Glass Recycling: Myths and Facts

At St. Cloud Window, glass is at the center of all we do. However, when it comes to old, damaged glass, there’s always the question of what to do it. Recycling is a common practice that promotes sustainability. There are a few common myths that persist when it comes to recycling glass on a large scale.

Waste Today Magazine addressed some of these glass recycling myths:

Fact: Recycling companies put greater value on 'clean' glass

Myth: Glass values are declining

One common myth is that glass values are on the decline.  It’s true; dirty, contaminated glass has a lower value. But the value is more a function of the recovery facilities investing and maintaining their glass cleanup systems. Quality, clean glass is still highly valued.

Fact: Sophisticated sorting systems prevent glass contamination

Myth: Glass contamination causes paper or plastic scrap rejections

About 20 years ago, it wasn’t uncommon for paper or plastic bales to contain glass. This would lead to the whole bale being rejected for being contaminated. Now, however, sorting systems are much more sophisticated. Curt Bucey, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, at Houston-based glass recycling company Strategic Materials, surveyed 85 percent of material recovery facilities; none of those surveyed had any paper or plastic bales rejected specifically because of glass contamination.

Fact: Marketing and demand for glass is good

Myth: Glass has no end markets

The demand for glass is high in most regions of the U.S., which means plenty of end markets. Bucey explained:  “When we hear glass has no end markets, sometimes that’s just a local material recovery facilities telling a collector he doesn’t want to receive glass—it’s not really that there aren’t end markets. In general, the markets for glass are pretty good. I don’t have inventory piling up at any of my plants. We’re pretty much what comes in today goes out tomorrow.”

Facts vs. myths, recycling glass is one of the many ways to reduce pollution and waste. If you’re looking at an entire window project, contact us for more information.