DNRP > SWD > Garbage & Recycling Services > What's in our Garbage? > Glass

Glass is a Resource

15,756 tons were disposed of at the landfill in 2008

KC Waste Stream What's in your garbage? Eighty percent of materials thrown away are resources – not waste.

What is it?

Green, brown and clear glass food and beverage containers are all recyclable. Once crushed into “cullet” and sold, it may be remanufactured into new glass containers, or used as aquarium gravel, a sandblasting medium, in landscaping, drain pipe bedding or asphalt paving.

Why recycle glass?

Not only is it easy to recycle, glass it can be recycled indefinitely with no loss in quality or purity. Making new glass from old glass saves energy because recycled glass is processed at a lower temperature than glass made from raw materials.

Using recycled glass to make new glass saves money and reduces air pollution, such as fly ash and nitrogen oxides (NOX) that can be toxic to the environment.

What can you do?

• If you are not signed up for curbside garbage collection, consider doing so. In most cases, recycling service is included in the price.
• If you self-haul, drop glass and other recyclables off at the free recycling section of the transfer station.
• Use the What do I do with…? Web site to locate a private facility that will accept your glass and other recyclables.

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