Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Seven metre art installation in Leeds to encourage more recycling
Five large columns, the highest seven-metre-tall, filled with recyclable waste have been topped with a green bin, which will be lit up at night.
The installation is hoped to encourage more students to ‘opt in’ and sign up to the Leeds City Council’s green bin or bag scheme.
Senior Lecturer in the School of Art, Architecture and Design, Andy Edwards, said: “The aim of this project is to encourage more people living in Hyde Park and Headingley areas to recycle.
“Currently, this ward area has one of the lowest recycling rates in the city. This project was planned in close collaboration with Leeds City Council.
“Our students, who are all in their final year, came up with the concept and design, and have sourced the materials to bring to the installation together.
“The installation encourages live collaboration with projects, as well as encouraging recycling – which is one of the university’s green objectives.”
The installation launched on 24 February at 11:00 and was officially opened by MP for Leeds North West, Alex Sobel.
Students are working alongside Leeds City Council, Hesco Bastion, company HW Martin and ward councillor Al Garthwaite on the project.
Student Rosie Blyth, who is in her final year studying Graphic Art and Design, said: “We hope by arranging this unusual installation in a place that is well known by many students across Leeds, it will spark conversation about recycling and the impact that it has.”
You can find out more about the Opt In recycling project on the council website here and there is a short video on the campaign on YouTube here.
If you want a green bin to recycle waste at your rented accommodation, you need to let Leeds City Council know. It only takes a moment, and you can simply scan the QR code below or download the Leeds Bin app.