Irish aluminium recycling drives

In response to the increasing sales of aluminium cans and foil on the Irish market, the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation Ireland (Alupro-Ireland) and the European Aluminium Association (EAA) have launched two initiatives to further stimulate recycling in Ireland.

The first initiative, to run in conjunction with An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland, is an aluminium can recycling competition for primary and secondary schools. The drive will form part of the National Spring Clean, an annual anti-litter campaign, now in its tenth year. In 2008, schools can win €500 by sending An Taisce a photo of the cans they collect during their clean-ups. Entries will be judged on creativity as well as quantity. For more information, visit: www.nationalspringclean.org/current-competitions.php

Alupro-Ireland and the EAA are also encouraging Irish cities, towns and villages to collect cans for the annual Tidy Towns Competition. The initiative, now in its fiftieth year, involves participating towns being rated on all aspects of their local environment. The winning town is awarded a cash prize and the title of "Ireland's Tidiest Town". As part of the campaign this year, Alupro-Ireland and the EAA are sponsoring an Aluminium Art Competition; towns are encouraged to create works of art that include as many cans and foils as possible. More information is available at: www.tidytowns.ie