EVERYONE in the Highlands is being challenged to get into the recycling habit by supporting a new campaign to recycle more aluminium cans. The Highland Council and the UK Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro) are challenging everybody to join in the “Get Recycling” campaign and to recycle more aluminium. In return The Highland Council promises to plant a tree for each tonne of aluminium cans recycled during the next twelve months.

This means that every aluminium can in the area collected will count towards the “Get Recycling” national appeal that plans to see at least 35,000 trees planted in parks and woodlands across the UK.
The Highland Council and Alupro hope to persuade the public to recycle more and help reach the Highland Area Waste Plan’s target of 12% recycling by the end of 2003.

Steve Freeman from Alupro said: “It couldn’t be easier to take part in the programme and however the aluminium is recycled it counts. Everyone has access to a local can bank they can use, either in neighbourhood centres or at the big shopping stores. Locals with Kerbsider recycling in Inverness, can simply put their cans in the boxes provided and leave them for collection by the Council on their designated uplift days.”

Steve McDermott, Assistant Waste Management Officer (Recycling) with The Highland Council’s, Transport, Environmental and Community Services said: “In Highland last year around 16 tonnes of aluminium cans were recycled through can banks and community groups. The recycling targets set in the Area Waste Plan will prove a challenge to us all in Highland and supporting projects such as the “Get Recycling” campaign will help us achieve our goals.”

“Get Recycling” is designed to increase the recycling of aluminium cans and foil and to help win the 95% energy savings which are made when aluminium is recycled. A drinks can given for recycling today may be back on the shelf as a new can within six weeks.

The appeal is organised and sponsored by Alupro in association with The Highland Council.