Steel Can Recycling Council challenges local government

Getting more steel cans into the recycling bins - that's what the Steel Can Recycling Council's challenge to local government is all about.

After lengthy consultation with local government across Australia, the Steel Can Recycling Council has changed the format of its well recognised awards program. Now called The Challenge, the SCRC wants to ensure significantly fewer steel cans are going to landfill. The Challenge is seeking councils which can report an increase in the amount of steel cans they are collecting for recycling.

The economic and environmental benefits are there - recycling steel cans saves 87% of the energy it takes to make the cans from raw materials and in most parts of Australia there are ready markets for used steel packaging. Currently, though, Australians only recycle 44% of the steel cans householders use.

So, to make it easier for councils wanting to enter Challenge 2005, and have the opportunity to win the coveted $10,000 study trip - one of the biggest prizes available in the sector - the SCRC has made the whole process much simpler.

For councils wanting to enter Challenge 2005, they should simply follow these three steps:

1. Be able to show an increase in the amount of steel cans being collected for recycling;
2. Provide kerbside recycling data for steel cans for the past three years;
3. Call 1800 073 713 or visit the Cansmart website at www.cansmart.org

Completed entry forms need to be submitted by 31 August 2005 but councils should register their interest as soon as possible.