How to Recycle All Types of Glass
Recycling can be very confusing as not all materials on everyday products and packaging can be recycled. There are several types of glass that you can come across. Some of which can’t actually be recycled. This blog from Me and My Glass outline the glass that you can recycle and reuse and which you can’t. Making it easier for you to help our planet.
Glass Bottles & Jars
Glass bottles such as beer and wine bottles are recycled at most local governments. Sometimes you can put the glass in the recycling bin or a bin box. If that isn’t available in your neighbourhood then you can visit the supermarket. The majority of them have recycling banks which have a range of banks for glass. You can also recycle glass jars that have jam or pasta sauce in them.
You will need to empty and rinse the bottles and jars so they aren’t dirty. If you have jars make sure you add the lids to them as this helps the sorting process at the recycling plant.
The great thing about wine corks is that they can be put in a compost bin.
Glass Milk Bottles
As glass milk bottles were delivered by the milkman, they should be returned to the milkman and not put into the recycling bin or glass bottle bank. It would be ideal for you to rinse the bottles and place them in a safe area for the milkman to collect.
Light Bulbs
There are a number of lightbulbs you can buy. But whichever lightbulb you purchase you probably won’t be able to recycle it.
Incandescent and Halogen light bulbs can’t be recycled even at your local recycling centre. We would recommend putting the bulbs in their packaging or wrapped and placed in your household waste.
Energy-saving light bulbs are recyclable but you have to go to your local recycling centre. These bulbs have mercury in them so only parts of the bulb can be recycled. LED bulbs can also be recycled however you need to take a boat to your local recycling centre.
In the event of not being able to dispose of your bulbs at the recycling centre, we would recommend disposing of your light bulbs by wrapping them up and carefully placing them in your household bin. Don’t put them in the bottle banks as the glass is a different material. Adding this to the process can contaminate the recycling process.
Fluorescent Tubes
Fluorescent tubes have mercury in them which is highly dangerous to people and the environment. If you have to dispose of these tubes you should not put these in your household or general waste bin. We strongly recommend you contact a specialist service that can take care of your fluorescent tubes. Make sure that you don’t damage or break the tubes.
Glass Window and Picture frame glass
For both window and picture frame glass, it’s best to contact your local recycling centre. You can ask your local centre if they recycle the glass and the frames. The glass can be a range of types such as tinted glass.
Having windows replaced by a business? Then it’s actually their responsibility by law to take away from your property and dispose of it accordingly.
Drinking Glasses and Dishes
The reason why most glass can’t be recycled is because of the chemicals needed to create the product. And this is the same as drinking glasses and glass Dishes. This type of glass can’t be recycled at home or at the recycling centre. If you want to dispose of your glasses and dishes, you can take them to the local charity shop. If they are broken, wrap them up and dispose of them carefully.
Other Types of Glass
Other types of glass include Pyrex and oven glass. And these can’t be recycled.
Unfortunately, there are quite a few types of glass that you can’t recycle. As this can’t be recycled, more CO2 is produced when raw materials are used to create products. To combat this Me and My Glass we donate to Ecologi which plants trees that helps reduce CO2 in the atmosphere.
