How to Recycle Glass

Most people are familiar with glass recycling.  When glass pop bottles were widely used people would return the empty bottles to the store so they could be reused by the bottling companies.  It was something common.  Now that soda pop is more widely sold in cans, aluminum can recycling has become big and glass recycling is not as widespread. 

However, glass is still a major part of waste.  It does not break down very easily and recycling it is quite easy.  Glass should be recycled for a healthy environment and to decrease waste in landfills.

Types of glass

There are three major types of glass:

• Flint (clear glass items)
• Green
• Amber

These three types are separated during the recycling process.  All three are commonly used and found in a number of items around the home and in daily use.

When glass is recycled it is broken down and crushed so it can then be melted and used to produce new glass items.  This idea is not so new since it has been used by companies for quite some time.  Whenever a glass item was defective or did not meet standards it was simply recycled back into the production line and used to make something new.

Recycling Perks

Recycling glass has many perks.  Recycled glass helps to lower the amount of carbon dioxide produced during the glass making process.  Typically 315 kg of carbon dioxide is omitted when making a ton glass, which is not produced when recycled glass is used.

Recycled glass is used for making and in:
- ceramic ware
- brick manufacturing
- sports turf
- golf sand
- water filtration
- abrasive materials

Recycling in general just helps to save energy.  It gives new life to something old and allows for precious resources to be saved and protected.  It is an all around great idea for protecting the planet and making it a healthier place to live in.

Where to Recycle

Most recycling center will take glass along with your plastic, metal and paper recycling.  You should be able to easily find a drop off spot for your used glass items. 

Some areas have glass collection bins where you can drop off your used glass, although this is not a popular idea in the United States.  However, as mentioned, most recycling centers will gladly take glass materials with the local recycling pick up.