Glass

Glass comes in many forms, however, not all glass is recyclable through kerbside collection or drop off points.  The only forms of glass to be recycled through these systems are the glass containers and bottles that have been used to package food or drink. These glass containers and bottles can be clear, green or brown in colour.  By recycling glass containers and bottles we are reducing the need to mine natural resources such as sand, limestone and soda ash.  Recycling glass also reduces the amount of waste going to landfill.

Recycled glass is used to make new glass containers and bottles.  However, to ensure that the recycled glass is safe and of a high quality, it is important that the glass used for recycling is not contaminated. 

Glass used for recycling is crushed into what is known as ‘cullet’.  If the cullet contains any form of contamination such as metal, ceramic or stone, the new glass will have faults or weaknesses that may jeopardise the durability and safety of the new glass container.

Recycling Process
Glass containers and bottles suitable for recycling are collected and taken to the local Materials Recovery Facility (MRF).  At the MRF the glass is separated according to colour. 

The glass is then transported to glass recyclers where the glass is crushed into fine pieces called cullet.  The colour of the cullet will determine the colour of the new glass.
 
The cullet is cleaned thoroughly to ensure the new glass containers are strong and safe.  The cullet is mixed with sand and minerals and then heated to produce new glass containers. 

Recycling Rules

• Remove all lids from containers and bottles
• Empty and rinse all glass containers and bottles
• Do not place any ceramics or garden waste in your recycling bin

The following forms of glass are not recyclable through the kerbside or transfer station recycling systems:
light bulbs, mirrors, window glass, drinking glass, pyrex (glass that can be heated), opaque glass or crystal. 
Place all of these forms of glass in the garbage bin.