Fourth Annual Great American Can Roundup School Challenge Officially Launches

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Local schools around the country are invited to participate in the fourth annual Great American Can Roundup (GACR) School Challenge as the United States celebrates America Recycles Day.  Sponsored by the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI), schools that recycle the most cans in their state will receive $1,000, with the overall champion receiving $5,000, which will be donated to the school's charity of choice.

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CMI is the national trade association that represents can makers and aluminum and steel suppliers. CMI sponsors and organizes the GACR to promote community-driven recycling while raising awareness about the environmental benefits of recycled cans.

"Last year, 1,015 schools participated in the Great American Can Roundup, which equates to more than 525,000 students, spreading the message of the benefits of recycling," said CMI's President Robert Budway. "These students were able to divert 206,561 pounds of aluminum cans from landfills. They also raised more than $103,000 for future school activities, local charities and other important causes. The success of this program is evident with the number of participating schools increasing by more than 20 percent from the 2011-2012 competition. The School Challenge is a program to engage America's youth and their communities in aluminum can recycling."

The 2013-2014 School Challenge will take place from November 15, 2013, through April 22, 2014. Schools are encouraged to register and take action in their community by organizing the recycling efforts for this competition and the environment at large. Registration and additional information on the challenge can be found at www.cancentral.com/roundup.

The can is the most recycled food and beverage container in the United States. Nearly 75 percent of all aluminum that has ever been produced is still in use. The beverage can can be recycled and back on a store shelf in as little as 60 days. This greatly reduces the amount of material going to landfills.  More information about the can's sustainability attributes can be found at www.cancentral.com/sustainability.  

Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) CMI is the national trade association of the metal can manufacturing industry and its suppliers in the United States. The can industry accounts for the annual domestic production of approximately 124 billion food, beverage and other metal cans; which employs more than 28,000 people with plants in 33 states, Puerto Rico and American Samoa; and generates about $17.8 billion in direct economic activity. Our members are committed to providing safe, nutritious and refreshing canned food and beverages to consumers. 

SOURCE Can Manufacturers Institute