Glass Recycling Guide and Glass Bin Collections from Busy Bins

Welcome to our Busy Bins Glass Recycling Guide, where we delve into the world of glass recycling and waste management. You may be thinking, 'Oh great, another boring environmental blog', let us assure you that this is not your typical snooze-fest.

This is a blog that packs a punch! We have everything from the benefits of recycling glass to the hilarious mishaps that can occur when you try to recycle the wrong things. 

Trust us, you won't want to miss it! And, who knows, maybe we'll even throw in a few puns along the way. After all, glass recycling is a serious business, but that doesn't mean we can't have a little fun while we're at it!

How much glass is recycled in the UK and other Glass Waste Statistics? 

• It takes a tonne of glass to make around 4000 bottles or jars.
• The average UK household uses 500 glass bottles and jars every year.
• Glass is 100% recyclable and can be reused over and over again, without losing quality.
• The UK recycles around 50% of its glass.
• While countries such as Finland and Switzerland recycle more than 90% of theirs.
• Glass does not decompose and so it puts a great strain on landfills.
• More than 28 billion glass bottles and jars end up in landfills every year, which is the equivalent to the Empire State Building filling up every 3 weeks.
• Milk bottles are used an average of 13 times before being recycled in the UK.
• It takes less energy to recycle glass than it does to make new glass from raw materials.
• In fact, the glass recycling level in the UK saves enough energy to launch 10 space shuttle missions.
• Every tonne of glass recycled saves 246 kg of CO2 emissions.
• Clear glass bottles contain around 25% recycled glass, whereas green bottles contain as much as 90% recycled glass.
• The UK has more than 50,000 bottle banks, and each bank is capable of holding 3,000 bottles, yet 5 out of every 6 glass bottles are thrown away.
• Our largest glass furnaces produce more a million glass bottles every day.
• A tonne of recycled glass saves over a tonne of natural resources.
• Not all glass can be recycled together, for example, containers made from glass need to be recycled separately to window or ovenware glass. 
• You need to separate glass by colour so recycling companies can ensure that any new bottles match required colour standards. 
• For every tonne of glass that is recycled, over a tonne of natural resources are saved. 
• Recycling glass is an incredibly quick process. A glass container can go from your recycling bin to a shelf in a supermarket in as little as 30 days.
• The glass recycling level in the UK saves enough energy to send 10 rockets into space. 

What is the glass recycling process

Ah, the glass recycling process. A story that stands the test of time. Always overlooked but should never be forgotten! Let us start at the start. Households and businesses fill their glass recycling bins, then these are collected by specialised recycling trucks that transport the glass to a recycling facility. 

At the facility, the glass will be sorted by coloured glass and type of glass, as different types of glass have different melting points and chemical compositions! Riveting stuff we know! The glass is then crushed into small pieces (like my dreams) this is known as a Glass Cullet, which are then washed to remove any contamination. 

Once the glass has been cleaned and looking sparkly, it is time to burn! It is transferred to a furnace where it is melted down and formed into molten glass. This molten glass is then either moulded into new glass products or blown into new container glass, such as new glass bottles and jars. Recycled glass can be used for: Windows, Bottles, Jars.

Overall, the UK recycling process is an important part of of waste management. By using recycled glass, we can save resources, reduce waste and help protect the environment. All we hear is Win, Win, Win!

How is Glass Recycled and how is recycled glass used? Recycling into other products

You know what they say! One person's trash is another person's treasure...or in this case, one person's empty beer bottle is another person's new wine glass. 

That's right, glass recycling is a beautiful thing. The process is simple: you toss your empty glass bottles and jars into your recycling bin, they get picked up, and then they magically transform into a new batch of glass (Well not magically as you can see above).

Recycled glass is often used for producing new glass bottles, which can help reduce the demand for new raw materials. Recycled glass is the gift that keeps on giving. So, the next time, you're sipping from a glass, take a moment to appreciate the recycling magic that made it all possible!

Why is it important to recycle glass? and Benefits of Glass Waste Recycling 

We can't believe you even asked us that! How dare you! We all know why it is important to recycled glass, but, if you need a quick recap, don't you worry, Busy Bins are always here to help: 

• Reduces waste: Glass takes a long time to decompose, and if not disposed of properly it can create litter and environmental pollution. By recycling glass, we can reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfill.
• Saves energy: The production of new glass products requires a large amount of energy. By recycling glass, we can save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 
• Economic benefits: Recycling glass creates jobs for glass manufacturers and supports local economies.

Now for some fun benefits: 

• It is a guilt free way to indulge in that extra bottle of wine or two...or three.
• Fantastic way to show off your biceps by tossing those heavy glass bottles into your recycling bin.
• Recycling glass is giving you chance to do your bit for the environment, it is like your way of giving back after you left the lights on again or drove to the shop instead of walking...we know you do!
• It is a great way of impressing your eco friends and show them that you are not just a pretty face, but a responsible member of society.
• Stick it the man! Show those big corporations that you won't let them pollute the planet on your watch. Don't go John Wick on it please. Time to make them kiss your glass.
• Give your waste a 2nd chance in life, it is like a Disney movie, but with less singing animals!

See, how fun it is to be a part of the glass revolution whilst learning something new...we can only say: 

Why should you keep glass separate for recycling?

If you want to live in a world where rainbows are a daily occurrence and you can live guilt free, then you better start separating your glass for recycling! Not only does it make your bin feel loved and appreciated, but it will also prevent the glass from getting mixed up with other materials and causing chaos in the recycling process.

Trust us! You don't want to be the reason why the recycling facility turns into a massive game of Jenga with glass shards flying everywhere! So do the right thing and keep that glass separate!

What can go in your Glass Waste Bin?

Mixed glass

Glass Jars

Glass Packaging 

What can't go in your Glass Waste Bin?

You may think that all glass can be recycled, but you may be wrong. Most non clear glasses can't be recycled these can be items such as:

Light bulbs, windows, mirrors, plate glass, eyeglasses, glass art, Pyrex baking dishes, fluorescent lighting tubes, broken glass, drinking glasses, crystal glass.

Industries and Business Sectors that definitely need a Glass Waste Bin

All households need a glass bin, but what about Businesses? 

These are industries that definitely need a Glass Waste Bin: 

Pubs

Restaurant

Hotel

Bar

Supermarkets

Any event or Arena

How can we reduce glass waste?

There are a number of ways that you can use to help reduce your glass waste. It isn't as simple as reusing your favourite pint glass! 

1. Avoid Single-Use Glass Products: Disposable drinkware or food packaging are mostly single use glass products, this means that these items typically cannot be recycled and end up in landfill.
2. Recycle your glass properly: Make sure when disposing of your glass that you recycle it properly. Check with your local district council to find out what types of glass are accepted and how they should be prepped for recycling. 
3. Donate or sell your glass items: We don't mean your Partners glasses! If you have glass items that you no longer need, consider donating them to a local charity store or selling them online. 
4. Reuse glass items or repurpose them: Instead of throwing your glass items away, consider repurposing them. An old glass jar could be used for a vase or to store small items, or, you could even turn your favourite glass drink bottle into a glass cup for reuse after reused. Some of these glasses will be used more times then Bill Oddies Binos!
5. Use reusable glass containers: Instead of buying products in single use glass containers, consider items in reusable glass containers. For instance: Buying bulk products of Jam, Peanut Butter etc in reusable glass jars. 

Is glass recycling worth it?

How dare you! How very dare you! After how far we have come on this blog, why you got to ask a question like that.

Of course it is worth it! Just look at all the points above about how much affect glass recycling has on the environment and surrounding areas.

If you still aren't too sure, let us settle your worries: 

1. Positive economic impact:
2. Reduced waste
3. Conserving of natural resources
4. Saving Energy

The list goes on and on!

Does recycling glass save energy?

Now you may not think it, but in short, yes it does and it saves a lot of it too!

Prepare to be amazed....when glass is recycled, it is melted down and formed into new products, which requires less energy then the manufacture of new glass from raw materials. In fact, it is said that recycling glass can save up to 30% of the energy used in the glass production process. 

Also, recycling glass also reduces greenhouse gas emissions, as it takes less energy to melt down the recycled glass then it does to melt down raw materials. It also helps reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.

So you may have never thought about it, but...recycling glass is an important step towards creating a more sustainable world!

How does recycling glass help the environment?

We have started something now! There are a number of ways that this helps the environment. Feast your eyes below:

1. Greenhouse gas emissions: As mentioned above, recycling glass reduces greenhouse gas emissions

2. Conserves natural resources: When glass is recycled, it reduces the need for new raw materials to be extracted from the earth, such as sand, soda ash and limestone.

3. Reduces waste in landfills: When glass is not recycled, it takes up space in landfills, where it can take hundreds or even thousands of years to decompose. 

4. Saves energy: Sorry to repeat ourselves but this is important! Recycled glass requires less energy than creating new glass.

Busy Bins Glass Waste Collection Service 

Not us here again letting you know about our service! OH YES, WE ARE!

We offer a weekly or fortnightly collection service for your glass waste, to help keep your businesses & households doing their bit and sparkling!

We understand that it can be hard waiting weeks for your council to come and collect, especially with the weather getting warmer, customers getting thirstier and bins filling up quicker!

So, here are a few reasons why you should use us for your next Glass Waste Collection.

• No extra bin required 
• Fully Accredited & Licensed
• Bin day stays the same as your council collection day
• Bin put back tidily when emptied
• One Off Collections or a Regular collection service are available
• Easy to contact or book: You can do it 24/7 online at www.busybins.co.uk or give us a call on 0161 766 3330. 
• Most importantly...Our Money Back Guarantee: We are so confident in our service that if for any reason you aren't happy, we will refund you the money.

So come and take part in the service with a smile. Don't just take our word for it though, throughout our 7 years of being in business, we have received over 800 verified customers reviews who have rated us 4.9 out of 5 on our service. 

We are so proud of them!

To have a peek out our reviews-click here.

To book your next waste collection, click here: www.busybins.co.uk

FAQ's 

It's all just glass isn't it?

Every Sherlock needs a Watson...and it is not just Glass, Sherlock. Different types of glass can be recycled, and the recycling process may differ for different glass. For instance, Pyrex glass can't be recycled with normal glass. 

Glass that can't currently be recycled

Just as we were saying! Most types of glass can be recycled, including clear, green, brown and blue glass jars and bottles. However, there are a few types that cannot be recycled through your normal household collection. Some of these are: 

• Pyrex or other heat-resistant glassware: Pyres has a higher melting point then regular glass bottles and jars, which can cause problems when they are mixed with other types of glass during the recycling process. Pyrex is manufactured through a different process to normal glass.
• Mirrors: Mirrors are made with a different type of glass than bottles and jars, and some also have additional layers that can make recycling difficult.
• TV & Computer Screens: These contain materials that make them hard to recycle, such as lead.
• Light bulbs and fluorescent tubes: Leave the glowsticks in the drawer ravers.

So make sure you get your mirrors collected and disposed of properly rather then throwing them in your glass recycling bin, you don't want 7 years bad luck!

Can you put broken glass in recycling UK?

Broken glass should be put into the recycling bin. Broken glass poses a risk to worker who sort through materials at recycling facilities. Broken glass can also damage recycling equipment and contaminate other materials making them unsuitable for recycling. 

If you ever have broken glass, you should carefully wrap the glass pieces in several layers of newspaper or in a strong cardboard box, before being placed in your General Waste bin.

Your local council may have more specific guidelines on how to dispose of broken glass, so always a good idea to check with them!

Is all glass recycled?

No, not all glass is recycled, but it is one of the most recyclable materials in the world! You can reuse glass more times then I use the same shirt for work. Glass can be recycled over and over again (Sounds like a 2000s Nelly song) without any loss of quality,(Just like Nelly's songs) and it's estimated that 80% of all glass containers are recycled in some countries. Fun fact alert!

Is glass recycling sustainable?

In short, YES. This is generally considered to be a sustainable practice because recycling helps to conserve natural resources, minimise waste sent to landfills, and reduce energy consumption.

What can go in glass recycling?

Only bottles and jars can be recycled at home. This includes bottles of any colour, e.g. wine, beer and spirits and food jars such as sauces, jam and baby food. Every other glass based product should be disposed of in the correct manner.

If you have any other questions at all, all our FAQs can be seen here: https://busybins.co.uk/household-bins/faqs