Today, to celebrate #IWD2025, we are lucky enough to speak to global recycling doyenne Susie Burrage OBE. Susie is a pioneering female voice in an industry which can, certainly from the outside in, seem male dominated. She is the first female President of the Bureau of International Recycling and the British Metals Recycling Association, and holds many other prominent international positions. She is a passionate advocate of good recycling does, and its role in the circular economy and sustainability agenda.

Susie is a leader by example and takes the visibility of her role seriously, especially when it comes to the representation of women in her industry. Since becoming President of BIR two years ago, she has already seen significant shifts, which she hopes will continue to change as she moves forward.

In this packed episode, we discuss:

• Working in one of the world's largest, but perhaps most undersung, industries.
• Working in a male-dominated, though ethnically diverse, industry.
• Global representation, the power of role-modelling, and witnessing the rising number of women in the industry (particularly amongst younger generations).
• Why she is proud to be such a key part of the circular economy and the vital role women have to play.
• Why the recycling industry is so future-focused.
• Harnessing the power of being the only woman in the room and "owning it".
• Male allyship in the recycling industry.
• Grabbing the opportunities in front of us.

About Susie:

Susie Burrage OBE is one of the most powerful individuals in the global recycling industry. Her list of accomplishments in the recycling industry is long. She is the first female President of the Bureau of Global Recycling,  MD of her own recycling business, first female President of the British Metals Recycling Association, Vice President of the Global Recycling Foundation, and President of the European Metal Trade and Recycling Branch of EuRIC.

But, first and foremost, Susie is a fourth-generation recycler. Her great-grandfather, George Burrage, used to collect what was then called “scrap metal” from his horse and cart in Kensington and Chelsea, which led to the foundation of the business Susie runs today.  She learned the business from her father, Tom. Collecting aluminium cans in her teenage years was her first money spinner! It's thanks to Tom and his support that Susie takes such a leading role in recycling today. 

Links

LinkedIn

Susie Burrage OBE | Sophy Norris

Organisations and Businesses

Bureau of International Recycling

British Metals Recycling Association

EuRIC

Global Recycling Foundation

Recycled Products Ltd

Sponsorship

Selbey Anderson