William T. Bird is the President of the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR). Bird was approved by the general assembly for a first two-year mandate, which can be extended once, BIR reports in a news release announcing Bird’s appointment. In Bird’s opening address at the Annual General Assembly, he thanked his predecessor Ranjit Baxi for his work during the past four years and expressed his gratitude to be at the head of the international organization.

Founded in 1948, BIR was the first federation to support the interests of the recycling industry on an international scale. Today, BIR represents more than 30,000 companies around the globe, with a direct membership of over 950 companies and 37 national associations from 70 countries. Together, these members form the largest international recycling federation.

BIR comprises four Commodity Divisions : iron & steel, non-ferrous metals, paper and textiles, and has four Commodity Committees dealing with stainless steel & special alloys, plastics, tyres & rubber, and E-scrap.

Bird was approved by the general assembly for a first two-year mandate, which can be extended once, BIR reports in a news release announcing Bird’s appointment. In Bird’s opening address at the Annual General Assembly, he thanked his predecessor Ranjit Baxi for his work during the past four years and expressed his gratitude to be at the head of the international organization.

BIR is a non-profit organisation under Belgian law. Its statutes (Articles of Association in French and English) were revised and adopted by the BIR General Assembly in May 2023 and are awaiting Belgian authorities (SPF Justice) approval. BIR‘s Internal Regulations (including Guidelines for Chairpersons) and Anti-Trust Policy (BIR Anti-Trust Policy) remain unchanged. The registered office is currently headquartered in Brussels, Belgium