Not all recycling is plastic and cardboard. What do you do when it comes to tossing out glass? This is not a common problem for most homeowners, since glass is easily washable and not often used as a container or for packaging. However, you may find yourself trimming down on some of your belongings when moving or simply reassessing your home, and some of the objects to go may be glass. In these instances, it can be helpful to know that glass is actually quite 100% recyclable. Here is everything you need to know about glass recycling:
Glass Can Be Recycled Endlessly
While it’s a good idea to recycle plastic or cardboard, eventually those materials will reach a point at which they can no longer be salvaged. This is especially true since both cardboard and some plastics tend to soak up food waste or chemicals, which can ruin the material and possibly even contaminate the rest of your recycling. That’s why it’s so important to wash off any food waste before recycling. Glass should also be washed, but unlike other materials, it can be recycled endlessly without losing its quality.
Recycled Glass Replaces Raw Materials
Want to lessen the consumption of raw materials in your community and in the country at large? Recycle glass whenever you can. Recycled glass can serve as a substitute for up to 95% of raw materials, so the use of recycled glass when it comes to packaging, decorative pieces, or simply making the drinking glasses or vases that you use in your own home significantly decreases the consumption of raw materials. It also reduces emissions that come from manufacturing those raw materials, continuing to make the community that much greener.
Don’t Recycle Broken Glass
Broken glass, however, can be dangerous to the workers who pick up your recycling, as well as those who sort your recycling at the recycling center. If you have broken glass on your hands, typically the best move is to seal it in a box or wrap it in newspaper and throw it in the garbage. However, if you still want to reduce waste, consider getting creative with an art project. A quick pinterest search will show you all kinds of crafty things you can do with broken glass, or you can check out this guide from Do it Yourself. If your glass is whole when recycled, do what you can to protect it from breaking.
You might not have an opportunity to recycle glass every day, and that’s a good thing. It means that you’re able to reuse glass more often and that its useful lifespan lasts longer. After all, recycling should be a last resort when it comes to reducing waste. But when you need to recycle glass, be sure you have a good local recycling company. In Brazos Valley, contact Brazos Valley Trash Valet & Recycling today to learn more about our acceptable materials and to sign up for our monthly trash pick-up service, including one complimentary recycling bin.
