What is ‘Mount Recyclemore’? The sculpture of heads that’s appeared in Stockport
You may remember a giant metal Mount Rushmore-style sculpture of the G7 leaders’ heads hit headlines when it appeared on a beach in Cornwall during the G7 Climate Summit last month.
Now, it’s arrived back “home” in Stockport.
But what actually is ‘Mount Recyclemore’? And why is this head-turning sculpture made entirely from discarded electrics set to spend the summer in Greater Manchester?
Made from approximately 20,000 individual items of what is known as e-waste – which is said to include anything that has plugs, cords and electronic components – the arresting installation depicts world leaders including British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, American President Joe Biden, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
With e-waste reported to be the fastest growing waste stream in the world, the UN has revealed that the current 53 million tonnes generated annually worldwide is set to more than double by 2050.
Mount Recyclemore was therefore created to raise awareness of this issue.
The sculpture was created by Stockport-based leading UK re-commerce expert, musicMagpie, alongside artist and founder of the Mutoid Waste Company, Joe Rush.
Research carried out by musicMagpie found that four in five (79%) Brits do not know what e-waste is, and when given the definition of e-waste, nearly a third (31%) didn’t believe it damaged the environment or were unsure. A further 45% weren’t aware it impacted climate change.
Despite its first appearance being made at the G7 Summit in Cornwall, Mount Recyclemore is going to be calling the Greater Manchester town of Stockport its “home” for the summer, having been installed at business hub Stockport Exchange.
Forming part of Stockport BID’s ‘Totally Stockport’ summer activities – which also includes an art trail of 21 gigantic colourful frogs, a food festival, and Stockport’s first Enduro cycling festival – the sculpture will be in situ for eight weeks.
“I’m delighted to be able to bring Mount Recyclemore back to our hometown of Stockport,” said Steve Oliver – founder and CEO at musicMagpie.
“The sculpture is simply incredible to look at and caused a worldwide stir when we unveiled it during the G7 summit in Cornwall.
“E-waste is a growing problem worldwide and its impact on the environment is significant. Our research has found that almost half of Brits currently do not recycle, resell, or donate their old tech to charity, with most opting to hold onto it instead where it ends up at the back of drawers collecting dust.
“I’m hoping that not only will coming to see Mount Recyclemore provide an amazing day out for adults and children alike across this summer, but also help to better educate and empower people to make changes today.”
Mike Lamont – Chair of Totally Stockport – added: “We are delighted to support Steve and the team at musicMagpie in bringing Mount Recyclemore to Stockport, highlighting the importance of reducing waste.
“This is such a fantastic, innovative work of art that will bring vast numbers of visitors into the town centre.”
It is hoped that Mount Recyclemore’s stay in the region will not only complement the work of Stockport Council and Totally Stockport, but also showcase the continued investment within the town centre.
Featured Image – Joel Goodman & Stockport BID