1^st London Colney Scouting Group has been recognised with a prestigious Green Can Award from Every Can Counts after recycling more than 76,000 aluminium cans in the last year alone. 

Now in their 13^th year, the Green Can Awards from recycling not-for-profit, Every Can Counts, celebrate organisations and community groups going above and beyond in their commitment to recycling and sustainability.

Comprised of 237 Scouts, aged between 4 and 18, the 1^st London Colney Troop has raised more than £3,500 by partnering with local recycling company, Pearce Recycling, and collecting cans from households, community spaces, and local events. 

These funds have been completely redirected into the Scout Group, supporting with events and community projects including a day trip to Whipsnade Zoo. 

Passionate about raising awareness of the importance of recycling amongst their local community, the Troop have worked hard to develop connections and engage with residents to spread their message. 

This includes networking with businesses nearby to establish can drop-off points at shops, cafes, and social clubs and host collection stations at local events. They also share posters, social content, and short presentations with schools, community centres, and village groups and coordinate informal ‘recycling chats’ at events. 

Demonstrating their commitment to the cause, the Scouts also bake sustainability and recycling into their weekly programme of events, exploring topics such as the life cycle of materials, carbon footprints, the challenges faced by UK recycling infrastructure, and global issues surrounding waste.  

In addition to receiving an award, Every Can Counts will reward the Scouts with a workshop led by social enterprise, Casting Innovations, during which they will learn about the infinite recyclability of aluminium, as well as the melting process, with learners making their own individually designed keyring from recycled aluminium.  

Ian Burnett, Group Lead Volunteer at 1^st London Colney Scouting Group, said: “We’re so proud of this award and the hard work our Troop has put in to achieve it. They’ve demonstrated a real passion for looking after the world around them and have made a mark within our local community, encouraging residents to take recycling seriously and collecting an impressive number of cans along the way! A big thank you to Every Can Counts for recognising their efforts as we know it means a lot to all the Scouts involved.” 

Chris Latham-Warde, Programme Manager at Every Can Counts, added: “The can-do attitude of the 1^st London Colney Scouts is an inspiration, and the Troop is thoroughly deserving of their Green Can Award. 

“Aside from their standout collection numbers, they’ve made a real difference within their local community, and we’re really impressed with the behavioural changes they’ve contributed to, with lots of residents now putting aside their aluminium cans or event setting up their own recycling stations within the home.

“We can’t wait to see what the Scouts do next and hope that they inspire other communities across the UK to take action – because every can, and every effort, counts.”