Let’s now shift our focus from plastics to the other half of the recycling equation: glass. You might think it’s as simple as tossing anything that shatters into your yellow bin for glass recycling, but that’s not quite right. For example, while wine and beer bottles are recyclable, items like light bulbs, broken mirrors, and window glass are not. The reason? Different types of glass melt at different temperatures, meaning not all glass can be processed at recycling facilities. Mixing incompatible glass types can result in costly issues for glass recycling.
Ready, set, Glass Recycling!
Recycling glass is a fantastic way to reduce environmental waste. The good news is that many of the glass items in your home are recyclable and can go straight into the yellow bin. Here’s a handy guide:
Clear, brown or green glass: These types of glass are the most commonly accepted by recycling facilities.
Wine bottles: Had a nice evening in? Don’t forget to rinse and recycle that wine bottle.
Beer bottles: Whether you’re cracking a cold one on a hot day or enjoying a local brew, your empty beer bottles are perfect for the yellow bin.
Glass jars (lids removed): Jars from sauces, jams, or preserves are fully recyclable. Just make sure to remove the lid and give them a quick rinse before recycling.
Bypass the Glass (bin)
Not all glass is created equal, and some glass products should *not* end up in your yellow bin. Many of these items are made from glass types with different compositions or melting points, making them unsuitable for the usual recycling stream:
Pyrex and other oven and microwave-proof containers: These items are made to withstand high temperatures, which makes them non-recyclable with regular glass.
Crockery and ceramics: While they may resemble glass, plates, bowls, and ceramic items can’t go into your glass recycling.
Drinking glasses: Although they look similar to wine or beer bottles, drinking glasses are made from a different type of glass that can’t be recycled.
Mirrors: Sadly, your broken mirror won’t bring seven years of good recycling luck – it needs to go into your general waste bin.
Window glass: Like mirrors, window glass is another culprit of non-recyclable glass. If you’re replacing old windows, check with local services for special disposal options.
Lightbulbs: Traditional lightbulbs and energy-efficient bulbs should not go in your yellow bin. Many hardware stores have special drop-off points for recycling them.
Opaque or white glass (think a Malibu rum bottle): This type of glass, while stylish, is typically not recyclable in standard facilities.
Understanding what can and can’t go in your yellow bin when it comes to glass is crucial for making sure your recycling efforts are on point. Not only will it help reduce waste, but it’ll also prevent recycling plants from having to sort through non-recyclable items, saving time, money, and resources.
For those trickier items that can’t go in your yellow bin, check with your local recycling centre or call our friendly team today.