Nationwide Activities Help Recycle Glass
“After the success of last year’s event, we’re delighted to announce Recycle Glass Month…, which will offer even more community recycling events and ways for consumers to get involved,” says Glass Packaging Institute president, Lynn Bragg in a press release. “We’re asking consumers to recycle their glass bottles and jars to help reduce the amount of recyclable materials entering landfills and to help make new glass containers.”
You can learn more about GPI and the importance of recycling glass at their site.
Why Recycle Glass
You probably already recycle glass because you know it can be recycled and you know recycling is a good thing to do, but here’s a little more background on what happens when glass is recycled. Food, soft drinks, beer, food, wine, and liquor containers represent the largest source of glass generated and recycled. The glass in many items, from your soda bottle to the computer you’re reading this on, can be recycled over and over while retaining its strength.
The reason recycling glass helps is because, in order to make glass, manufacturers mix sand, soda ash, limestone, and cullet. The mixture is heated to a high temperature, over of 2,600 °F, before it is molded it into the desired shape. Most glass manufacturers rely on a steady supply of recycled crushed glass, known as “cullet,” to supplement raw materials. Cullet costs less than raw materials and saves energy since it melts at a lower temperature.
Close the Loop
Recycled glass can not only be used in containers, but also in kitchen tiles, counter tops, and wall insulation. Learn the best practices for your curbside bin and community. For example, some recycling programs require that you separate clear, brown, and green glass.
If you know of a restaurant or hotel near you that isn’t doing enough glass recycling, look at the resources on GPI’s website and download some info to share.
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