Why You Should Source-Separate Your Glass For Recycling
Glass is an infinitely recyclable material - meaning glass can be recycled over and over again without losing any of its quality. However, just because a material is infinitely recyclable, doesn’t mean that it is guaranteed to be recycled over and over again.
In the United States, only 31% of glass is recycled compared to 80%+ in most EU countries. Why does the US have such a low glass recycling rate compared to other countries? Let’s get into it.
Co-Mingled Glass Recycling Is A Broken System (Literally)
Chicago and most US municipalities accept glass in co-mingled recycling bins - meaning glass is put in the same bins as other materials like aluminum, paper, and cardboard.
The truth is, only about 40% of glass placed in co-mingled recycling systems actually gets recycled. The national glass recycling rate has decreased since 2010 in large part because of the widespread adoption of co-mingled recycling programs.
When glass is collected with other recyclables, it often gets broken and mixed with other materials, making it difficult to turn back into glass of the same quality. Much of it ends up being turned into fiberglass or being discarded altogether. Fiberglass is extremely difficult to recycle and almost never gets turned into new material.
Watch this video to learn more about the issues of co-mingled glass recycling systems.
Source-Separation Solves Systematic Recycling Issues
Source-separating glass at the time of collection ensures that glass actually gets recycled into new glass products.
When glass is collected separately from other recyclables, it is much easier to turn into glass cullet - one of the main ingredients in making new glass bottles, jars, and products. Glass cullet is the ideal way to ensure glass waste continues to serve a useful purpose and maintain its infinitely recyclable nature.
Countries in Europe that require businesses and homes to separate glass prior to collection have had their glass recycling rates increase over time, unlike the United States.
Across the United States, more and more businesses and municipalities are turning to source-separated glass recycling programs to address the failures of co-mingled systems. In Kansas City, Ripple Glass collects and recycles glass from businesses and drop-off centers. In New Orleans, Glass Half Full offers climate-saving glass recycling services. In Chicago, WasteNot offers source-separated glass recycling programs for homes, bars, restaurants, and organizations.
