DNRP > SWD > Garbage & Recycling Services > What's in our Garbage? > Glass

Glass is a Resource

30,055 tons were disposed of at the landfill in 2006

KC Waste Stream What's in your garbage? Seventy-five percent of materials thrown away are resources – not waste.

What is it?

Glass containers are recyclable - especially wine and beer bottles, food jars and other glass bottles. These containers are usually clear, green or brown.

Why recycle glass?

In the landfill glass is a wasted resource. Not only is it easy to recycle but it can be reused indefinitely with no loss in quality or purity. Making new glass from old glass saves energy because recycled glass is processed at a lower temperature than new glass made from raw materials.

Using recycled glass to make new glass saves money and reduces air pollution, such as fly ash and nitrogen oxides (NOX), that can be toxic to the environment.

What can you do?

• If you are not signed up for curbside garbage collection, consider doing so. In most cases, recycling service is included in the price.
• If you self-haul, drop glass and other recyclables off at the free recycling section of the transfer station.
• Use the What do I do with…? Web site to locate a private facility that will accept your glass and other recyclables.

See What Happens to Your Recyclables in this 10 minute video (Please choose your preferred video format) :

• Windows Media variable speed format (Windows Media Player required - free download available)
• Real Media variable speed format (RealPlayer required - free download available)

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