Branching out into recycling

A 15ft metal tree was unveiled next to the Major Oak in Sherwood Forest yesterday to encourage recycling.

The Ronseal Eco Tree of Life, made from 500 empty woodcare tins, was created by artist, Mr Ptolemy Elrington.

Mr Elrington also gave people tips on recycling at the official unveiling at the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre.

Over the last month, Ronseal customers have donated hundreds of empty and part-used tins towards the project.

Mr Elrington said: “Although many people now recycle the obvious everyday household waste such as glass, plastic and cardboard, recycling of steel is less common. People aren’t so clued up when it comes to their old woodcare tins and often haven’t considered that they can be recycled.”

The tree will move to The Woodland Trust’s Merry Hill site, Hertfordshire, before going to Ronseal’s office in Sheffield.

It will finally be recycled, with the tins being melted down so that the metal can be used to create more tins.