The non-profit organization “Každá plechovka se počítá” (“Every Can Counts”) has launched a new campaign in Prague to promote the importance of recycling aluminum cans. Their survey reveals that half of Prague’s residents do not recycle their aluminum cans, despite their infinite recyclability. The campaign coincides with World Environment Day on June 5th and is part of the “International Recycling Tour,” spanning 18 cities worldwide.

As part of the campaign, ambassadors will roam the streets of Prague wearing large green backpacks, collecting aluminum cans from pedestrians. They will also be present at the “Pražské primátorky” event on the Vltava riverbank. The Prague 2 district supports the campaign, and the ambassadors will participate in the DobroSwap event in the Folimanka area. Alexandra Udženija, the district’s mayor, stresses the significance of proper waste disposal and recycling, which ultimately contributes to preserving nature and conserving energy.

The collected aluminum cans will be used to create a massive “pixelcan” mosaic on the Vltava riverbank. Over two thousand cans will be arranged to form the mosaic, with each can representing a single pixel. Attendees and passersby will have the opportunity to witness the mosaic being assembled. The campaign organizers hope that this event will inspire people to recycle their aluminum cans and become more proactive in environmental protection.

According to a survey conducted by the STEM/MARK agency on behalf of “Každá plechovka se počítá,” approximately one-third of consumers still dispose of their aluminum cans in the regular trash, and another 19% do so when a suitable metal waste container is not readily available nearby. Seventy percent of respondents expressed the need for more recycling bins for sorted metal waste closer to their homes, as it would encourage them to recycle consistently.

The campaign organizer, Tereza Gyurjánová, identifies the lack of proper disposal facilities as the main challenge. She suggests that implementing a deposit system for aluminum cans, currently under discussion, could help address this issue. However, there will still be situations where such a system is unavailable, such as outdoor events and festivals, where the “Every Can Counts” campaign plays a vital role.

The “International Recycling Tour” is an annual event held in several European cities, including Vienna, Budapest, and Brussels. The tour aims to inspire behavioral change and achieve 100% recycling of aluminum cans across Europe and beyond.

“Every Can Counts” calls upon consumers, local authorities, brands, and event organizers to join forces in finding better ways to recycle while having a positive impact on the environment.

Article by Prague Forum