Forest of Dean District Council launches an educational campaign to recycle aluminium foil

The Forest of Dean District Council has launched an educational campaign to boost aluminium foil collection and recycling rates. The scheme, which is being carried out in collaboration with the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro) and the European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA), will see card hangers installed on 37,000 waste bins around the area.

The programme attempts to boost aluminium packaging recycling rates by reminding homeowners which foil packaging products may be recycled and which would contaminate local collections. The hangers also describe how to prepare aluminium foil for recycling, in addition to providing best practise recommendations.

“While local residents are confident about recycling most types of metal packaging, we’ve recently introduced foil recycling to our kerbside services and wanted to provide householders with a simple guide to help maximise collection volumes,” said Councillor Sid Phelps, the Cabinet Member for Environment at the Forest of Dean District Council.

He also added, “Rather than posting a flyer or leaflet, we wanted to roll-out something a little more visual to really grab the attention of residents. Simple, engaging and 100% recyclable, we’re confident that the bin hangers will help to further increase metal packaging recycling rates across the region.”

According to Tom Giddings, the General Manager of Alupro commented, “We’re looking forward to seeing the bin hangers printed and distributed across the Forest of Dean. From experience, initiatives like this really help to improve resident engagement and improve recycling rates, so we’re expecting hugely positive results! Last year, more aluminium packaging was recycled in the UK than ever before. While this is excellent news, educating householders and providing them with the latest recycling guidance is essential to further improving this figure.”

Alupro and EAFA have completely sponsored the bin hangers. Alupro is accepting applications from local authorities all around the UK since funding for similar programmes are still available.