Every Can Counts launches new recycling pilot program

Every Can Counts U.S., a Washington-based program dedicated to the recycling of aluminum cans, has launched an aluminum beverage can recycling activation at East Potomac Golf Links, in partnership with National Links Trust. 
 
The program, started by the Can Manufacturer’s Institute, is the first golf course activation for Every Can Counts U.S. and is designed to make recycling easier for golfers and visitors while keeping aluminum beverage cans in circulation and out of landfills. 
 
The collaboration brings two Washington-themed recycling cages, recycling bins and educational signage to East Potomac Golf Links. 
 
“Public golf courses are green spaces where community and sustainability intersect,” says Tim Ebner, vice president of marketing and communications at Can Manufacturers Institute and a lead organizer of the Every Can Counts U.S. chapter. “Through this new pilot program with National Links Trust, we are showing that small actions—like recycling your used aluminum beverage can—make an enormous difference. Aluminum beverage cans are the most sustainable beverage package on virtually every measure, and the revenue generation of this program is unique to beverage cans given their relatively high scrap value.” 

RELATED: Every Can Counts marks 75K cans collected this spring, summer
 
The organization says every can collected for recycling at East Potomac Golf Links will be sold for its scrap aluminum value at Potomac Metals, Inc., its local scrapyard partner. Proceeds will go to the golf course to support future sustainability programs and events. 
 
“We’re excited to partner with Every Can Counts to bring more visible and effective recycling opportunities to East Potomac Golf Links,” says Andrew Szunyog, director of sustainability at National Links Trust. “Our golfers care deeply about this course and the environment. Thanks to the new recycling bins and the Washington-themed recycling cages, visitors now have a fun, easy and accessible way to take part in recycling used beverage cans that will eventually help support our future programs.” 
 
East Potomac Golf Links visitors can use the Every Can Counts recycling bins adjacent to the clubhouse, driving range, mini-golf course and throughout each of the golf links. 
 
The pilot program was launched at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 15. Every Can Counts says it plans to expand the public golf course recycling program next year and interested golf courses can contact the organization to participate.