A giant rainbow installation has appeared overnight in Exhibition Square in York City Centre, ahead of Global Recycling Day (Saturday 18th March).
The four by seven metre structure is made from more than 2,500 recycled cans and was placed there by not-for-profit Every Can Counts to raise awareness around the importance of recycling.
The installation will be on display in front of York Art Gallery for a full week, until Friday 24th March.
According to Every Can Counts’ research, York residents drink an average of three cans a week, of which people say they recycle around 71%*.
Even though nine in 10 surveyed claim to have a good understanding of the benefits of recycling, more than a third (35%) admit that they put recyclable items in refuse bins if recycling facilities aren’t available.
Furthermore, over two-thirds (69%) said that the biggest barrier they face whilst recycling is the lack of recycling bins in public places; this was followed by a desire for clearer signage on recycling bins (41%) and a desire for more recyclable packaging (40%).
Chris Latham-Warde, Programme Manager for Every Can Counts, said: “Our rainbow installation has toured up and down the country – from Glasgow to London – and we’re thrilled for it to be making its Yorkshire debut to mark Global Recycling Day this weekend.
“As well as brightening up the city centre, our installation will be reminding people about the benefits of recycling their drink cans.
“Aluminium is infinitely recyclable, and every empty can could be recycled and back on a shop shelf as a brand-new can in just 60 days. The people of York can play their part in this process by ensuring all their empty cans end up in the right bin, allowing this valuable material to remain in circulation.”
Cllr Paula Widdowson, Executive Member for the Environment and Climate Change, at City of York Council, said: “This is a fantastic campaign to highlight the importance of recycling here in York, which we hope everyone will engage with and take photos of!
“Residents can do their bit to keep the cycle going by recycling their aluminium cans at kerbside, or in one of the many local recycling banks located across the city.”
Passers-by have until next Friday evening (24th March), to snap a picture with the impressive structure and enter a social media photo competition for the chance to win a £100 York gift card. To enter, take a photo of the rainbow and upload it to social media using #EveryCanCounts and tagging @EveryCanCountsUK (Instagram/Facebook) or @EveryCanCounts (Twitter).
Every Can Counts is a unique partnership formed between drink can manufacturers, drink can fillers and the wider recycling industry, all with the goal of reaching a 100% recycling rate for drink cans. To find out more information about Every Can Counts, visit www.everycancounts.co.uk.
Or for more information on recycling bank locations in York, see www.york.gov.uk/RecyclingAtoZ.
