The CPRE Reverse Vending Machine visited Dorset from 13th to 15th September. Volunteers were able to dispose of, and receive cash for, each of the drinks containers they picked, giving people a feel for how the national system will work and highlighting how financial incentives can help to boost recycling.
Volunteers taking part in the Green Clean collected a total of 11,212 cans and bottles of all shapes, sizes and materials. Over a third (35%) of those collected were made from plastic, 50% were aluminium, 14% glass and 1% Tetra Pak.
While plastic packaging has been making the headlines, this data shows that two-thirds of all drinks containers littered are made from other materials – such as aluminium and glass – and should be taken just as seriously.