Recycling doesn’t have to be a pain (in the glass)
Can i recycle glass?
Yes, many types of glass can be recycled, either via kerbside collection schemes, bottle banks or local recycling centres.
How should i recycle glass?
Glass containers such as bottles and jars should be cleaned and any tops or corks removed before recycling.
When using bottle banks, put the glass in the correct bank for clear, green or brown glass. Blue glass goes in with green glass.
Only use bottle banks during the day – the sound of smashing bottles can make a real racket which disturbs people who live nearby!
Remember not to litter the area around the bottle bank with your empty bags and boxes.
How is glass recycled?
Glass bottles & jars can be recycled in your kerbside collection from your local authority as well as various recycle bins scattered throughout the country. Local authorities also operate recycling centres where they can be deposited. The glass is broken down before any contaminants are removed and it processed back into recycled glass products. If you are looking to recycle sheet glass, such as windows, then these are generally only accepted at special stores and may be reused instead of been recycled in the traditional method. If you are wondering if broken glass is recyclable then the answer is most local authority’s do not accept it as it can be dangerous to work with. Please check with your local authority if you do have a large amount of broken glass to see what can be done.
What else can i do with it?
Return it!
If a bottle is returnable it is better to return it, rather than to recycle it. For example, if your milk bottle came from the milkman, make sure he gets it back!
Glass jars and containers are perfect for storing food and last for years
Wine bottles can be used as vases or candlesticks
Use clear bottles as a kid’s money bank
Keep small jars to store loose change, seeds, paperclips or screws and nails
