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The European Aluminium Association (EAA) - in conjunction
with Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation Ireland (ALUPRO-Ireland)
- has launched the 2008 initiatives to further stimulate can
recycling in Ireland.
Given the increasing sales of aluminium beverage cans and
foils onto the Irish market, there is an ever-increasing need
to raise awareness and stimulate recycling.
In 2007, initiatives with An Taisce during National Spring
Clean saw the collection of over 4,350 cans by Holy Cross
Mercy National School during national spring clean week alone.
The school received a prize of €1,000, which they have used
to develop their outdoor green areas for students.
Repak National Recycling Week saw the start of a campaign
to increase foil and tray recycling in the green bin with
the 'Wash, Squash and Pop' drive for restaurants and
take-aways - urging them to clean their trays out and place
them in the green bin and encouraging their customers to do
the same by placing a permanent on-counter sign showing them
what to do.
In 2008, the EAA and ALUPRO-Ireland have teamed-up again
with An Taisce for the National SpringClean, with a similar
competition to last year, aimed at collecting as many cans
as possible for recycling.
Information leaflets on aluminium recycling and an improved
carbon footprint have been provided. For further information
on the initiative - Click
Here
This is a special year for the Tidy Towns Competition - celebrating
the 50th Anniversary of this nationally recognised and accredited
Competition. The EAA is sponsoring an Aluminium Art Competition
- incorporating as many cans and foils as possible - as part
of the Tidy Towns initiative. Details and an application form
will be distributed to the 2,500-plus applicants in the Tidy
Towns Competition. For further information - or, for an application
form, contact -
- Ms Karen Mahon, ALUPRO-Ireland, Ballinderry House, Enfield
Co. Meath.
Tel: 0876 016 723, Fax: 046 955 5602, Email: [email protected]
- or
- Tidy Towns Competition, Customs House, Dublin 1.
Key facts & figures on aluminium packaging recycling -
- Over 95 per cent of aluminium packaging is primary consumer
packaging - from well-known drinks cans and take-away trays,
to foil on chocolate wrappers and some lids on yogurt pots.
- Aluminium is used in packaging for its unsurpassed barrier
properties and for its clean modern look. All plain or lacquered
aluminium, such as that used in cans and foils, is 100%
recyclable, saving up to 95% energy when recycled instead
of using mined material - it may be recycled time and time
again.
- Ample reprocessing capacity and secure end-markets are
available, making recycling viable - drinks cans may be
recycled, reprocessed, filled and put back onto the shelf
in just 60 days.
- In 2006, 3,534 tonnes of aluminium were recycled - up
from 2,825 tonnes in 2005 (Source Repak)
- The official Irish aluminium packaging recycling rate
was 33% in 2006 (EPA NWDB figures). The cans-only
recycling rate is considerably higher and estimated to be
closer to 50%.
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