When it comes to festivals, efficient recycling systems are essential. But creating lasting recycling habits takes more than just infrastructure—it takes engagement.
Every Can Counts UK returned to Download Festival this year, where the programme once again delivered a high-impact presence to drive drink can recycling and environmental awareness among festival-goers.
A range of eye-catching activations brought the message to life across the festival site, including two Every Can Counts electric-powered soapboxes that toured the grounds and drew plenty of attention. Also turning heads were the giant “DOWNLOAD” can cages and the programme’s much-loved mascot, Canzee, who was on hand throughout the weekend to meet fans and pose for photos.
Visitors were invited to get involved through a variety of fun recycling experiences. More than 2,000 attendees took part in the Every Can Counts recycling quiz, while over 35,000 empty drink cans were collected throughout the weekend via Every Can Counts voting bins, can cages and roaming ambassadors wearing the programme’s iconic can-shaped backpacks.
Festival-goers who recycled their empty drink cans also received exclusive rewards, including “Metal Never Dies” t-shirts and Download Festival keyrings made from recycled aluminium, making recycling an even more engaging part of the festival experience.
The activation once again demonstrated that successful recycling at large-scale events depends on more than simply providing collection infrastructure. By combining eye-catching activations, interactive experiences and rewarding participation, Every Can Counts helped make recycling a natural part of the Download Festival experience.
Because when recycling is fun, interactive and rewarding, it becomes a natural part of the festival experience—and every can really does count.