Traveling Glass Bin

Many communities have lost access to glass collection services in their curbside recycling programs, but glass is still a highly valuable and recyclable commodity.

PA communities and businesses can ensure that glass is recycled by supporting expansion of glass drop-off collection sites in our region. PRC continues to pursue this goal with the support of PA residents who utilize these sites and collection events for their recycling needs.

PRC has rolled out a Traveling Glass Bin program – a temporary, rotating self-serve collection model! Explore the drop-down menu below to learn more, or contact glass@prc.org to host the bin.

PRC SEEKS PARTNERS TO EXPAND “TRAVELING GLASS BIN” PROGRAM

The Traveling Glass Bin is short-term “rental” of PRC’s glass collection container with maintenance and hauling services included. It’s a temporary glass recycling infrastructure that a community can invest in for a modest fee. This turnkey program can be booked for a single appearance or on a recurring schedule such as quarterly. PRC coordinates site location, container deliver, and transportation of collected materials.

In 2025, PRC is focusing its efforts to expand the Traveling Glass Bin program in southeastern PA.

Thanks to generous support from O-I Glass, PRC will be able to provide three traveling glass engagements free of charge this spring/summer.

To learn more about bringing the Traveling Glass Bin to your community, contact Environmental Program Coordinator Chris Bunn at chrisb@prc.org.

What Is The PRC Traveling Glass Bin?

A contact-free, self-serve drop-off service

A temporary collection schedule

Free to residents, hosted by communities and commercial sites for a fee

UPCOMING TRAVELING BIN APPEARANCES -- CALENDAR

ongoing until bin is filled @ SWARTHMORE
Swarthmore Public Works Yard
121 Dartmouth Ave,
Swarthmore, PA 19081
hosted by Boroughs of Swarthmore and Rutledge

May 17 – 29 @ ROUND HILL PARK
Main Parking Lot
Hereford Dr & Round Hill Rd, Elizabeth PA 15037
hosted by Allegheny County

May 31 – June 12 @ LAWRENCE COUNTY
New Castle Courthouse
Court and Walnut St, New Castle PA 16101
hosted by Lawrence County

June 2 – 6 @ CAMBRIA COUNTY
City of Johnstown
Maintenance Building
419 6^th Ave, Johnstown PA 15906
sponsored by Essential Utilities

June 7 – 19 @ DEER LAKES PARK
Veterans Shelter Parking Lot
Mahaffey Rd, Tarentum PA 15084
sponsored by Allegheny County

July 5 – 17 @ MERCER COUNTY
Elks Lodge
28 Sixth Ave, Greenville PA, 16125
sponsored by Mercer County

More events

Click here for complete schedule

These sites are open to the public, and users will not be turned away based on municipality of residence. If you are visiting the Traveling Glass Bin or a permanent drop-off coordinated by PRC, there are several things you should do to prepare.

What to Expect at the Traveling Glass Bin

Temporary service in your area: The bin is available at the listed site for a set duration before moving to its next location, as published on our website and social media.
Select hours of operation: For week-long collections, drop-off collection hours run Saturday through Thursday at every Traveling Bin site during daylight hours. The Traveling bin is not accessible on Fridays. Some collections are longer, check the schedule for availability.
Self-serve, contact-free collection: Volunteers and staff will NOT be available to deposit your glass for you. Anticipate having to deposit containers into the bin yourself (about 4 feet off the ground), or ask a family member or neighbor to assist.
Bottles, jugs, and jars: Rinse and save your glass bottles, jars, and jugs in preparation for your visit. Color sorting is not required, and lids and labels may be left on the containers. For any glass items that do not fit this description, consult our Glass Recycling Collection Guide and learn about alternative options.
Look for the “Big Blue Bin”: When you see the roofed CAP Glass bin, you know you’re in the right place for glass-only recycling collection.
Take trash with you when leaving the site. Plastic bags, paper bags, and cardboard do not belong in the glass bin. Glass should be deposited in the bin loosely. Consider collecting your glass in reusable bins instead of plastic bags. And of course, don’t be a litterbug; take your containers or bags home for reuse or disposal!
Ongoing monitoring: PRC will monitor sites remotely at all times and will make regular maintenance visits at the site throughout the week.
Feel good about recycling properly, because glass from separated collections will be back on your store shelves in just a few months!

Best Practices

Bring protective equipment. Depositing glass into the bin can be loud, so bring gloves and ear plugs if you’re concerned about this warning. In case of accidental glass breakage on the ground, always put your safety first and contact PRC about site cleanliness.

Only bring acceptable glass items. Be familiar with our accepted materials list and only bring container glass materials. You can find our Glass Collection Guide and alternatives for unaccepted materials, such as glass cookware and décor, here.

Place glass containers in the bin calmly and safely. It is never a good idea to throw glass into the bin, because broken glass is likely to splash back at you or others onsite. This can cause serious injury and is prohibited.

If you see something, say something. We must all do our part to keep recycling collections going. If you see evidence of illegal dumping, onsite hazards, or other concerning site conditions, contact PRC using information posted at the collection site and on our website.

Support PRC: Your donations go directly back into recycling and zero waste programs in your area.

Inquiries

If you have further questions about the Traveling Glass Bin or permanent drop-off sites please visit our program webpage or contact glass@prc.org. Contact your municipality to bring PRC’s glass recycling services to your community!