Installation

  • Phoebe Kelly

How 700 Recycled Cans Became a Giant Earth Day Mural in Bristol

How 700 Recycled Cans Became a Giant Earth Day Mural in Bristol 2560 1626 Phoebe Kelly

To celebrate Earth Day, we wanted to bring recycling to life… right in the heart of Bristol City Centre.

On 22nd April, passers-by on Centre Promenade stopped in their tracks as a striking piece of live art took shape. Our #EveryCanCounts CANvas, created using more than 700 recycled drink cans, is designed to inspire conversations about recycling and our role in protecting the planet.

Turning Used Cans into Earth Day-Inspired Art

The CANvas was painted live by local Bristol mural artist Ollie Gillard of Gage Graphics, well known for his nature-themed street art across the city. Ollie’s bespoke Earth Day design featured exotic animals and a powerful Earth visual, a creative reminder of why caring for the environment matters.

Watching the artwork come together throughout the day gave locals a chance to see recycled materials transformed into something meaningful, sparking plenty of conversations along the way.

Why Drink Cans Matter

The installation aimed to raise awareness of the infinite recyclability of aluminium.

Aluminium can be recycled again and again without losing quality. In fact, a recycled drink can could be back on shop shelves in as little as 60 days. Recycling even just one can really does make a difference, especially when we all do it.

Recycling On-the-Go in Bristol

Our team of ambassadors were also out and about on the day, wearing recycling backpacks and collecting used drinks cans from people on-the-go. They spent the day engaging with the public to spread the message about the benefits of recycling their empty drink cans.

By making recycling visible, accessible and engaging, we’re encouraging more people to recycle their cans – wherever they are!

A Creative Way to Mark Earth Day

Chris Latham-Warde, Programme Manager for Every Can Counts, said:

 “Earth Day is an important time for us to discuss how vital it is to care for the environment, including through the recycling of aluminium cans.

“This year, we took to the streets of Bristol, joining forces with local artist, Ollie Gillard, to produce a giant CANvas finished with Ollie’s bespoke Earth Day design. It was great to see the CANvas come to life and to watch locals engage with the artwork and our onsite team.

“Every empty drink can could be recycled and back on a shop shelf as a brand-new can in just 60 days. So, every action, no matter how small, really does add up to help make a big difference – and all year round, not just on Earth Day”  

Mural artist, Ollie Gillard, added:

“Working with Every Can Counts on this project has combined my love for street art and the environment. It’s been a pleasure to team up to spread their important message about the importance of recycling through the power of art. I hope the people of Bristol enjoyed the CANvas’ debut!”   

Earth Day in Bristol… Every Day

Earth Day is a great moment to pause and reflect, but recycling your drink cans makes a difference every single day. So, whether you’re at home, at work, or out in your city, every can really does count!

Visit our dedicated web page to learn more about the drink can recycling process and find out how your small actions can add up to make a huge difference!

  • ChrisUK

Fried, Scrambled or Rolled: Celebrating Earth Day at the Preston Egg Roll

Fried, Scrambled or Rolled: Celebrating Earth Day at the Preston Egg Roll 2560 1707 ChrisUK

Grafitti, egg rolling, and a googly-eyed mascot made of cans? Sounds like the perfect way to celebrate Earth Day with Every Can Counts!

To celebrate Earth Day, we partnered with Preston City Council and local artist, Shawn Sharpe, to bring you a brand-new CANvas design during the Preston Egg Roll! The event saw thousands of locals gather in Avenham Park on Easter Monday to roll their chocolate egg down the hill and enjoy workshops, music, and street theatre.

Made up of over 700 recycled drink cans, the latest #EveryCanCounts CANvas aims to raise awareness around the importance of recycling and encourage people to recycle their drink cans at events like the Preston Egg Roll and beyond.

Shawn, who is well known for his mural artworks around the North West, live-painted the CANvas with a bespoke Earth Day design which depicts a pair of hands holding a smiling planet to demonstrate that every action to protect the environment goes a long way.

A team of recycling ambassadors were at the event, collecting used drink cans in their recycling backpacks and engaging with members of the public to spread their message about the benefits of recycling. Canzee, our recently updated canny mascot made from 300 recycled drink cans, also captured the attention of the crowds at the Preston Egg Roll. His role was simple: to remind everyone that every can really does count and to show the public the fun side of drink can recycling!

At the end of Earth Day, the ‘CANvas’ installation will be transferred to its permanent location at Eco Town, an interactive educational experience at Farington Waste Recovery Park.

Check out our highlights from the Preston Egg Roll here:

Chris Latham-Warde, programme manager for Every Can Counts, said: “It was great to make an appearance at the popular Preston Egg Roll with our ‘CANvas’ installation designed by the brilliant Shawn Sharpe.

“The event was not only a great way to celebrate Easter but also to mark Earth Day, which is all about encouraging worldwide action to help benefit the environment and preserve the planet.

“Aluminum, including drink cans and the foil wrapper from Easter eggs, is infinitely recyclable so it’s important to dispose of it properly this Eastertime and beyond!

“What’s more, every empty drink can could also be recycled and back on a shop shelf as a brand-new can in just 60 days. So, every action, no matter how small, really does add up to help make a big difference.”

Shawn, who also runs mural workshops for children and adults in Preston, said: “It has been interesting because I don’t get nervous when I paint…but because it is my first live painting in Preston, I didn’t really know what the response from the public was going to be like. [They have been] really engaging, humbling, and it’s nice to see that a lot of people know what’s happening within the City.”

You can learn more about Shawn’s work on his Facebook page.

  

Life Science Centre in Newcastle
  • Phoebe Kelly

Discover the Infinite Impact of Recycling at the Life Science Centre in Newcastle

Discover the Infinite Impact of Recycling at the Life Science Centre in Newcastle 2560 1656 Phoebe Kelly

The #EveryCanCounts Infinity Room has arrived at Life Science Centre, a dynamic science hub in Newcastle upon Tyne.

How the Infinity Room Illustrates the Infinite Recyclability of Aluminium

The installation aims to teach all ages about the importance of recycling drink cans, as well as illustrating the infinite recyclability of aluminium.

The focal point is a giant drink can and those who step inside will find themselves in a mirrored room that creates an illusion of being surrounded by an infinite number of suspended aluminium cans. At the same time, a narrator will take them on an educational journey through aluminium can recycling and its environmental benefits.

Chris Latham-Warde, Programme Manager at Every Can Counts, added: “We’re delighted to bring our Infinity Room to Newcastle’s Life Science Centre following its success in other locations across the UK over the last few years.

“The aim of the exhibit is to raise awareness of the infinite recyclability of aluminium in a visual and interactive way. Every empty can could be recycled and back on a shop shelf as a brand-new can in just 60 days and each of us can play a vital role in keeping the cycle going to benefit the environment.

“With the exhibit on display until October this year, we hope that visitors to Life Science Centre are left feeling inspired to make small changes to their recycling habits and will encourage their friends and family to do the same.”

The Importance of Recycling in Newcastle

New research from Every Can Counts into the recycling habits of those in Newcastle found on average, people enjoy four canned drinks per week.

Respondents said they recycled 80% of these cans on average, with just over half (53%) saying they always use recycling bins when out and about in public places. Only a quarter (25%) of those living in Newcastle would take packaging home to recycle it if they couldn’t find a recycle bin.

Newcastle residents cited more recycling bins (59%), clearer signage on recycling bins (36%), and more recyclable packaging (33%) as the top three things which would encourage them to recycle more when out of their home.

Furthermore, 90% think that there should be better recycling facilities in places like public parks and 84% think more should be done to educate young people about the importance of recycling.

Share Your Experience: How to Get Involved with Every Can Counts

Made up of 1,500 recycled cans and 25 square metres of mirrors, the Infinity Room makes for a visual spectacle and visitors can share their own photos and videos of the Infinity Room on social media by tagging us on Facebook and Instagram or by using the hashtag, #EveryCanCounts.

Open Monday to Friday from 10am – 3pm, visitors can explore the Infinity Room at Life Science Centre until the end of October. More information can be found by clicking here.

A standard ticket will provide access to the Infinity Room, with prices ranging from:

  • Adult (age 18 or over) – £14.25
  • Adult concession (age 65 or over, student, or unemployed) – £13.25
  • Child (age three or over) – £10.50
Celebrating 15 years of drink can recycling
  • Phoebe Kelly

Celebrating 15 Years of Drink Can Recycling with Every Can Counts

Celebrating 15 Years of Drink Can Recycling with Every Can Counts 2560 1707 Phoebe Kelly

Have you heard the news? We’re celebrating our 15th anniversary, which means 15 years of drink can recycling fun with Every Can Counts!

Established in Birmingham as a workplace recycling scheme back in 2009, Every Can Counts is now active in 21 countries across the world, including Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, and, most recently, the United States.    

27 ECC representatives from across the globe met in Prague ahead of the European Aluminium Packaging & Recycling Seminar to mark the milestone. The celebrations were accompanied by a meeting where representatives from each region shared local success stories, and the group discussed the next steps in the development of the programme’s global strategy.

Humble Beginnings

15 years ago the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro) identified that many workplaces didn’t have the infrastructure for employees to recycle their drink cans. So, they launched an innovative workplace recycling scheme to help local businesses recycle drink cans consumed away from home. It was called “Every Can Counts.”

Over the years, ECC has widened its focus to target and engage consumers beyond the workplace, encouraging people to recycle their empty cans wherever they are. When it started life, 54% of the UK’s aluminium drink cans were recycled and, since then, this has grown to 81%.

Through a range of creative partnerships and activations, ECC works to communicate the benefits of can recycling and improve out of home recycling facilities, with more than 19,000 of its drink can collection boxes distributed across the country since the programme was founded.  

A Spotlight on our Achievements

Festivals, Events & Brand Partnerships

From our first festival appearance in 2010 to placing third in this year’s Red Bull Soapbox Race, we have taken our recycling message to over 150 festivals, brand and sports events. We have also directly partnered with 14 prominent drink brands, most recently launching a partnership with Molson Coors Beverage Company at the start of 2024.   

Art Installations & Campaigns

Our annual International Recycling Tour – first launched in 2020 – has also worked to bring recycling to the forefront, with a different sustainability theme each year and a unique PixelCan artwork made from 2,000 recycled cans.  

Green Can Awards

Along the way, the programme has also awarded 30 of its Green Can Awards to the businesses, organisations, and individuals going above and beyond within their communities when it comes to can recycling. Winners include the Crewe Clean Team, who have recycled over 200,000 used drink cans over the last decade.  

With the support of ECC, 50 community groups in the UK have established can recycling collections in their local area, using this activity to inspire further positive change. For example, Cans4City has raised over £15,400 for Exeter City Community Trust by collecting more than 19 tonnes of drink cans.

Chris Latham-Warde, Programme Manager at Every Can Counts, said: “Since Every Can Counts was founded, the recycling rate for aluminium drink cans in the UK has increased by an impressive 27%. We’re incredibly proud of our contribution to this movement, beating the drum about the importance of recycling used drink cans and inspiring positive behaviour change.

“We’ve come a long way from humble beginnings in Birmingham to evolving into a global programme with an ever-growing team working hard to spread our message – including that every can recycled can be back on the shelf in 60 days and recycled time and time again.  

“We can’t wait to see what the next 15 years have in store for us as we continue to inspire and empower individuals to recycle.”

So…What’s Next?

As the story of Every Can Counts continues, we’re excited to inspire change, drive innovation, and promote closed-loop recycling. Recycling aluminium uses 95% less energy than producing new cans from raw materials, so when you recycle, you’re not just saving energy and resources—you’re embarking with us on a journey that lasts forever. Here’s to the next 15 years and counting!

How to Get Involved

  1. Recycle your drink cans while you’re out and about. If there is no recycling bin around, hold on to your cans until you find one, or take them home and recycle them there.
  2. If you’re camping or picnicking in the great outdoors, bring some bags with you so you can separate your recycling from your general waste.  
  3. If you work or volunteer at an organisation with no drink can recycling facilities in place, we can help you do something about it! Set up a can collection point by requesting a free Every Can Counts starter pack here.
  4. Help us spread the Every Can Counts message! Remember that aluminium recycles forever, and drink cans have the potential to go around the recycling loop in just 60 days. Help us get the word out there to those who don’t know and encourage everyone to recycle their cans on-the-go!
The Infinity Room Opens at Xplore!
  • Phoebe Kelly

To Infinity and Beyond: The Infinity Room Opens at Xplore! Science Discovery Centre

To Infinity and Beyond: The Infinity Room Opens at Xplore! Science Discovery Centre 2560 1707 Phoebe Kelly

The #EveryCanCounts Infinity Room exhibit has opened at Xplore! Science Discovery Centre, the home of science in North Wales.

Experience Infinity

The ‘Infinity Room’ installation marks a new experience for visitors to Xplore! Science Discovery Centre and is free to access for members of the public.

The installation aims to teach all ages about the importance of recycling drink cans, as well as illustrating the infinite recyclability of aluminium.

Made up of 1,500 recycled cans and 25 square metres of mirrors, the focal point is a giant drink can and those who step inside will find themselves in a mirrored room that creates an illusion of being surrounded by an infinite number of suspended aluminium cans. At the same time, a narrator will take them on an educational journey through aluminium can recycling and its environmental benefits.

Resident Reactions Towards Recycling

New research from Every Can Counts into the recycling habits of those in Wrexham found on average, people enjoy around four canned drinks per week.

Respondents said they recycled 90% of these cans on average, but just under half (45%) of respondents living in Wrexham said they always use recycling bins when out and about in public places, while only a third (34%) would take packaging home to recycle it if they couldn’t find a recycle bin.

Wrexham residents cited more recycling bins (66%), more recyclable packaging (37%), and clearer signage on recycling bins (25%) as the top three things which would encourage them to recycle more when out of their home.

Furthermore, half (50%) think more should be done to educate young people about the importance of recycling.

Jennifer Hough, Education Officer at Xplore! Science Discovery Centre, said: “We are delighted to be home to the incredible ‘Infinity Room’ installation. Over the coming months Xplore! will be starting work on a raft of decarbonisation activities including the installation of solar panels.

“The arrival of Every Can Counts’ installation allows us to really highlight the importance of recycling as part of our drive to reduce our carbon footprint. It promises to be an amazing exhibit and we can’t wait for the people of Wrexham to see it!”

Chris Latham-Warde, Programme Manager at Every Can Counts, added: “We’re thrilled to bring our unique Infinity Room to Wrexham after seeing great success with it throughout the UK in 2023.

“Free for all members of the public to access, the aim of the exhibit is to raise awareness of the infinite recyclability of aluminium in a visual and interactive way.

“Every empty can could be recycled and back on a shop shelf as a brand-new can in just 60 days and each of us can play a vital role in keeping the cycle going and benefitting the environment.

“With the exhibit available to visit until September, we hope that visitors to Xplore! Science Discovery Centre are left feeling inspired to make small changes to their recycling habits and will encourage their friends and family to do the same.”

Share Your Experience of the Infinity Room

To help us spread the word and encourage others to recycle their empty drink cans, we’re encouraging visitors to share their experience with the Infinity Room on their social media channels. Don’t forget to use the hashtag, #EveryCanCounts so we can find your posts!

Every Can Counts Infinity Room Arrives At W5 For Recycle Week
  • Phoebe Kelly

Experience The Infinite Possibilities Of Recycling: The Every Can Counts Infinity Room Arrives At W5 For Recycle Week

Experience The Infinite Possibilities Of Recycling: The Every Can Counts Infinity Room Arrives At W5 For Recycle Week 1408 946 Phoebe Kelly

We’ve partnered with the award-winning W5 Science & Discovery Centre to bring our captivating Infinity Room exhibit to Belfast, in time for the 20th anniversary of Recycle Week!

Join us for Recycle Week and experience our immersive ‘Infinity Room’ exhibit in Belfast, which invites visitors of all ages to explore the significance of recycling drink cans while showcasing the infinite recyclability of aluminum.

Experiencing Infinite Possibilities

Upon their visit, guests will be met with a giant drink can, and once they step inside, they’ll be immersed in a mirrored room featuring the illusion of an infinite number of suspended aluminium cans. Alongside the visual spectacle, a narrator will take them on an educational journey through aluminium can recycling and its environmental benefits.

Comprised of 1,500 recycled cans and 25 square meters of mirrors, the Infinity Room is not only an educational experience but also a stunning visual attraction. To help us spread the recycling message far and wide, we’re encouraging everyone who visits to share their experience on social media by using the hashtag, #EveryCanCounts.

The arrival of the Infinity Room not only marks a new experience for visitors to W5 Belfast, but also the 20th anniversary of Recycle Week.

What Is Recycle Week?

Recycle Week is an annual celebration of recycling which aims to encourage the public across the UK to recycle more of the right things, more often. Hosted by the recycling charity WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme), Recycle Week encourages businesses, local authorities, and community groups to all come together to promote the importance of waste reduction.

If you’d like to find out more, you can visit WRAP’s website by clicking here.

Victoria Denoon, Head of W5 Experience, said:

“W5 is proud to work alongside Every Can Counts to showcase the Infinity Room Tour during Recycle Week 2023.

“The exhibit will be housed in our In Our Nature Zone which highlights the importance of sustainability, climate change and our local environment and is aligned to W5’s mission of provoking new learning opportunities in immersive environments where visitors of all ages and backgrounds can become fully absorbed and engaged. 

“Like Every Can Counts, we are fully committed to inspiring the next generation to recycle and providing opportunities for them to learn about the science involved.”

Nothing Is Impossible When You Make Every Can Count

As part of Recycle Week, we conducted research on the recycling behaviors of Belfast residents. Check out the findings below:

  • On average, residents of Belfast enjoy seven canned drinks per week, and 78% of these cans are recycled.
  • Just under half (48%) of those living in Belfast always use recycling bins when out and about in public places.
  • Only a third (31%) would take packaging home to recycle it if they couldn’t find a recycle bin.
  • Belfast residents cited more recycling bins (73%), clearer signage on recycling bins (34%), and more recyclable packaging (34%) as the top three things which would encourage them to recycle more when out of their home.
  • Almost half of those living in Belfast (44%) think more should be done to educate young people about the importance of recycling.

Make Every Can Count for Recycle Week

If you want to make every one of your cans count for Recycle Week and beyond, then we want you to help us spread the recycling message!

Here are the key facts we like to shout about:

  • Aluminium can be recycled again and again without losing any quality!
  • It takes as little as 60 days for a drink can to go around the recycling loop and be back on the shop shelf as a brand new can.
  • Recycling drink cans uses 95% less energy than making new ones from primary aluminium.

Want to learn more about drink can recycling? We have another blog post which answers all of your frequently asked questions. Click here to find out more.

Visit the Infinity Room!

If you’re in Belfast, be sure to check out the Every Can Counts Infinity Room at W5. It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience art and learn about sustainability in a fun and engaging way!

For more information, including W5’s opening times, click here.

Year 6 pupils at St Augustine's Catholic Primary visit the Infinity Room at Catalyst Science Discovery Centre in Cheshire.
  • Phoebe Kelly

Immersive Recycling Exhibit Launches At Catalyst Science Discovery Centre

Immersive Recycling Exhibit Launches At Catalyst Science Discovery Centre 2560 1707 Phoebe Kelly

The #EveryCanCounts Infinity Room has arrived at Catalyst Science Discovery Centre in Widnes, Cheshire.

What is the #EveryCanCounts Infinity Room?

The ‘Infinity Room’ installation, created by recycling not-for-profit Every Can Counts, aims to teach children and the wider public about the importance of recycling drink cans, as well as illustrating the infinite recyclability of aluminium.

Those who step inside the giant drink can will find themselves in a mirrored room that creates an illusion of being surrounded by an infinite number of suspended aluminium cans. At the same time, a narrator will take them on an educational journey through aluminium can recycling and its environmental benefits. The exhibit, which is made up of 1,500 recycled cans and 25 square metres of mirrors, also makes for an ideal photo opportunity.

What Makes this Immersive Recycling Exhibit So Special?

At Every Can Counts we love educating and inspiring people to recycle their drink cans via innovative and creative projects. The #EveryCanCounts Infinity Room allows anyone who enters to see the endless possibilities that come from recycling a drink can. It shows that recycling just a few small cans could add up to make a massive impact and will hopefully inspire people to continue making lots of little, positive changes in their life. Each can recycled bring us one step closer to a 100% drink can recycling rate and a more sustainable future for us all.

To learn more about the life cycle of a drink can, visit our dedicated web page by clicking here.

Chris Latham-Warde, Programme Manager for Every Can Counts, said: “Our one-of-a-kind Infinity Room installation has been a great success in both Glasgow and Dundee over the past few months, so we’re very excited to be bringing it to yet another new location in the UK.   

“The aim of the exhibit is to raise awareness of the infinite recyclability of aluminium in a visual and interactive way. Every drink can that is recycled could be back on the shop shelf in 60 days, so we hope that visitors to Catalyst Science Discovery Centre are left feeling inspired by this and the vital role that they can play in keeping this cycle going.”

Clare Lightfoot, Community Engagement Coordinator at Catalyst Science Discovery Centre, said, “Informing, educating and inspiring younger generations about the wonders of science and the impact they can have on the environment is what we’re all about at Catalyst Science Discovery Centre.

“It’s great to be able to partner with Every Can Counts to host their Infinity Room exhibit and spread the message about the infinite recyclability of aluminium in a fun and interactive way. We look forward to hearing what our visitors think and the small changes they’ll be making in their everyday lives to make sure each and every drink can that they consume is recycled.”

Year 6 pupils at St Augustine's Catholic Primary visit the Infinity Room at Catalyst Science Discovery Centre in Cheshire.
Year 6 pupils at St Augustine’s Catholic Primary visit the Infinity Room at Catalyst Science Discovery Centre in Cheshire.

Infinity Room Opening Times

Visitors can explore the Infinity Room at Catalyst Science Discovery Centre free of charge, from 10am – 5pm every day, (apart from Mondays when the centre is closed) but visitors are encouraged to purchase an admission ticket to experience all of the activities and exhibits the centre has to offer.

Learn More About Catalyst Science Discovery Centre

Catalyst is a Science Discovery Centre and Museum offering a host of interactive exhibits, museum archives, historical galleries, family shows and hands-on workshops.  

Learn more about the Discovery Centre and Museum, view all the other exhibits and activities on offer and book tickets for an exciting day out by visiting Catalyst’s website! Click here for more information.

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