Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: re3, along with Alupro, launches aluminium foil recycling initiative

re3 (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) is a waste management partnership between Bracknell Forest, Reading, and Wokingham Borough councils. Teaming up with Alupro, re3 is urging residents of Reading and Wokingham to recycle their aluminium foil more. Launched on March 6, the "Fantastic Foil" initiative will reach households through a vibrant social media drive and eye-catching promotional signage at the re3 recycling centres.

Together with FCC Environment, they are dedicated to delivering top-notch recycling and waste management services that are both efficient and budget-friendly for the residents. But that's not all—students from schools across the three boroughs were invited to join the fun by participating in a competition to craft spring-themed sculptures using clean, recycled aluminium foil.

This everyday kitchen essential holds a secret superpower—it can be recycled infinitely, making it a true household hero. re3 explains that by recycling it, a whopping 95 per cent of the energy typically used in manufacturing a roll from scratch can be saved. All it takes from residents is a simple scrunch into a fist-sized ball and toss it into the recycling bin.

Tom Giddings, executive director at Alupro, added, "We're delighted to working with re3 to raise awareness of the importance of recycling aluminium packaging. Since launching in 2017, our foil campaign has reached more than 2.5 million households, with data suggesting that it really helps to drive a positive uplift in kerbside recycling rates. We're looking forward to seeing the widespread impact of the campaign, as well as helping to judge creative entries from hundreds of budding sculptors across Berkshire!"

In a united message, members of the re3 Joint Waste Disposal Board—Cllr Karen Rowland, Chair of the Board and Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety at Reading Borough Council; Cllr Ian Shenton, Executive Member for Environment, Sport, and Leisure at Wokingham Borough Council; and Cllr Helen Purnell, Executive Member for the Environment and Community Cohesion at Bracknell Forest Council—expressed their desire for residents to minimise waste and ramp up their recycling efforts.

“We’re on a mission to help residents waste less and recycle more. Rolling out this campaign will enable us to improve awareness and education about the importance of best practice foil (and other aluminium packaging) recycling, with the aim of further improving consumer engagement and increasing capture rates in result. A key part of the campaign is working closely with our local schools to educate and inspire the next generation. We’re looking forward to seeing their creativity shine.”