News
Save those drinks cans, public sector urged
17 July 2009
Public sector organisations in Wales are being sought to get free help to do their bit in collecting the millions of drinks cans disposed of on their premises every year - so they can be recycled and reused.
‘Every Can Counts’ is a campaign to encourage more recycling by providing collection facilities for cans in workplaces.
Already trialled in the private sector, public sector organisations in Wales can now apply to join in the campaign, which is the result of a partnership between drink can manufacturers, recycling organisations and waste management companies.
Selected organisations such as local authorities, hospitals and educational establishments will receive a free starter park, free support and assistance on how to implement the scheme, information leaflets and support for awareness raising activities such as workshops.
Every Can Counts is supported by the Public Sector Waste Minimisation Campaign managed by Envirowise, which is intended to promote greater environmental efficiency in public sector organisations large and small throughout Wales.
Envirowise public sector programme manager Ann Stevenson said: “Getting involved in the scheme will enable organisations in Wales to cut down on the cost of having cans collected, contribute to reducing Wales’ ecological footprint and is a simple yet effective way to prove to your employees, your community, your suppliers and your customers that your organisation is committed to sustainability.”
She added: "Aluminium and steel, which are used to make drink cans, are infinitely recyclable and can be melted down and endlessly reused with absolutely no loss of quality. Reducing the amount of valuable materials being sent to landfill is key to helping Wales meet its waste reduction aspirations and in doing so make good environmental and financial sense.”
To apply to participate, organisations are asked to fill in a questionnaire and return it to public.sector@envirowise.gov.uk. Full details and a copy of the application can be found at: http://walespublicsector.envirowise.gov.uk/cms/every-can-counts
