Competition inspires cities to recycle 107 million cans

Novelis, along with the United States Conference of Mayors and national nonprofit Keep America Beautiful (KAB), are committed to increasing the nation’s recycling rate with the Cans for Cash: City Recycling Challenge.

Every year, cities compete in a month-long challenge to see which cities collect the most aluminum cans. During the competition held last October, 36 cities collected more than 107 million cans.

Leading the way toward a greener and more sustainable future, Cans for Cash: City Recycling Challenge has collected and recycled more than 793 million aluminum cans since the challenge started in 2004.

“Right now, America recycles just over half of the aluminum cans we produce each year,” said Tom Cochran, CEO and Executive Director of the United States Conference of Mayors. “Increasing our aluminum can recycling rate doesn’t just generate revenue for cities; it also saves energy and natural resources, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.”

Awards are handed out in three categories: Most Cans Collected, Most Innovative Campaign and Most Innovative Campaign with KAB.

The Cans for Cash challenge is designed to ensure opportunities for smaller-size cities. The Most Cans Collected category is determined by the ratio of the city population to the total pounds of cans recycled. Cities recognized for Most Cans Collected each will receive $5,000 and are:

First place – Fontana, California, Mayor Acquanetta Warren

Second Place – Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Mayor Tom Barrett

Third Place – Richmond, Indiana, Mayor Sally L. Hutton

Fourth Place – University City, Missouri, Mayor Shelley Welsch

To spur innovation and creativity in local initiatives, four cities received $5,000 each for originality in public education and awareness campaigns.

First Place – Canfield Village, Ohio, Mayor Bill Kay

Second Place – Bowling Green, Kentucky, Mayor Elaine Walker

Third Place – Hollywood, Florida, Mayor Peter J. M. Bober

Fourth Place – Irvine, California, Mayor Sukhee Kang

The Cans for Cash challenge also recognized creative partnerships between cities and local affiliates of Keep America Beautiful, a national nonprofit organization focused on litter prevention, waste reduction and beautification. The winning cities in this category each received $5,000, while the associated KAB affiliate received $2,500.

First Place – Sidney, Nebraska, Mayor Wendall Gaston, “Keep Sidney Beautiful”

Second Place – Mobile, Alabama, Mayor Samuel L. Jones, “Keep Mobile Beautiful, Inc.”

Third Place – Brownwood, Texas, Mayor Stephen E. Haynes, “Keep Brownwood Beautiful”