Options for Recycling Glass Bottles, Jars and Jugs
Recycling is one of the easiest ways to improve the environment. By reducing the volume of materials needed to produce new goods, we can reduce the number of raw materials we extract from the environment while using less fuel and producing fewer emissions.
Yet, local recycling guidelines can be confusing to understand and vary by area. Glass recycling has returned to curbside programs in a number of communities across southwestern Pennsylvania. There is still a lot we can do better in SW PA and across the state.
Let’s explore what this means for you and what options exist.
Ethan Woodfill
Glass Program Coordinator
Glass is one of the most recyclable materials we use. Glass is infinitely recyclable and in high demand. Owens-Illinois, one of the world’s largest glass manufacturers, is aiming to use at least 50% recycled glass in its new products by 2030. And glass is a booming industry right here in Pennsylvania. We are conveniently located in proximity to glass processors and manufacturers, meaning that glass recycled in Pennsylvania gets re-used within the state. Fun fact: did you know that Owens-Illinois manufactures Yuengling bottles, a popular Pennsylvania-made beer?
OKAY, SO WHAT DO I DO WITH MY GLASS?
The first step is to determine whether or not your local hauler accepts glass. You can learn the answer by calling your waste hauler or visiting your municipality’s website. You can also call the DEP Recycling Hotline at 1-800-346-4242.
If your local recycling program accepts glass, determine what types of glass (bottles, jugs, jars, or more) you can recycle. Feel free to place your glass in your curbside bin for recycling.
DOES THE GLASS (ACTUALLY) GET RECYCLED?
It depends. Waste companies do their best to recycle the glass. Unfortunately, because the glass gets mixed in with other plastics, paper, and other recyclables, recycling facilities are only able to capture up to 70% of the glass for recycling. Some waste companies use the glass as alternative daily cover (ADC), a protective smell barrier for landfills. In a sense, this is repurposing, but not actually recycling glass.
ARE THERE OTHER OPTIONS FOR RECYCLING GLASS?
Check out PRC’s glass recycling map to find a drop-off glass recycling bin near you.
These glass-only bins yield significant volumes of high-quality materials directly to the glass recycling industry. Drop-off collections treat the discarded glass as a commodity and prevent the contamination in single-stream collection systems.
Nearly 100% of glass dropped off at a bin is recycled.
Once the glass is picked up from the bin, it is transferred to a glass processing center in southwest or southeast Pennsylvania. From there, high-quality cullet (recycled glass) is shipped directly to glass mills in Pennsylvania. This process supports 12,000 jobs in the state — and it takes only about 30 days for glass to go from bin to bottle!
PRC’s glass recycling program is sponsored by Owens-Illinois, Inc. and CAP Glass and is made possible through partnerships with Michael Brothers Hauling & Recycling and Tri-State Waste & Recycling.
HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?
CLICK HERE to learn more about PRC’s glass recycling program
CLICK HERE to watch PRC’s “Faces of Glass” video featuring those who collect, transport, process and manufacture glass bottles, jars and jugs
CLICK HERE to check out our “We Recycle Glass” zine featuring the history of PA glassmaking, options for finding recycling locations, a glass glossary, and a snapshot of a bottle’s journey from recycling bin back to store shelf
MEET PRC GLASS PROGRAM COORDINATOR ETHAN WOODFILL
On a day-to-day basis, Ethan works to divert glass from landfills, support local jobs and build a more circular economy in PA. He oversees the establishment of permanent recycling sites and schedules PRC’s Traveling Glass Recycling Bin in collaboration with municipal and community partners. In his free time, Ethan enjoys hiking, photography, cooking and music.
Ethan standing in front of green cullet (recycled glass) at CAP Glass’ Mt. Pleasant facility.
This cullet is sent off to glass manufacturers including Owens-Illinois in Brockway, PA.