On the Freshbinz Ltd blog, we often talk about how various materials can be recycled. This month we thought we’d take a look at glass, probably one of the most recyclable of materials. However, not all glass can be recycled. Below we explain why.
Glass recycling is a critical part of the country’s waste management strategy, significantly contributing to environmental sustainability and resource conservation. With its circular nature, glass is one of the few materials that can be endlessly recycled without loss of quality, making it a key player in reducing waste and conserving raw materials. In the UK we have made considerable progress in glass recycling, but there is still more to be done to maximise its benefits.
Why Glass Recycling Matters
Recycling glass reduces the need for raw materials such as sand, soda ash, and limestone, all of which are required to produce new glass. The extraction of these raw materials not only depletes natural resources but also consumes large amounts of energy. Recycling one tonne of glass saves 1.2 tonnes of raw materials and reduces CO2 emissions by 580kg. Additionally, the recycling process uses less energy compared to manufacturing new glass, making it a more sustainable option. Given that glass bottles and jars make up a significant portion of household waste, efficient recycling can help reduce landfill pressure and minimise environmental impact.
How the country is Tackling Glass Recycling
As we all know, household and commercial glass waste is collected through kerbside collection schemes, bottle banks, and dedicated recycling facilities. The collected glass is sorted by colour, cleaned of impurities, and crushed into small pieces known as “cullet.” This cullet is then melted down and used to create new glass products, like bottles and jars. On average, about 67% of glass containers in the UK are recycled, a figure that compares well with other European countries, but there is room for improvement.
Challenges and Future Prospects
One of the main challenges in glass recycling is contamination. Non-recyclable items like ceramics, lightbulbs, and certain types of coated glass can disrupt the recycling process and lower the quality of the cullet. Additionally, while coloured glass is highly recyclable, certain pigments may not be easily reused in new glass products, leading to colour-sorting challenges.
To boost recycling rates, the government has introduced several measures, including the deposit return scheme (DRS) for beverage containers, which may launch in 2025. This system encourages consumers to return glass bottles by offering a small deposit refund, encouraging greater participation in recycling efforts. Any of you who are old enough will remember doing this as children to earn extra pocket money. Who remembers the Corona fizzy pop bottles?
Conclusion
Glass recycling is a critical component of the world’s push towards a greener, more sustainable future. With continued efforts to improve collection systems, reduce contamination, and promote consumer awareness, we are well on the way to achieving higher recycling rates and minimising environmental impact. Remember, all those wine bottles rattling about in your recycling will be used to make new wine bottles, that can only be a good thing!