Corus helps boost steel recycling in Swansea by 24%

The collaboration, which was launched in August 2007, saw 530 tonnes of steel packaging collected for recycling in the last year via kerbside collections, compared to 428 tonnes over the previous 12 month period.

The initiative was built around a prize draw, with residents being given the chance to win free council tax for a year by attaching a 'Make me a Winner' bag tag to their green recycling bags (which hold paper and glass as well as cans) whenever they put them out for collection.

In its first year of operation the scheme attracted more than 40,000 entries and the main prize was accompanied by smaller prizes such as can crushers and recycled items which were drawn every two months.

Corus' support came in the shape of £5,000 sponsorship for the first year which represented the reinvestment of funds it had accumulated from the sale of steel PRNs.

Llanelli-based Corus Steel Packaging Recycling's communications manager, Naomi Pope, explained that the company's involvement in the scheme was an example of its commitment to boosting steel packaging recycling rates.

“We are working hard to increase awareness of the benefits of recycling steel packaging and the number of steel cans recycling has more than doubled over the last seven years,” she said.

“This initiative has encouraged even more households in Swansea to join in recycling by putting everything from food and drinks cans to caps and lids from food and drink containers in their green bins,” she added.

And, Ms Pope revealed that the initial success of the scheme had meant that the firm had decided to continue its sponsorship of it for another year.

“The incentive scheme has been so successful at increasing the amount of steel packaging recycled that we have decided to extend our sponsorship of it for a further year,” she said.

She added: “The scheme is an excellent example of local authorities and industry working together to boost recycling rates and encourage consumer participation in recycling schemes.”

Corus' continued involvement in the scheme was welcomed by John Hague, Swansea council's cabinet member for the environment.

“Thousands of residents took part in the scheme during the past year and we're thrilled that Corus is on board with us again,” he said.

Proposals

Speaking to letsrecycle.com today (September 9), a spokeswoman for Corus explained that they company was now looking to work with other councils on similar initiatives.

“They would be interested in doing similar things with other councils,” she said, adding that councils were “welcome” to come forward with proposals.