How to Recycle Glass

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It sounds easy, but we must know how to recycle glass properly. How many of us just throw glass jars into the recycling bin or place them at the curb, with the lids on? With liquid still in them?  Unwashed?  We are all guilty of not recycling the proper way. All glass jars and glass bottles are recyclable. This includes beer, wine, soft drink and sauce bottles, as well as all colours of glass – clear, green and amber. Here are some helpful hints for the next time we recycle glass.

• Remove all lids and caps. Paper does not need to be removed.  Rinse and recycle bottle glass of any color to your curbside.
• Throw out anything ceramic, it will contaminate the glass as it is being recycled.
• Discard mixed broken glass, mirrors, windows, Pyrex, light bulbs and glass tableware. These are not recyclable items.
• In Some state’s, you may earn cash for returning beverage bottles.  Under the “Bottle Bill” you may return say, beer bottles from the same store you purchased them for a credit or a cash refund.

The energy saved from recycling one glass bottle can run a 100-watt light bulb for four hours or an fluorescent bulb for 20 hours.  A modern glass bottle would take 4,000 years to decompose in a landfill.

Any questions you may call 1-800-CLEANUP for additional state recycling information.

Also bottlebill.org is an excellent site for which states participate in the refund program.