Glass

Where do I go to find information on where to recycle container glass?

Individuals or businesses can check out one or more of the following:

• Earth 911 Network – This is an off-site website for locating recycling locations across the state. Learn more about that website on the quick link Begin Today!

Why isn’t glass accepted in most recycling programs in Mississippi?

The market for glass containers for Mississippi is in Texas and Georgia. Very simple, the transportation cost to ship the glass to these glass manufacturing facilities is generally more than what they receive for the material. So many programs and recycling facilities have dropped glass collection from their programs. In addition, if the three different color grades of glass are mixed together, it is almost impossible to find a buyer for mixed cullet (glass). Finally, more programs in the nation are collecting all the recyclable materials together in one compactor truck at the curb rather than separating them on the truck. This helps save money, but also hurts glass recycling because glass can often contaminate the paper since it can break and imbed into the paper. This can be a major contamination problem at paper mills.

Is there anything special I need to know about recycling glass containers in my community program?

First, make sure glass is accepted in the community’s program. If the community program only accepts clear glass, throw all other glass in the garbage. Remove and throw away the lids to any glass containers. If the lid is made of steel (tin) and the community program accepts steel cans, place the lid in the bin for recycling. Rinse the glass container as soon as possible to remove as much food debris from the container. Paper on the glass container does not generally need to removed since glass containers are melted at the glass plant at 1,800 to 2,000 degrees. Make sure to throw any other non-container glass in the recycling bin since they are considered a contaminant. This is discussed in the next question.

Can other glass be recycled with glass bottles?

Glass containers and bottles (pickle jars, wine bottles, etc.) must not be mixed with non-container glass in a recycling program. Non-container glass is a contaminant to container glass. The main issue is the melting temperatures of these other glass materials. The following non-container glass should be thrown away:

• Window glass
• Light bulbs
• Drinking glasses
• Ceramics
• Mirrors
• Auto glass
• Heat resistant ovenware
• Crystal