Glass Recycling Facts 2020
There are numerous benefits to recycling glass waste your business produces. For example, when using recycled glass, you can help cut down water pollution by 50%.
Overall, there are a variety of forms that glass materials can be found. In municipal solid waste, glass is typically found in beverage containers as well as jars for food.
Additionally, glass waste can also include other materials, like those found in furniture and electronics.
So, in order to make a difference in your company’s waste disposal in 2020 and check out these interesting glass recycling facts below.
1. 4.2% of Waste Generated is Glass
In 2017, the EPA estimated that 11.4 million tons of glass were generated in the United States alone.
In comparison, the largest component of solid waste in 2017 was paper & cardboard—with 67 million tons generated and 25% of the total waste generated in the United States.
The production of glass peaked at 15 million U.S. tons in the 1980s. This number eventually decreased in the late 1990s.
2. Glass is Only 3.2% of Recycled Waste
The United States recycled and composted a surprising 94.17 million tons of material in 2017.
Even more, while paper waste materials were 46.9% of waste recycled, only 3.2% of total recycled materials were glass products.
Unfortunately, not all glass that is produced ends up being recycled.
3. Recycling Glass Saves Natural Resources
When considering various manufacturing and industrial waste disposal services, you may ask how recycling will benefit the planet.
In truth, there are many different ways that glass recycling can help the environment. For example, we save over one ton of natural resources with every ton of glass waste that is recycled. Additionally, using recycled glass can cut down manufacturing energy costs by 2 to 3%.
4. 6 Million Tons of Glass Went to Landfills
Where does trash go if it isn’t recycled or combusted with energy recovery? The landfill.
Notably, more than six million tons of glass ended up in landfills instead of being recycled in 2017.
Put differently, more than half of all glass produced was trashed.
5. Glass is 100% Recyclable
This may be one of the more surprising glass recycling facts, but it is true: glass is 100% recyclable!
In other words, glass materials, such as jars and bottles, 100% recyclable materials.
Plus, you can recycle glass repeatedly without losing quality or purity.
Have Some Class—Recycle Your Glass!
In the end, there are countless benefits to gain from recycling your glass waste.
First and foremost, however, you need the right commercial glass recycling service.
When partnering with companies like Generated Materials Recovery, your recycling needs are made a priority.
Additionally, GMR uses its unique focus on manufacturing and industrial recycling to provide the right recycling solution.
The team at GMR uses a hands-on approach to fully understand the recycling goals of your company.
Then, once GMR understands your needs, its team creates a custom recycling plan for you.
This plan includes a personalized schedule for recyclable waste pick-up and any necessary equipment you may need on-site.
By and large, when partnering with GMR, you can truly improve your company’s sustainability while maximizing your revenue!
