Young artists, school pupils and community groups across Peterborough are being invited to showcase their creativity in a special art competition promoting recycling and environmental awareness.
The initiative encourages participants to transform everyday aluminium cans into imaginative works of art, helping to highlight the importance of recycling, reducing waste and protecting the environment.
Peterborough City Council in conjunction with PECT and Alupro has launched the 'Every Can Counts' competition as part of on-going work to raise awareness about the importance of recycling and the positive impacts it has on communities and the environment.
Why Recycle Cans
In the UK, we use around 10 billion cans a year, which is equivalent to 600 for each household. Recycling aluminium cans has many benefits: the metal can be melted down and reshaped repeatedly and the process only uses about 5% of the energy needed to create new aluminium. Recycled aluminium drinks cans can be processed, remade and back on shop shelves in as little as 60 days.
Categories and Prizes
Every Can Counts aims to inspire, encourage and empower people to recycle aluminium cans. The competition has three categories with one winner each: Primary schools, Secondary schools and Community groups. Each school or group can only submit one entry.
The three winners will each receive gardening vouchers to spend on their school grounds or community group site. Their artwork will also go on display at the Peterborough Celebrates Festival at Ferry Meadows between 18 - 20 June 2027.
I would urge school pupils and members of community groups to take part in Every Can Counts and help us spread the word about the importance of recycling. As a council we are fully committed to increasing recycling rates across Peterborough and encouraging everyone to play their part in this. I'm looking forward to seeing the entries and would like to wish everyone the very best of luck!
Councillor Chris Wiggin, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said:
How to Enter
Participants can get creative with their entries, however, the competition has some rules. The artwork must be made of aluminium cans, 3D, free-standing, easily transportable and centre on the theme of 'Our Earth, Our Planet'. Cans can be glued together, painted and decorated.
For more information about the competition and how to enter visit the council's website.
After the competition closes on the 21st of May 2027, the judging process will begin. Representatives from Peterborough City Council, PECT and Alupro will judge the entries and winners will be announced in June 2027.