Hereford-based community group South Wye Recycling has re-located to new premises.

It has joined forces with the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation and is now an official recycling centre for valuable aluminium drinks cans.

The group, which has re-located to Ravenswood Court on the Rotherwas Industrial Estate, is hoping to encourage county schools, charities and individuals to collect used aluminium drinks cans.

The group will pay for used alu-cans if brought to the centre and will offer a free collection service to any businesses or schools in the area.

Dusty Miller, of South Wye Recycling, said: "In Herefordshire each year over 17 million aluminium drinks cans are sold; if all of them were collected for recycling, community groups like ours would pay out over £91,500 to the collectors.

"That's money which would otherwise be thrown away and fundraisers can't afford to ignore. We're looking to expand our collection service, so if any local businesses are interested please phone me on 01432 351401."

Aluminium can collection not only raises funds. Recyclers are also helping to protect the environment by saving natural resources, reducing litter and waste and saving energy. Recycling saves up to 95% of the energy used to produce aluminium from raw materials.

Alupro's operations manager, Ruth Meeke commented: "We're delighted that South Wye Recycling, a local community group, is now an official 'Cash for Cans' recycling centre. It is now part of a nationwide network of over 320 centres."

Anyone who would like advice on how to raise funds by recycling aluminium drinks cans contact Dusty Miller at South Wye Recycling on 01432 351401.