An educational initiative to increase aluminium foil collection and recycling rates has been rolled out by the Forest of Dean District Council. Delivered in partnership with the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro) and the European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA), the programme will see card hangers affixed to 37,000 refuse bins across the region.

Reminding residents which foil packaging items can be recycled and which will contaminate local collections, the campaign aims to drive a significant increase in aluminium packaging recycling rates. Alongside detailing best practice advice, the hangers explain how aluminium foil should be prepared for recycling.

Councillor Sid Phelps, Cabinet Member for Environment at the Forest of Dean District Council, commented: “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.

“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.”

Tom Giddings, general manager of Alupro, added: “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.”

The bin hangers have been fully funded by Alupro and EAFA. With funding remaining for similar programmes, Alupro is welcoming applications from local authorities across the UK.

ENDS