Some 10.7 billion beverage cans were recycled in the UK in 2023, a record number, a new study by Alupro and Every Can Counts has found.
The total number of cans collected would stretch to the moon and back, Alupro, the aluminium packaging recycling organisation, noted.
Its findings indicate that some 162,000 tonnes of aluminium packaging were recycled in 2023 through kerbside, bring, and on-the-go recycling systems.
This marks a 13% year-on-year uplift and a 4% increase since the previous record in 2021.
'Record-Breaking Figures'
“These record-breaking figures show the positive impact we can have as a country when we all play our part in the recycling process," commented Chris Latham-Warde, programme manager for Every Can Counts, Alupro’s not-for-profit communications programme aimed at driving drink can recycling.
“Big or small, every effort made by the public to dispose of their empty drink cans responsibly helps to inspire further progress and improve recycling rates both at home and on the go."
Beverage Can Collection
Some 81% of aluminium beverage cans were recycled in the UK in 2023, it noted, with Every Can Counts collecting some 64,000 drink cans at events and festivals across the UK, including Download Festival, and the Formula 1 British Grand Prix.
It plans to initiate similar activity this year, as it aims to play a role in ensuring the UK achieves a 100% recycling rate for beverage cans.
“Aluminium can be recycled time and time again without loss of quality, and every empty drink can that is recycled can be back on sale as a brand-new can in just 60 days," Latham-Warde added. "We hope people feel inspired by the latest figures and continue to make recycling a priority.”
