A tin man made of recycled cans may not do as much for PR as Sebastian Vettel standing on the Formula 1 podium but when it comes to helping the planet, this symbol of a Red Bull-backed eco programme is still proving a winner.

Every Can Counts is part-funded by the energy drinks giant alongside can manufacturers and collected more than 50 million used cans from business and events in 2011. That amounts to 774 tonnes of aluminium and steel collected or 5,800 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.

“The 2011 results confirm that we have established a successful model for encouraging recycling outside the home,” said Rick Hindley, the scheme’s director.

Every Can Counts works with businesses across the country and events such as the Red Bull Flugtag.