Overgate in Dundee is aiming to recycle all the drinks cans consumed within the centre, following the unveiling of over 60 can collection points throughout the shopping centre.
The scheme, which has been implemented by the free to use Every Can Counts recycling programme, will aim to encourage over 11 million shoppers who visit the shopping centre annually to recycle their drinks cans.
The move follows research from Every Can Counts, which found that 49 per cent of shoppers had never used their local shopping centre’s recycling facilities, with the availability and visibility of recycling points being cited as the main obstacle.
To help launch the scheme, Overgate and Every Can Counts will have an awareness day activity on the 21st October within the centre to help engage with the public as well as having a recycling competition with a chance to win Overgate vouchers.
Malcolm Angus, Centre Manager of Overgate said: “We want to encourage recycling across the centre and with this latest initiative we’re hoping to encourage even more of our staff and shoppers to recycle rather than bin their drinks cans.
“By increasing the number of can recycling bins available to people and making them more visible with the Every Can Counts branding, we expect to recycle all the cans consumed on site.”
Chris Latham-Warde, Programme Manager from Every Can Counts, said: “Our research has shown that shopping centres are one of the top locations people consume canned drinks. When you consider that recycling just one can saves enough energy to power a TV for three hours and that Overgate Centre has over 11 million visitors annually, the potential savings are immense.
“We’re extremely pleased to be working with Overgate to help ensure even more cans are recycled.”
All of the drinks cans collected will be processed and recycled by local employment support scheme Green 2 Go based in Perth.
Every Can Counts is funded by the UK’s drinks can manufacturers, recyclers and fillers.
The programme aims to increase the number of drinks cans recycled, whether at work or while out and about, by providing practical advice and support, including free communication materials and help with finding recycling collection partners.
To register for support from Every Can Counts sign up to the programme at www.everycancounts.co.uk or call 01527 597 757.
SDI (Dundee 2) Limited
The Overgate Centre, Dundee is owned and managed by Legal & General, the largest commercial property company in the UK.
