Every Can Counts Installs Crushers to Boost On-Street Recycling in Dorset

22 June 2012 Twenty Every Can Counts branded can crushers have been installed across the borough of Weymouth and Portland under a new partnership between the out-of-home drinks can recycling programme and the local council. Every Can Counts said that the crushers had been placed in high footfall locations in and around the town centre, tourist sites and in areas that do not currently benefit from on-street recycling facilities to promote on-street recycling to local residents and visitors. According to the programme the can crushers are designed to make recycling easy, accessible and convenient, and complement recycling 'twin bins' for plastic bottles, cans and paper that have also recently been installed in the area. With the population of Weymouth set to almost double as a result of visiting tourists, day trippers and spectators this summer, the council is using the Every Can Counts programme to help rise to the occasion and effectively meet the increased recycling needs. The can crushers will be supported by a promotions campaign to raise awareness amongst the local community and visitors. In addition, Every Can Counts said that multi-lingual banners and posters have been designed by pupils from local schools to thank visitors from across the globe for recycling, and will be featured on collection vehicles and can banks in the area throughout the summer. It is hopes that advertising on the town's open top buses will reinforce the message and challenge residents and visitors to 'make their can count'. After the summer, ten can crushers will remain in the area to help ensure Weymouth's recycling efforts are maintained in the longer term. The other ten will be redeployed to support different projects promoting out of home recycling through the Every Can Counts programme. Weymouth and Portland Borough Council is currently working towards a recycling rate of 60% in line with Dorset's Waste Strategy. Every Can Counts said that its programme complements this and supports the council's goal of increasing overall awareness of recycling as a way of life in Dorset. Rick Hindley of Every Can Counts commented: "Meeting the recycling needs of the estimated 50,000 people set to visit the borough this summer is no small feat. It's encouraging to see Weymouth and Portland Borough Council lead the way in keeping recycling front of mind for both visitors and local residents." The partnership follows previous successful Every Can Count programmes in nearby Bournemouth and Poole beaches, which encouraged Weymouth and Portland to get involved. Every Can Counts added that the investment in Weymouth and Portland almost doubles the number its can crushers currently available in public places across the UK. Councillor Ian Roebuck, Brief Holder for Environment and Sustainability at Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, added: "The fantastic can crushers located across Weymouth mean residents and visitors can recycle their cans whilst they are out and about easily and conveniently. I am sure that these can crushers will mean we will get more people involved in recycling." Of the twenty can crushers that will be installed, ten have been provided by the UK Can Makers, a funding partner of Every Can Counts. Read More Every Can Counts Takes Off With New Funding Partner Energy drink manufacturer, Red Bull has become a funding partner of the Every Can Counts recycling programme. 51 Million Cans and Counting For UK Recycling Programme On-the-go drink can recycling programme, Every Can Counts has helped to collect some 51 million used beverage containers from workplaces and on-the-go locations in 2011. Record Rise for UK Aluminium Packaging Recycling Rates The latest statistics published by Defra show that the UK achieved its largest ever increase to the recycling rate for aluminium packaging and drinks cans since records began in 2011. Free Magazine Subscription Free Email Newsletter