Washington West Elementary once again is taking part in the Million Can Challenge, a recycling initiative that encourages students and the community to collect used aluminum beverage cans.

The program is designed to promote recycling while also helping raise money through the value of the collected aluminum.

The dumpster for this year’s Million Can Challenge was delivered to Washington West on Friday, October 2. Representatives from Shapiro Metal Supply were on hand for the kickoff as third-grade students helped place collected cans into the dumpster.

Washington West has already collected approximately 11,000 cans for this year’s challenge, which will continue through April.

The school is hoping to build on a strong showing from last year, when Washington West collected approximately 84,000 cans.

The Million Can Challenge gives students an opportunity to take an active role in recycling while working together toward a common goal throughout the school year.