Working with the Oxfordshire Waste Partnership, Every Can Counts is supporting on-street recycling in South Oxfordshire and the Vale of the White Horse District Councils. This move marks a key milestone as the drinks can recycling programme's first project supporting local authorities to increase 'on the go' recycling.
New on-street recycling bins are being installed in seven town centres across both South Oxfordshire and the Vale of the White Horse authorities. As part of the partnership, Every Can Counts has provided promotional materials to help raise awareness and encourage the local community to recycle using the new bins.
The partnership will also involve an educational road show visiting schools and colleges in both districts. The first of these road shows took place in Henley, where students at the Henley College were encouraged to recycle through challenges. The challenges included the 'Can You Kick it' competition using the Every Can Counts inflatable football goal and guessing the number of crushed cans in a bale, for a chance to win recycling goodies and music vouchers.
"Working with local authorities to promote on-street recycling is an exciting first for us," comments Diana Caldwell, Marketing Manager for Every Can Counts. "Around 30% of the 9 billion cans sold every year are consumed outside the home; mainly in workplaces and whilst 'on the go', so they do not get picked up for recycling through kerbside collections for domestic waste. The programme addresses this gap in the market by making recycling outside the home more convenient for organisations such as local authorities to set up and more accessible for individuals. We look forward to continuing supporting both district councils to increase recycling in their area."
Councillor David Dodds, Cabinet Member responsible for waste service at South Oxfordshire District Council added: "We have one of the highest kerbside recycling rates in the UK at around 70%, so we know that our community is committed to recycling at home. The next logical step is to make the same facilities available on the street in key town centre locations. The new bins collect exactly the same materials in the same way that householders recycle in the home, meaning we now have a seamless service that is familiar and easy to use whilst 'on the go'"
Since its launch, 4000 Every Can Counts Collection points have been established around the UK with an impressive uptake from over 470 organisations - ranging from large businesses, local government departments, Local Authorities and universities to major music festivals, shopping centres and beaches, all of which are increasing the recycling rates for drinks cans used outside the home.
To see the video of Every Can Counts at the Henley College visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzNw3cv6qFQ