The Municipality of Antiparos, in partnership with the “Every Can Counts” program, has inaugurated an innovative Recycling Station for aluminum cans as part of a pilot program based on the DRS (Deposit Return System) model. Inspired by Cycladic architecture and the properties of aluminum, Antiparos CAN Recycle is a functional recycling point and an artistic installation, creatively promoting the message of the circular economy.

Residents and visitors can bring empty cans for recycling and be rewarded with gifts and discounts from local businesses. The proceeds from the can returns will be used to upgrade the sports facilities at the Antiparos school, supporting the local community and promoting sustainability.

The initiative aims to gradually develop a circular packaging material management system on the island, creating an appealing recycling experience for users and taking a step towards climate neutrality and achieving the vision of 100% aluminum can recycling. “Our priority is to educate residents and visitors about separate collection of packaging and encourage them to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. Recycling is essential for building a healthier future for the next generations,” stated Antiparos Mayor Anastasios Faroupos during the inauguration event.

This initiative is more relevant than ever, as per an EU regulation, all member states must achieve specific quantitative targets for the collection and recycling of glass, plastic, and aluminum packaging. Maarten Labberton, Director of the Packaging Group at European Aluminium, explained, “By January 1, 2029, the separate collection of aluminum cans across Europe must reach 90%. This is the only way to keep them in the loop. And we couldn’t have a better starting point for our environmental cycle than the Cyclades and Antiparos.”

Since the installation of the machines at the end of 2023, over 15,000 cans have been recycled, demonstrating the awareness and active participation of residents. Antiparos CAN Recycle merges art with recycling, making it more approachable. “The lifecycle of aluminum is a form of art, transforming materials into something new and giving them new life again and again,” said Eirini Topouzidou, manager of the “Every Can Counts” program in Greece.

The installation, which is open daily to the public, creatively communicates the message of environmental awareness and serves as an ideal photo point for residents and visitors of the island. The project, designed by Studiolav, focuses on three key features of Cycladic architecture: arches, steps, and windmills. These elements allow the innovative project to harmonize with the environment and attract visitors and residents alike. “Made entirely of aluminum, it could be an example of how an organized and collective recycling effort can be transformed into something new,” noted designers Loukas Angelou and Vasso Asfi.

When residents recycle a can, they receive real-time updates on the total number of cans recycled on the island and the corresponding CO2 emissions saved. The system recognizes the barcode, size, weight, and material, providing comprehensive data on the quantities of recyclable materials collected. The station is equipped with two high-tech recycling machines that can collect and compress aluminum cans of all sizes and shapes. This represents the smallest reverse vending machine (RVM) in the world, with patented technology from the Finnish company Pure Recycle, offering a cost-effective solution for small communities like islands.

“These cans will be brought to our factory in Oinofyta. They will be processed with the most modern methods, and within 60 days, they can become cans again and return to store shelves. We can achieve high recycling rates in Antiparos and, why not, become the first island in Greece to reach 100%,” stated Konstantinos Katsaros, Vice President of the Board of Directors of ELVALHALCOR S.A.

Over 20 local businesses have already joined the program, offering gifts or discounts that lucky participants can redeem by scanning the QR code that appears on their screen. The initiative demonstrates the importance of community involvement in recycling and promotes a culture of sustainability.

During the open event on the island’s main pedestrian street, residents and visitors learned about the benefits of recycling and inaugurated the new station by recycling their cans. Sustainable prizes were raffled off, including a RICICLETTA® bike made from 800 aluminum cans.

About “Every Can Counts”

“Every Can Counts” operates in 18 countries across Europe, as well as in Brazil, the UAE, and the USA. The program aims to encourage more people and organizations to make a difference by recycling aluminum cans used outside the home, in workplaces, schools, at sports events, and festivals. Each can is recycled endlessly, saving 95% of the energy required for primary production.