Turning Weapons into Outdoor Workouts

UK-based European Metal Recycling Ltd. (EMR) and the British charity organization Steel Warriors transform seized knives into community gyms.

As reported by the internationally active metal recycler in March this year, the partners have removed nearly six tons of knives from London’s streets. EMR and Steel Warriors would “transform these dangerous weapons into outdoor gym equipment for the people of the UK’s capital”. The knives were shredded at EMR’s Willesden site and will be sent to a specialist foundry in Stourbridge to be crafted into gym equipment, the information said. “EMR provided its services free of charge, saving the charity significant costs and ensuring the project’s success.”

Steel Warriors was founded in 2017 by Ben Wintour and Pia Fontes. Inspired by the staggering amount of knife steel collected by the police each month, they envisioned turning a symbol of violence into one of strength and resilience, as one can read on the organization’s homepage. Their goal was to empower young people with the confidence to walk the streets unarmed, promote physical and mental well-being through accessible fitness, and create pathways for personal growth and success. The charity has already established four gyms across London, plus one in Brixton Prison, and aims to expand further this year with EMR’s support.

uk.emrgroup.com, steelwarriors.co.uk

(Published in GLOBAL RECYCLING Magazine 2/2025, Page 8)