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At this year’s Graspop Metal Meeting in Belgium, the local Every Can Counts chapter joined forces with the festival to encourage festival goers to recycle their empty drink cans and highlight the infinite recyclability of aluminium.

Graspop Metal Meeting is not only one of Europe’s biggest hard rock and metal festivals, but also an event committed to eco-friendly practices and sustainability. Festival Director Peter Van Geel describes the partnership with Every Can Counts as a logical step towards a more eco-friendly event, where suppliers, partners, and volunteers all contribute together.

True recycling impact comes from real engagement rather than just providing the recycling infrastructure. Armed with the programme’s iconic recycling backpacks, Every Can Counts ambassadors interacted with festivalgoers on-site, collecting empty drink cans, sharing key facts about aluminium circularity and distributing PMD (plastic packaging, metal packaging and drink cartons) recycling bags.

To inspire long-term sustainable habits, the activation focused on rewarding positive behaviour. Festival goers could exchange their full PMD bags for “Green Coins” provided by the organisers. These coins unlocked rewards such as exclusive #GMM26 gadgets or free rides on festival attractions, proving that recycling is effective when it is interactive and fun.

As David Van Heuverswyn, Global Director of Every Can Counts, explains:”Every beverage can that ends up in the wrong bin represents a loss of valuable raw materials.”

With aluminium being infinitely recyclable and recycling it saving 95% of the energy required to produce new metal from raw materials, every can recycled helps keep valuable material in the loop.

For the third time, our UK chapter headed to London’s Alexandra Palace on Saturday 20th June to take on the famous downhill course, competing against 51 other creative teams in front of thousands of spectators.

The Red Bull Soapbox Race challenges teams to design the craziest contraptions that rely solely on gravity to navigate the 420-metre downhill course. Participants are then judged on creativity, speed, and showmanship.

The Every Can Counts UK four-person crew designed and built a recycling-themed soapbox to take on the course in front of thousands of spectators at London’s Alexandra Palace.

Meet the can-tastic driver

Inspired by a classic VW Beetle and incorporating recycled cans into the engine detail, the Every Can Counts Soapbox aimed to wow the judges and the crowds before taking on the thrilling down-hill course.

But since officially entering our lives in 2025, no Soapbox Race would be complete without the charm of Canzee! Made from approximately 400 recycled drink cans, Canzee is always happy to help create a buzz (and a lot of noise) to remind people about the benefits of recycling their empty cans.

However, this year, Canzee made a very special appearance as the driver of our soapbox! Well… that’s what the ECC UK team wanted the crowds to believe! The performance created the illusion that Canzee had bravely taken the wheel and was ready to hurtle down the track. The reality? Hidden inside was the ECC UK Programme’s Manager, Chris Latham-Warde, who has successfully taken all three of the ECC UK Soapboxes straight to the hay bales at the end of the course.

Canzee might have taken a backseat this time, but he still managed to win over the judges (scoring 31/40 for the ECC UK team’s performance) and the crowds before we’d even taken to the course!

The fastest Soapbox yet

So to answer the burning question… Did our UK chapter beat their epic 3rd-place podium finish in 2024?

Things started to take a dramatic turn during this year’s race, with Canzee dramatically flopping over Chris and obscuring his vision shortly after one of the jumps. The fake engine dropped out of the bottom and started dragging along the floor during another jump, and for a moment, we thought it might all be over for our canny mascot…

But after reaching 26mph down the track, the team successfully crossed the finish line in just over 40 seconds, making this soapbox their fastest yet.

Canzee might not have taken to the podium, but he helped the UK chapter secure 5th place for team Every Can Counts.

More than just a Soapbox Race

There’s no doubt about it… the Red Bull Soapbox Race has to be one of the most iconic events in the ECC UK calendar and one they look forward to every time it comes around. And because they race in the name of recycling, their presence at Alexandra Palace is about much more than aiming for that elusive 1st place spot on the podium.

Throughout the day, the Every Can Counts UK team of recycling ambassadors were on hand to spark conversations with attendees about the benefits of recycling their empty drink cans. And to make recycling as easy and accessible as possible, the ambassadors roamed Alexandra Palace with their iconic can-shaped backpacks, bringing the recycling bin directly to attendees. Canzee also roamed the site to create excitement for the race and show everyone why every can really does count.

They also brought two sets of the ECC “I HEART RECYCLING” can cages to race day and, thanks to the support of all the attendees at the Soapbox Race, both sets of cages were full to the brim by the end of the day.

Every can really does count

Chris Latham-Warde, programme manager for Every Can Counts UK, said: “This is our third year at the Red Bull Soapbox Race, and it’s one of the highlights of our calendar. The atmosphere is brilliant, the crowds are huge and so engaged, and it’s a fantastic chance to show off our soapbox design while reminding people why recycling matters – especially on the go”.

“An aluminium can you recycle today could be back on the shop shelf as a new can in just 60 days – and that cycle can continue forever. That’s what makes aluminium so valuable, and why every can really does count, including at events like the Soapbox race.” 

The National Theatre of Northern Greece, our Greek chapter Kathe Kouti Metrai and NYMFI beer are joining forces once again at Thessaloniki’s Forest Festival, while supporting the SOS Children’s Village in Plagiari.

For the second year running, the National Theatre of Northern Greece, Kathe Kouti Metrai and NYMFI beer are renewing their partnership, proving that sustainability and clean public spaces go hand in hand with culture.

Following the positive response to the 2025 pilot project, the initiative returns this year for the entire summer season. Its aim is to inspire audiences to recycle their drink cans and help keep valuable materials in circulation, while reducing the environmental footprint of every event.

The first awareness activation took place on Monday, June 8th, at the Earth Theatre (Theatro Gis). Through September, visitors at both the Forest Theatre (Theatro Dasous) and the Earth Theatre will have the opportunity to recycle the cans consumed during concerts and theatrical performances. To make drink can recycling easy and visible for visitors, impressive metal installation bins spelling out the initials “ΚΘΒΕ” have been placed at the entrances of both theatres. At the same time, Kathe Kouti Metrai recycling ambassadors, equipped with their signature green backpacks, will be among the crowd at selected concerts to inform the public and collect cans on the go.

Asterios Peltekis, Artistic Director of NTNG, stated: “Theatre must listen to the needs of society and the planet. With this new initiative, we turn an evening out for entertainment into an act of environmental responsibility. By placing dedicated recycling points in our theatres, we invite the audience to become our active allies. A metal can is not waste; it is a new raw material. At the National Theatre of Northern Greece, we believe that protecting the environment is a matter of culture, and we make it part of our daily practice.”

“We believe that enjoyment and responsibility can coexist. Through this initiative, we encourage the audience to enjoy the magic of theatre and music while protecting the environment and contributing to an important social cause,” noted Lazaros Vogiatzoglou, Sponsorships & Events Area Manager at Athenian Brewery.

“Every summer, thousands of drink cans are consumed at concerts and cultural events. When recycled, aluminium can be back on the shelf as a new can in as little as 60 days, ready to begin the cycle again. Activations like this help turn awareness into action and demonstrate how cultural institutions, citizens and brands can work together to keep valuable materials in the loop and build lasting recycling habits,” said Eirini Topouzidou, Programme Manager at Every Can Counts Greece (Kathe Kouti Metrai).

Recycling for a good cause

If you believe in the magic of recycling, nothing is impossible. A small change in our daily habits, like recycling a drink can, can create a positive impact on both the planet and society.

Every can recycled during  this year’s Forest Theatre Festival helps reduce CO₂ emissions and saves 95% of the energy required for primary aluminium production. By keeping this valuable material in circulation, visitors are contributing to a more circular future while supporting an important social cause.

All collected cans will be delivered to Elval, the aluminium rolling division of ElvalHalcor, for recycling, helping keep valuable aluminium in the loop.  And all proceeds will be donated to support the SOS Children’s Village in Plagiari.

Watch the highlights :

On 10 May 2026, Cada Lata Conta, our Brazilian chapter, partnered with the 13th edition of the Wings for Life World Run in Brasilia, putting aluminium can recycling in the spotlight.

The global charity race, organised by Red Bull, directs 100% of its entry fees to spinal cord injury research. This partnership allowed the initiative to support a meaningful social cause while showcasing sustainable habits on the ground, making environmental education a natural part of the race day.

Coordinated by the Brazilian Aluminium Can Association, Cada Lata Conta executed an activation focused on environmental awareness and circularity. The programme turned awareness into action by introducing interactive ECC visual materials, from eye-catching signs to washable tattoos, educational hubs and a giant letter-bin structure. On the ground, a dedicated team of waste pickers along with the Every Can Counts recycling ambassadors with their iconic backpacks engaged directly with athletes and spectators, helping them recycle their empty drink cans right on the spot. 

To ensure proper waste collection, the initiative joined forces with local cooperatives COOPERLIVRE and RECICLA. Throughout the day, over 2,000 cans were collected.

Real behaviour change occurs when recycling is made both accessible and interactive. By bringing environmental education directly into the energy of the race day, Cada Lata Conta reminded participants of the importance of aluminium can recycling. In fact, recycling aluminium saves 95% of the energy needed to produce it from raw materials – proving that every can counts, everywhere.

On June 4 2026, ahead of World Environment Day, our Czech chapter, Každá plechovka se počítá, held a recycling engagement activation at Riegrovy Sady Park in Prague. Moving into another year of successful collaboration with the Prague 2 Municipality, the initiative focused on turning environmental awareness into action by promoting sustainable on-the-go recycling habits.

The activation centred around the established Every Can Counts metal heart collection point, encouraging passers-by to recycle their empty drink cans right on the spot. To elevate the educational impact, the Every Can Counts Czech team introduced an interactive opinion wall. This setup engaged citizens in meaningful dialogue about aluminium can recycling and the broader topic of the Deposit Return System. Meanwhile, our ambassadors with the iconic backpacks were on site, collecting drink cans and reminding attendees that every can recycled helps keep aluminium in the loop. In fact, recycling aluminium saves 95% of the energy needed to produce it from raw materials.

Každá plechovka se počítá also established a new strategic partnership with local beverage producer Prager’s, which offered non-alcoholic beverages in aluminium cans to the visitors. At the same time, the ECC recycling ambassadors were helping people recycle their empty cans throughout the event, guiding them from consumption to proper recycling in the metal heart infrastructure. 

The biggest attention driver, however, was the debut of Canny, a character costume made entirely from cans. Canny drew significant attention both through the striking visual appearance and the distinctive rattling sound of the cans, prompting many people to stop, engage and take photos. Passers-by were eager to capture selfies with Canny and the character was an instant hit with children, who were especially curious to find out whether there was “a real person” inside the costume.

The activation was once again supported by Jan Recman, Deputy Mayor for the Environment of Prague 2, who publicly backed the installation of the ECC metal heart in Riegrovy Sady. 

Tereza Gyurjánová, Czech Republic Director of Každá plechovka se počítá, stated: “Our goal is to show that recycling makes perfect sense even when we are on the move. By installing the heart-shaped collection point in Riegrovy Sady, we want to make sorting as easy as possible for the public and demonstrate that every correctly recycled drink can truly counts.

Každá plechovka se počítá achieved significant nationwide visibility, putting recycling in the spotlight. The campaign secured a dedicated feature on the national public broadcaster, Czech Television (ČT), providing our Czech chapter with the opportunity to raise broader public awareness and once again elevate the discussion around the Deposit Return System at a nationwide level. The campaign also secured a front-page photo feature in Metro, Prague’s most-read daily newspaper.

Watch the highlights:

From 1–3 May, UNDERGRAD FEST took place beneath Maglič Fortress, demonstrating once again how community, culture and sustainability can go hand in hand.

More than 4,000 people from Serbia and across the region gathered to enjoy concerts, workshops and outdoor activities. Our local chapter, Svaka limenka se računa, was there to encourage festival-goers to keep the cycle going. The recycling ambassadors, wearing the signature Every Can Counts backpacks, were collecting the used drink cans from people on-the-go. 

Together with Every Can Counts, festival visitors collected more than 10,000 cans for recycling during the festival. The impact is clear, as recycling aluminium saves 95% of the energy required to produce it from raw materials.

Environmental responsibility had center stage throughout the event. Alongside the recycling drive, the festival featured local sustainable brands, small producers and waste reduction initiatives across the site.
The positive energy continued even after the music stopped—with more than three tons of waste removed from the area thanks to the joint efforts of organisers, partners, and visitors.

Every small action, like properly recycling a can, can make a big difference. Events like UNDERGRAD FEST prove that working together can have a meaningful environmental impact.

See the highlights:

Our Spanish chapter has officially taken to the beach, starting the recycling awareness season early in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. As coastal activity increases, Cada Lata Cuenta is once again hitting the beaches of Spain to promote drink can recycling and encourage sustainable habits among visitors.

The programme brought its message to Las Canteras, one of the city’s most popular locations. Every Can Counts recycling ambassadors engaged with beachgoers to make recycling more visible and accessible. This activation, part of the “Tu Lata al Amarillo” (Your Can to the Yellow Bin) campaign, aimed to raise awareness of the importance of recycling in public spaces and remind visitors that small actions—like recycling a can—can have a big impact.

A previous survey conducted by Cada Lata Cuenta at Las Canteras shows that beachgoers already have a strong recycling mindset:
-89% of respondents know that drink cans should be placed in the yellow bin.

-80% of beachgoers say that they recycle them regularly while at the beach.

These figures highlight the importance of maintaining a presence on the ground to reinforce can recycling habits over time. 

A simple act from each of us can drive significant change, as recycling aluminium saves 95% of the energy required to produce it from raw materials.

Pedro Quevedo, City Councillor for Ciudad de Mar, noted: “Information and awareness are key factors in our efforts for the sustainability of our beaches and the coast. The health of the oceans begins on the beaches, and for this, we need the collaboration of both citizens and visitors”.

Iris Mullor, Communication Manager for Cada Lata Cuenta, added: “The beaches of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria are a landmark for both citizens and tourists, and it is fundamental that we all contribute to their care. With this campaign, we want to reinforce the message that enjoying our surroundings also means protecting them, and that recycling is a key part of more sustainable tourism”.

Launching early in the season, allows Every Can Counts to establish the sustainable habits needed to keep the aluminium recycling loop going all summer long.

To celebrate Earth Day, our UK chapter wanted to bring recycling to life… right in the heart of Bristol City Centre.

On 22nd April, passers-by on Centre Promenade stopped in their tracks as a striking piece of live art took shape. Our #EveryCanCounts CANvas, created using more than 700 recycled drink cans, is designed to inspire conversations about recycling and our role in protecting the planet.

Turning Used Cans into Earth Day-Inspired Art

The CANvas was painted live by local Bristol mural artist Ollie Gillard, well known for his nature-themed street art across the city. Ollie’s bespoke Earth Day design featured exotic animals and a powerful Earth visual, a creative reminder of why caring for the environment matters.

Watching the artwork come together throughout the day gave locals a chance to see recycled materials transformed into something meaningful, sparking plenty of conversations along the way.

Why Drink Cans Matter

The installation aimed to raise awareness of the infinite recyclability of aluminium.

Aluminium can be recycled again and again without losing quality. In fact, a recycled drink can could be back on shop shelves in as little as 60 days. Recycling even just one can really does make a difference, especially when we all do it.

Recycling On-the-Go in Bristol

Our team of ambassadors were also out and about on the day, wearing recycling backpacks and collecting used drinks cans from people on-the-go. They spent the day engaging with the public to spread the message about the benefits of recycling their empty drink cans.

A Creative Way to Mark Earth Day

Chris Latham-Warde, Programme Manager for Every Can Counts UK, said:

 “Earth Day is an important time for us to discuss how vital it is to care for the environment, including through the recycling of aluminium cans.

“This year, we took to the streets of Bristol, joining forces with local artist, Ollie Gillard, to produce a giant CANvas finished with Ollie’s bespoke Earth Day design. It was great to see the CANvas come to life and to watch locals engage with the artwork and our onsite team.

“Every empty drink can could be recycled and back on a shop shelf as a brand-new can in just 60 days. So, every action, no matter how small, really does add up to help make a big difference – and all year round, not just on Earth Day”  

Mural artist, Ollie Gillard, added:

“Working with Every Can Counts on this project has combined my love for street art and the environment. It’s been a pleasure to team up to spread their important message about the importance of recycling through the power of art. I hope the people of Bristol enjoyed the CANvas’ debut!”  

A local Scouts recycling initiative is proving that young people can make a big environmental impact, as the 1st London Colney Scouts show with their award‑winning efforts.

After collecting and recycling an incredible 76,000 aluminium cans in just one year, the scout group based in North London has been awarded a national Green Can Award to recognise their outstanding commitment to recycling and sustainability.

Turning Recycling into Community Impact

Made up of 237 Scouts aged 4 to 18, the 1st London Colney Scouting Group has shown that small everyday actions, like recycling your empty drink cans, can lead to big environmental and social benefits.

By partnering with local recycling company “Pearce Recycling”, the Scouts collected and recycled aluminium cans from households, community spaces and local events across North London. Their hard work didn’t just help save valuable materials from going to waste; it also raised over £3,500, which has been reinvested directly back into the Scout Group.

Those funds have supported a range of activities and community projects, including an exciting day trip to Whipsnade Zoo, helping to create unforgettable experiences for young people while keeping sustainability at the heart of everything they do.

Spreading the Recycling Message Locally

The Scouts have also worked hard to raise awareness about recycling throughout their local community. This includes building strong relationships with nearby businesses and setting up can drop‑off points in shops, cafés and social clubs. They’ve also hosted collection stations at local events to make recycling easy and accessible for everyone.

To further develop connections and engage with residents to spread their message, the Scouts also regularly share posters, social media content and short presentations with schools, community centres and village groups. They have even gone so far as to organise informal “recycling chats” at events, helping residents understand why recycling aluminium is so important and how easy it is to do so.

Learning About Sustainability from the Inside Out

Recycling and sustainability are at the heart of the Scout group’s activities as these topics are built into their weekly programme, with sessions exploring topics such as:

• The life cycle of materials
• Carbon footprints and climate impact
• Challenges faced by UK recycling infrastructure
• Global issues surrounding waste

This hands‑on approach helps young people understand how their actions connect to the wider world and why every can really does count!

A Reward for an Incredible Achievement

As well as receiving their Green Can Award, the Scouts will soon take part in a hands‑on workshop led by social enterprise Casting Innovations.

During the session, the Scouts will learn about the infinite recyclability of aluminium and witness the metal’s melting process firsthand. Each Scout will even create their own custom keyring made from recycled aluminium – a lasting reminder of their positive impact.

Celebrating the Local Scouts Recycling Initiative   

Ian Burnett, Group Lead Volunteer at 1st London Colney Scouting Group, said: “We’re so proud of this award and the hard work our Troop has put in to achieve it. They’ve demonstrated a real passion for looking after the world around them and have made a mark within our local community, encouraging residents to take recycling seriously and collecting an impressive number of cans along the way! A big thank you to Every Can Counts for recognising their efforts as we know it means a lot to all the Scouts involved.”

Chris Latham-Warde, Programme Manager at Every Can Counts UK, added: “The can-do attitude of the 1st London Colney Scouts is an inspiration, and the Troop is thoroughly deserving of their Green Can Award.

“Aside from their standout collection numbers, they’ve made a real difference within their local community, and we’re really impressed with the behavioural changes they’ve contributed to, with lots of residents now putting aside their aluminium cans or even setting up their own recycling stations within the home.

“We can’t wait to see what the Scouts do next and hope that they inspire other communities across the UK to take action – because every can, and every effort, counts.”