As part of a collaboration between Every Can Counts and Greater Manchester Combined Authority, a giant rainbow created from 2,500 recycled beverage cans has appeared in Piccadilly Gardens.

Installed in celebration of World Environment Day (Saturday 5th June), the four-metre-high art piece aims to tackle litter and promote the infinite recyclability of aluminium. The cans used to create the installation were supplied by Go Green, a charity initiative managed by the Emily Jordan Foundation providing meaningful day opportunities to people with learning disabilities and complex needs.

Forming part of the Every Can Counts European Recycling Tour, ambassadors with colourful recycling backpacks will be roaming Manchester city centre to spread the recycling message and collect cans. Activities and events organised by Every Can Counts will be simultaneously taking place in 19 locations across 15 countries (including France, Spain, Italy, Ireland and the Netherlands), aiming to combat littering by inspiring people to recycle their empty drink cans.

Chris Latham-Warde, Every Can Counts UK Programme Manager, commented: “As COVID-19 restrictions ease, more and more people are socialising outdoors and making the most of the summer weather. Unfortunately, littering in public spaces is becoming an increasingly serious problem as a result.

“Our eye-catching rainbow art installation aims to remind people about the many benefits of recycling. After all, drink cans can be recycled, filled and returned to the shop shelf in just 60 days – and this life cycle is never-ending, so long as we all do the right thing and recycle.”

Cllr Neil Emmott, GMCA Lead for the Green City-Region, said: “We hope this striking installation will capture people’s imagination and get them thinking not only about the scale of the waste challenge, but also the potential of recycling and the circular economy.

“Making sustainable choices and recycling correctly are small acts but, when taken together across our city-region, can make such a big difference to our environmental impact. I would encourage people to come along and learn more about the ways they can recycle effectively, helping to play their part in cutting litter and its harmful effects on our environment.”

The Every Can Counts rainbow archway will remain in place until Sunday 6th June. An ideal photo backdrop, Every Can Counts is running a social media photo competition offering the chance to win a £250 shopping voucher. To enter, take a snap 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.

ENDS