Caps and closure recycling initiative launched in UK

The UK-based non-profit organisation, Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (ALUPRO), has launched the first recycling campaign for metal caps and closures in Europe.

“You Can Leave Your Cap On” is an initiative that aims to encourage recyclers to keep bottle caps screwed on empty bottles before sending off to recycling. This way, local authorities can increase the recovery of aluminium caps and closures.

ALUPRO has partnered with British Glass and the EAFA (European Aluminium Foil Association) for this project. According to research done by both ALUPRO and British Glass, some 5,000 tonnes of aluminium from caps and closures are recoverable, which translates to about ￡2 million worth of aluminium at current raw material cost. Moreover, the campaign helps to increase consumer awareness on recycling aluminium caps and closures, such as those from wine, spirits and olive oil.

ALPRO executive director, Rick Hindley said, “The market for aluminium bottle closures is growing rapidly, particularly for wine bottles, so it is important that the consumer gets in the habit of recycling them so that the aluminium can be captured for reprocessing. The message to the public is simple; screwing the top back on the empty bottle before recycling is the easiest way for people to do their bit to recycle this valuable material.”

The campaign was launched in Kent on 3 July. Sevenoaks District Council is the first authority to trialNews