Have you ever been confused about what kind of glass is recyclable?

Maybe you assumed all glass is accepted for recycling since glass is glass. Well, that's not quite the case.

There are many different types of glass, some of which are accepted for recycling and some that are not. Let's navigate through the world of glass recycling to help you stay sustainable.

What is accepted?

Glass beverage bottles and glass jars are the top glass recycled items, and most recycling programs in North America accept them. (Remember to remove lids since they are typically made from metal or plastic, and to discard anything smaller than the size of a credit card since it will be too small to sort!)

This type of glass is infinitely recyclable since it can be broken down into small grain-size pieces called cullet, which can be used to help reduce the need for newly sourced natural resources like sand, sodium carbonate, and limestone.

Occasionally, some programs may not accept any glass due to the lack of end-market buyers for the recycled material. This is most common in rural areas, so be sure to always look up items to be sure!

How is glass collected?

The most common collection method for glass bottles and jars across North America is through single-stream curbside collection. This does pose a higher risk for contamination and issues with sorting, leading to lower collection and recycling rates than other collection methods, but it keeps recycling costs down and makes it easier for residents to confidently recycle properly.

Some municipalities use a dual-stream collection method where glass is picked up separately or with only a few other materials, like metals or plastics, to keep them separate from paper products, reducing contamination.

Another popular method of collecting glass bottles and jars for recycling is a bottle return program. Some municipalities have deposit return schemes in place for collecting glass bottles for recycling. This method significantly increases the amount of recovered glass materials for recycling since approximately 98% of glass bottles are returned in these locations compared to the US national average of 33%.

No matter which collection method your municipality uses, it is always important to return your glass bottles and jars for recycling empty and clean. There should be no food or liquid residue to make sure the recycling process is kept running smoothly and the risk of contamination is at a minimum.

What is not recyclable?

Most other glass items are not accepted due to the difference in melting points for glass that has undergone other production processes for durability, although new advancements in recycling technologies are happening rapidly and you should check with your municipality to see if they have any specialized programs.

Non-recyclable glass:

• Window panes
• Mirrors
• Baking dishes
• Drinking glasses
• Vases
• Eyeglasses
• Fishbowls and aquariums
• Glass shelves
• Glass tabletops
• Automotive glass (e.g. windshields)
• Light bulbs (likely accepted in household hazardous waste programs!)

Many of these items can be brought to local donation centers if they are not broken. The most sustainable option for these non-recyclable items is always to consider reuse or donation over disposal!

What about broken glass?

Broken glass is not accepted in most locations. Although broken glass bottles and jars are still technically recyclable and are broken down once sorted, most locations won't accept them as it puts recycling workers at risk of injury.

For broken glass, the general rule is that it should be disposed of in the garbage, but you should collect it into something protective, such as a small box, or wrapped in paper towels or placed in a bag. Remember: the goal is to keep your garbage collectors safe from injury by containing the glass, so it doesn't become a hazard.

Check your local requirements

Since there are many possible collection methods for glass items, it's important to check with your local recycling facility for their requirements. This will help keep your recycling free from contamination and your recycling programs running smoothly.