Atlanta, GA, September 17, 2025
News Summary
In a collective initiative across four major festivals in the U.S., more than 75,000 aluminum cans were recycled. Leading the efforts was Every Can Counts U.S., with notable collections including over 60,000 cans at SweetWater 420 Fest in Atlanta. Other events also contributed, highlighting the positive impact of community involvement in recycling during large gatherings.
More than 75,000 Aluminum Cans Collected for Recycling in Spring and Summer 2025 Festivals Across the U.S.
In a significant effort to promote recycling, over 75,000 aluminum cans were successfully collected for recycling at four major events across the United States during spring and summer 2025. This initiative, led by Every Can Counts U.S., showcases the environmental impact that festivals can have when attendees participate in recycling efforts.
The largest collection occurred at the SweetWater 420 Fest in Atlanta, Georgia, in April 2025, where more than 60,000 cans and aluminum cups were gathered. This three-day event marked the peak of the season, demonstrating the potential for substantial recycling operations in large gatherings. The recycled cans collected during this festival were redeemed for scrap value, with all proceeds donated to Habitat for Humanity.
Following the SweetWater 420 Fest, another notable event included the World Pride Street Festival in Washington, D.C., in June 2025. Here, approximately 1,000 cans were collected in partnership with the Capital Pride Alliance. Another 1,000 cans were gathered during a two-day sailing regatta hosted by the Red Bull Italy SailGP Team in New York.
In August 2025, the iHeartRadio’s Bull Float Trip in Leasburg, Missouri, contributed significantly with over 13,000 aluminum cans collected. This event, which combined a country music concert with a river float, featured Every Can Counts’ distinctive “rock-and-roll amplifier” recycling cage, which was utilized in collaboration with Mid-American Clean Future.
The collective efforts during these events resulted in over 75,000 cans being redirected back into production as new cans within 60 days or less. Tim Ebner, the vice president of marketing and communications at the Can Manufacturers Institute, highlighted the potential for positive environmental action at festivals and events, underscoring how community involvement in recycling can lead to significant outcomes.
These sweeping collection efforts not only contribute to sustainability but also highlight the growing awareness and commitment to environmental responsibility among festival-goers across the nation.
FAQs
What was the total number of aluminum cans collected for recycling in 2025?
Over 75,000 aluminum cans were collected for recycling during four events in the U.S. during spring and summer 2025.
How many cans were collected at the SweetWater 420 Fest?
More than 60,000 cans and aluminum cups were collected at the SweetWater 420 Fest in Atlanta.
What was significant about the collection at the SweetWater 420 Fest?
The SweetWater 420 Fest was a three-day event and resulted in the largest haul of the season.
Where did the proceeds from the recycled cans collected at the SweetWater 420 Fest go?
The proceeds from the recycled cans collected at the festival were donated to Habitat for Humanity.
How many cans were collected at the World Pride Street Festival?
Around 1,000 cans were collected at the World Pride Street Festival in Washington, D.C., in partnership with Capital Pride Alliance.
What event followed the World Pride Street Festival in terms of can collection?
An additional 1,000 cans were collected during a two-day sailing regatta hosted by the Red Bull Italy SailGP Team in New York.
What is the significance of the iHeartRadio’s Bull Float Trip?
During the Bull Float Trip, over 13,000 aluminum cans were collected as part of a two-day country music concert and river float event in Leasburg, Missouri.
What recycling feature was used during the Bull Float Trip?
The Bull Float Trip featured Every Can Counts’ “rock-and-roll amplifier” recycling cage, used to collect cans in partnership with Mid-American Clean Future.
What is the recycling process timeline for the collected cans?
The recycling efforts resulted in over 75,000 cans being redirected back into production as new cans within 60 days or less.
Key Features of Can Recycling Events
| Event Name | Location | Cans Collected | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SweetWater 420 Fest | Atlanta, GA | Over 60,000 | Largest haul of the season, proceeds to Habitat for Humanity. |
| World Pride Street Festival | Washington, D.C. | Around 1,000 | Partnership with Capital Pride Alliance. |
| Sailing Regatta | New York, NY | 1,000 | Hosted by Red Bull Italy SailGP Team. |
| iHeartRadio’s Bull Float Trip | Leasburg, MO | Over 13,000 | Included “rock-and-roll amplifier” recycling cage. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Atlanta Recycling Program Audit Results
- Atlanta Magazine: Peace of Mind Will Pick Up Your Glass
- AJC: Atlanta Has Seen Growth in Recycling
- Rough Draft Atlanta: Brookhaven Couple Launches Guiltless Glass Recycling
- Waste360: Ripple Glass Expands Glass Recycling Program
- Wikipedia: Recycling
- Google Search: recycling programs
- Google Scholar: recycling impacts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: recycling
- Google News: recycling news
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
