR members.

About 800 companies and national federations from over 70 countries are affiliated to BIR. Together they offer an international forum for industrial exchange and business contacts. They provide their expertise to other industrial sectors and political groups in order to promote recycling.

It is estimated that the recycling industry employs more than 1.5 million people, annually processes over 500 million tons of commodities and has a turnover exceeding 160 billion US$. BIR members deal with materials that are diverted from the "waste" stream for the purpose of materials reuse or recycling. They deal neither with waste disposal (land filling) or with incineration or composting.

BIR’s primary goals are to promote materials recycling and recyclability, thereby conserving natural resources, protecting the environment - and facilitating free trade of recyclables in an environmentally sound manner.

As a trade organisation, BIR offers its members the opportunity to do business together, to learn the latest market developments, to know the best available recycling technologies and to be informed on the international legislative context. Through its Secretariat in Brussels, BIR offers these services only to its members.

If anyone is interested in the sectors BIR is specialised in, he can receive general information. Information reserved for members can be accessed in the "Members only" area. As a matter of principle, business contacts and price information will not be provided.