Cans for Cash Recycling Challenge launched.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM), Novelis Inc. and Keep America Beautiful Inc. (KAB) are sponsoring the fourth annual "Cans for Cash--City Recycling Challenge," a national contest that rewards cities for recycling used aluminum beverage cans.

"Building a sustainable environment for your community" is the theme of this year's campaign, which promotes how local action to recycle will help reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.

"As outlined in the 10-Point Plan, cities are encouraged to implement programs to improve energy efficiency and reduce community carbon emissions. The goals of the Recycling Challenge complement this effort and demonstrate how the simple act of recycling aluminum can positively impact our environment," Douglas Palmer, mayor of Trenton, N.J. and president of the USCM, says.

This year's City Recycling Challenge will last four weeks, starting Oct. 1 and ending on Oct. 30, 2007, with 12 $5,000 grants awarded to municipalities and four $2,500 grants awarded to KAB affiliates.

Registration is from May 1 to Sept. 28. There is no entry fee. Winners will be awarded for the most cans collected, the most innovative ideas to promote the recycling of aluminum beverage cans and for partnering with a local KAB affiliate to encourage innovative and sustainable recycling initiatives.