Peterborough launches aluminium can art competition to promote recycling

Peterborough City Council in the UK has launched the Every Can Counts competition, inviting schools and community groups to turn used aluminium cans into artwork to raise awareness of recycling.

The council said the UK uses around 10 billion cans each year, equivalent to about 600 per household. Recycling aluminium cans requires just 5 per cent of the energy needed to produce new aluminium, making can collection and recycling an important part of reducing energy use.

Join the fourth edition of webinar "Hedging for recyclers - Become an expert in 6 hours" by Jorge Dyszel.

Participants have been asked to create 3D, free-standing and easily transportable artwork based on the theme 'Our Earth, Our Planet'. Entries can be made by glueing cans together, painting them or adding decorations. The competition closes in May.

Chris Wiggin, the council's Liberal Democrat cabinet member for the environment, encouraged pupils and community groups to participate and help raise awareness of the importance of recycling. He said, "As a council we are fully committed to increasing recycling rates across Peterborough and encouraging everyone to play their part in this. I'm looking forward to seeing the entries and would like to wish everyone the very best of luck."

Looking for aluminium recycling equipment providers? Browse through a comprehensive list here

Three winners will be selected across the primary school, secondary school and community group categories. Each will receive gardening vouchers to use on their school grounds or community site. The winning artwork will also be displayed at the Peterborough Celebrates Festival at Ferry Meadows in June.