How To Dispose Of Glass
When it comes to disposing of glass, it’s easy to toss a bottle or jar into the bin without a second thought – but there’s more to it than meets the eye. In Australia, proper glass disposal is important, not only to ensure our environment stays clean but to protect those who handle our waste and recycling.
Whether it’s the wine bottle from last night’s dinner or a broken mirror that’s been sitting in the garage, knowing the right way to handle different types of glass can make a big difference! In this post, we walk you through everything you need to know about how to dispose glass – from understanding what can be recycled and disposed to how you can give new life to the jars piling up in your kitchen!
Is Glass Recyclable?
Many people assume that once glass is broken, it’s useless—that it has reached the end of its life cycle. Unfortunately, this misconception means that much of the glass we use ends up in landfills as rubbish. However, the truth is that glass can be recycled and given a new life, as long as it’s disposed of properly.
In Australia, several types of glass items are safe to be recycled in your yellow bin, including glass jars and bottles. These are then taken to a recycling facility where they are melted down, reformed and reused. Not only does this process use less energy when compared to making new glass but reduces the waste that ends up in landfills.
However, not all glass is created equal. Some glass products, like mirrors, light bulbs, ovenware, and crystal glass, cannot be put in your recycling bin. These items are made from different materials and processes, meaning they can’t be broken down and reused in the same way.
What About Broken Glass?
Unfortunately, broken glass is not recyclable in the same way as intact glass products. The recycling process for glass requires it to be sorted by type and free of contaminants, and broken glass can complicate this process. Additionally, broken glass poses a significant safety hazard. Sharp shards can easily injure the workers who handle and sort recycling, as well as damage recycling machinery.
Different Ways to Dispose Of Glass
When it comes to disposing of glass, there are several options depending on the type of glass and its condition. Here are some of the best ways to manage glass disposal:
Securing Broken Glass
We’ve all broken glass at some point —whether it’s a dropped drinking glass, a shattered plate, or a cracked mirror. When glass breaks, it can splinter into sharp shards of all shapes and sizes, posing a real risk of cuts and injuries.
- Protect Yourself First: Before you start cleaning up, make sure you’re wearing enclosed shoes and gloves to protect your hands and feet from sharp edges. Safety first!
- Collect the Larger Pieces: Carefully gather all the larger shards into a pile. Use a dustpan and brush to sweep up the bigger pieces. Don’t forget to look under the table or chairs for pieces that might have fallen outside of the drop zone!
- Vacuum the Smaller Pieces: To catch the tiny, almost invisible fragments that sweeping might miss, carefully vacuum the area where the glass broke. This will help ensure no small pieces are left behind that could cause injury later.
- Wrap the Broken Glass: Wrap the collected glass pieces in a thick cloth, or layers of newspaper, or place them inside a sturdy plastic container or cardboard box. Avoid using flimsy bags, as they can easily tear. This will contain the sharp edges and make it safer to handle.
- Secure with Tape: Once wrapped, secure the package with tape to keep it tightly closed. This will prevent any shards from escaping and causing harm.
- Label Clearly: Clearly label the package as “Broken Glass” to alert anyone handling the glass. This is a small step that goes a long way in keeping everyone safe!
- Tape Up Cracked Glass: If you have cracked items like mirrors, dinner plates, or drinking glasses that haven’t shattered completely, put tape across the cracks. This will help hold the glass together and prevent it from breaking further when you handle or throw it away.
Putting Glass In The Bin
Certain types of glass, such as broken glass or glass contaminated with food or other materials, shouldn’t be put in the recycling bin. This is because these items can introduce contaminants—like dust or debris—into the recycling process, which can compromise the quality of the recycled material and make the recycling process less efficient.
If you have a small piece of broken glass or glass that isn’t broken but still not suitable for the yellow-lidded recycling bin, it might feel like a hassle to make a special trip to the recycling centre. In these cases, it’s acceptable to dispose of it in your general waste bin. While this isn’t the most environmentally friendly option, it’s the most practical solution. You can even choose to keep these items until you accumulate a larger amount of glass, which can then be taken to a recycling station all at once.
Glass Recycling Centres
Recycling glass is one of the most effective ways to manage glass waste while also conserving valuable resources. Unlike making new glass from raw materials, recycling glass uses significantly less energy and reduces the environmental impact.
Across Australia, many areas offer local resource recovery or recycling centres where you can bring your glass for proper disposal. These centres are equipped to handle various types of glass, including glass and broken pieces that cannot go into curbside recycling bins.
The services provided at recycling centres can vary, and some may charge a fee for glass disposal. This fee helps cover the costs of handling and processing the glass. It’s a good idea to check with your local centre beforehand to understand their rates and any specific requirements they may have for disposal.
Before heading to a recycling centre, ensure your glass is properly prepared. Clean the glass to remove any residue, and securely package any broken pieces to prevent accidents. You can also check the centre’s guidelines for any additional requirements or restrictions.
Reusing Glass
Before tossing that old glass bottle or jar, consider giving it a second life! Not only does it reduce waste, but you can take advantage of its durability and strength. Plus, its versatility means you can get creative and find countless ways to repurpose glass items around your home.
- Home Décor: Transform glass jars and bottles into charming vases, candle holders, or decorative containers. With a little paint, ribbon, or embellishments, these items can become beautiful, custom pieces for any room.
- Storage Solutions: Glass jars are perfect for organising pantry items, storing leftovers, or keeping small household items tidy.
- DIY Projects: Get crafty with glass by turning it into unique art pieces or functional items like garden lanterns, terrariums, or even mosaic tiles.
Get Professional Disposal
If you’re unsure about how to dispose of glass, have too much for your curbside bin, or simply have too much for a trip to the recycling centre, professional rubbish removal services can be a great solution.
Companies like Cheapa Skips can offer expert advice and clear guidance on the best way to manage your glass waste. Plus, dealing with glass can be dangerous. Professional services are equipped with the necessary safety gear and expertise to handle and dispose of glass safely, protecting both you and your household members from potential injuries.
Lastly, many companies can take care of everything for you. They’ll manage the collection, transportation, and disposal or recycling of your glass, saving you time and effort!
Read More: The Differences Between Commercial & Residential Skip Bin Hire
Manage Your Waste Removal Needs With Ease
Put simply, there are multiple ways to manage glass waste responsibly. From securing broken glass and using recycling centres to reusing and seeking professional help, each method has its benefits.
If you’re dealing with glass waste and need a hassle-free solution, Cheapa Skip Bins is here to help. We offer affordable skip bin hire to clients across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, making your waste removal needs easy and efficient. Contact us and book your skip bin today!
