Figures released by Bath and North East Somerset Council have
revealed that over 88 tonnes of aluminium were recycled last year
by local residents – an achievement which has benefited families in
Africa through a campaign ran by not-for-profit company Alupro.
Between July 2007 and July 2008, Bath and North East Somerset
residents recycled over 82 tonnes of aluminium cans and 6 tonnes of
aluminium foil resulting in significant benefits for the
environment. Councillor Charles Gerrish, Cabinet Member for
Customer Services, commented:
"Bath and North East Somerset Council is delighted that
residents are using the weekly kerbside collection service to
recycle such a substantial amount of aluminium foil and cans. This
material avoids disposal in a landfill site helping the Council
address the causes and effects of climate change that is one of our
eight vision priorities for the district.
Every one kilogram of recycled aluminium saves over 14 kilowatt
hours of electricity, resulting in 1.25 million kilowatt hours of
electricity saved in our district. This is because using recycled
aluminium for car parts, cans, or other products requires just five
percent of the energy and produces five percent of carbon dioxide
emissions compared to primary production."
The Council has joined forces with Alupro, who represent the
leading aluminium packaging producers and reprocessors in the UK,
in supporting their Recycle for Africa campaign. For every tonne of
aluminium recycled in Bath and North East Somerset they are
donating one fruit tree to local communities in Malawi, many of
which will be used by individual families or orchards. Councillor
Gerrish added:
"The Council is proud to be playing its part with Alupro and
other UK councils to help improve sustainability in Africa. In this
year alone, 48,000 fruit trees are set to be planted. Best of all,
by thinking locally and acting globally, local residents are
directly contributing towards helping the environment at home and
abroad."
For further information about recycling aluminium or many other
materials, please contact Council Connect on 01225 39 40 41 email:
councilconnect@bathnes.gov.uk or see our website www.bathnes.gov.uk/wasteservices
