Tips for Recycling Clear Glass

Tips for Recycling Clear Glass

Clear glass can be put into curbside recycling bins or glass collecting bins. When recycling clear glass, make sure to only throw in glass jars and drinking containers.  Common contaminates to glass bins that should not be recycled are:

  • Crystal glasses
  • Mirrors
  • Window glass
  • Ceramic items like dishes and cups
  • Light bulbs
  • Pyrex (heat-resistant glass)
  • Metal lids to jars

There are many creative ways of reusing clear glass.  Here are some examples:

  • Rinse out jars and bottles to use as drinking vessels or flower vases.
  • Use old jars for canning food.
  • Bottles can make insulting walls in new houses by being mortared together.
  • There is a new way to make granite-like counters and floors by blending pieces of glass together.  This type of material is called “ttura.”     

Sources:

Eberle, William M.  “Glass Recycling: Just How Clear is It?”  Health Goods.2007. Health Goods.
http://www.healthgoods.com/education/environment_information/Solid_Waste/glass_recycling.htm

Scott, Nicky.  Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.  White River Juncion: Chelsea Green. 2007.

“Waste and Materials Management Program.”  Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.  2008.   http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/aw/wm/markets/MatFAQ5.html