Commercial glass recycling is where a waste collector will take your used glass material and waste, such as glass bottles or jars, and then transport them to a facility where they can be sorted, cleaned, crushed, melted and then re-moulded into new glass products.
Commercial glass typically refers to glass products that can be used across various industries and businesses.
These glass products are most commonly bottles, glasses, jars and other products and are commonly used for storage, presentation, and consumption in business settings.
1. What is Commercial Glass Recycling?
Commercial glass recycling involves a waste collection service that gathers your business’ discarded glass items.
These materials are then transported to a processing facility where they undergo sorting, cleaning, crushing, melting, and ultimately reshaping into fresh glass products for new use.
Many different industries produce commercial glass waste, including:
- Restaurants, Bars & Takeaways
- Hotels & Hospitality
- Event Venues
- Breweries & Wineries
- Art Studios
- Construction and Demolition Companies
- Automotive Repair Shops
- Electronic Stores
- Medical & Cosmetic Facilities
It typically comprises various glass items, such as wine and beer bottles, wine glasses, jam jars, building materials, electronic screens and much more that find utility across diverse industries and commercial enterprises.
These products can almost always be collected and sent to a glass recycling centre.
It’s worth noting that commercial glass waste is not the same as industrial glass waste.
Industrial glass waste is glass waste that has created during the industrial manufacturing process.
For example if a machine was making glassware or windows, and something got broken throughout the manufacture of the product, this would be industrial glass recycling, not commercial.
At Waste Basics, we know how time-consuming and stressful it can be trying to understand exactly how you should manage your business waste.
If you’d like some extra support from our friendly team, get in touch today!
You can give us a call now, or request a callback at the most convenient time for you.
2. Why is My Business Generating Glass Waste?
Your business could be generating glass recycling due to breakages, simply using up a product, or needing to replace a product.
Glass is a fragile and easily breakable material, so even though it has a long life span, if mishandled can smash easily.
Not only are large amounts of waste sent to the glass recycling centre through breakages and accidents, but also commercial glass waste can be generated from over-ordering, replacing products for aesthetic or efficiency, and during installation processes.
Depending on what industry your business operates in, you might find different reasons for generating glass recycling, and different products this glass waste is coming from.
It’s easy to understand how food establishments might generate commercial glass recycling due to the large volume of products in this industry that have glass storage options.
Did you know that over 1.3 million tonnes of packaging is used in the UK each year, with 61% of this being made of glass? That’s 13 times the weight of The Shard!
Here are some of examples of the types of products used that often generate glass waste that needs to be disposed of or recycled:
- Glass Bottles (wine, lager, beer, milk, water, soft drinks)
- Glassware (wine glasses, champagne flutes, drinking glasses)
- Beverage Dispensers
- Condiment Containers
- Jars (jams, marmalades, marinades, other storage)
- Candle Holders
- Cooking Utensils (roasting trays, microwave plates)
- Glass Ashtrays (where smoking is still allowed, or in older establishments)
1. Construction & Demolition
The construction and demolition industry creates an absolutely huge amount of waste, not only glass recycling.
Construction alone creates a third of the world’s overall waste, which contributes to 40% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions.
To compare, the entire aviation industry worldwide only contributes to 3% of these emissions.
As of 2018, in the UK alone, almost 200,000 tonnes of glass waste were being produced from construction sites
That’s the weight of almost 85,000 London black cabs!
Here are some examples of the types of waste that are produced by the construction industry:
- Window Panes
- Glass Doors
- Glass Railings
- Broken Glass
- Glass Offcuts
2. Electronic Stores
Electronic stores that might sell electrical components or electrical products or offer a repair service generate large amounts of glass recycling.
E-waste is becoming a large environmental issue, with large volumes of e-waste also having glass components.
50 million tonnes of e-waste are produced each year, making soil content extremely toxic and contaminating water supplies.
Here are some examples of the type of glass recycling that the electronics industry produces:
- Screens (from mobile phones, tablets, monitors, televisions etc.)
- Lenses (from digital cameras or built-in cameras on mobile phones and tablets)
- Monitors (old computer monitors or TV screens that need to be replaced)
- Glass Components (for electronic devices like cameras)
- Glass Fibres (such as those used in fibre optic cables)
- Photovoltaic Panels (also known as solar panels)
3. Medical & Cosmetic Facilities
The medical and cosmetic industries are responsible for a large amount of recyclable glass waste that isn’t always disposed of properly due to confusion around how different items should be disposed of.
At Waste Basics, we can help your business with its glass recycling collection, but for any ‘Sharps’ collection or hazardous waste we can refer you to our sister company, Waste Managed.
Waste Managed can help you when your waste isn’t so basic!
Your business gets even more return on its investment by paying a fixed monthly rate for all of its different types of waste so you always know exactly what you’re paying month in, month out.
That means no more excess waste fees!
If you’d like some more advice on what type(s) of waste management you might need, feel free to get in touch today! You can give us a free-of-charge call, or request a callback at a more convenient time.
Some examples of the types of glass recycling waste that the medical and cosmetic industry produce:
- Lenses on Microscopes
- Microscope Slides
- Glass Vials, Beakers and Ampoules
- Packaging, Containers & Bottles (for perfumes, lotions, serums)
- Pipettes
- Single-Use Items (such as petri dishes)
3. Why is Having a Glass Recycling Bin Important for My Business?
Getting a glass recycling bin for your company can have several benefits, both for your business and the environment.
Here are some reasons why it can be advantageous:
1. Glass Recycling is Cheaper
Choosing to have a glass recycling bin to compensate for any of the weight that is currently going into your dry mixed recycling bin or general waste bin will be considerably cheaper for your business.
If you get a glass waste bin for your business, the glass you deposit in there will compensate for the weight that is currently going into your dry mixed recycling or general waste bin.
By having less weight go into these waste streams, you can reduce the size of those bins or the frequency of the pickups for those types of waste streams and therefore save money.
For weekly collections, Dry Mixed Recycling costs £3.56+VAT more per kilogram than to collect the same weight of glass waste.
For fortnightly collections, Dry Mixed Recycling costs £1.98+VAT more per kilogram in comparison to the same weight of glass in a glass recycling bin.
That’s almost £200 per year you could save just by getting a glass waste recycling bin!
2. Environmental Impact
Glass recycling glass offers a multitude of benefits to the environment.
According to the WWF, glass produced from recycled glass reduced air pollution by 20%, and water pollution by 50%.
It significantly reduces the space in landfills that would otherwise be occupied by discarded bottles and jars, which can take up to a million years to break down in a landfill.
Recycling glass is an energy-efficient choice, as it consumes 40% less energy than manufacturing new glass from raw materials, resulting in reduced emissions of nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide, both potent greenhouse gases.
The process also conserves natural resources, with every tonne of recycled glass saving more than a tonne of raw materials required for new glass production.
Recycled glass finds new life in various applications, including new glass containers, tiles, flooring, countertops, and even concrete pavement, contributing to a circular economy and reducing waste output into landfills.
3. Compliance with Legislation
Your business has a legal responsibility to keep waste to a minimum and do everything reasonably possible to prevent, reuse, recycle or recover waste.
As of right now, your business can dispose of glass waste in a dry mixed recycling or general waste bin, but come April 2024 for Wales and with England soon to follow, your business will be required to separate these waste streams and only use a separate glass waste bin for your commercial glass recycling.
In order to comply with the Environmental Act 2021, your business will be required to obtain a glass waste bin to properly dispose of your glass waste.
Why not get ahead of the game and order a glass recycling bin now? Start saving money and ensure you’re ready for the new changes in legislation ahead of time.
You can get a free quote through our online quote tool, or alternatively if you have any questions about how to manage your commercial waste, you can give us a call or request a callback for a more convenient time.
4. Brand Image and Corporate Social Responsibility
Championing environmental responsibility and sustainability by broadcasting your glass recycling efforts can have a great impact on your company’s reputation.
It signals to your customers and stakeholders that your business operates with a sense of purpose beyond just profit (even when these measures do actually help your margins!)
In an era where sustainability concerns are at the forefront of societal consciousness, companies that actively demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable practices stand out against competitors.
Did you know that 93% of consumers around the world maintained, and in some cases increased their sustainable purchases in 2022, even as the cost of living crisis increased?
A strong sustainability track record not only builds a positive brand image, but also creates trust between you and your customer base which can lead to better customer loyalty, and more business for you long-term.
4. What Can Go in a Glass Recycling Bin?
Almost all types of glass can go in a glass recycling bin.
The only types of glass that should not be disposed of through your glass waste bin are heat-resistant glass like Pyrex, mirrored glass, and any glass that still has other components attached e.g. lightbulbs.
What Glass is Accepted in Glass Recycling Bins?
There are many types of glass items that are perfectly acceptable for recycling.
Did you know that glass is 100% recyclable, with no loss of quality over time?
Examples of Glass Products that can be Recycled:
- Glass Bottles
- Glass Culinary Ware (e.g. wine glasses, drinking cups, plates etc.)
- Glass Storage & Containers
What Glass isn’t Accepted in Glass Recycling Bins?
There is a select few types of glass that isn’t accepted in glass recycling bins.
This is usually because the different types of glass have different melting points, which means when they get to the recycling centre they cannot all be melted down and reused together.
Examples of Glass Products that Cannot be Recycled:
- Mirrors or Mirrored Glass
- Pyrex Glass
- Ceramics
- Lightbulbs (that still contain any of the electrical components including the metal cap)
- Safety Glass
What Happens If I Put the Wrong Glass in My Recycling Bin?
If you put unrecyclable glass into your glass recycling bin then it will contaminate the recycling collection, possibly affecting the entire truck full of collections conducted that day.
Due to the large volumes of waste that enter recycling centres, the standard procedure is to dispose of the entire load of contaminated recycling, even if most of the container is completely recyclable.
If you’re unsure about whether a glass product can be recycled in your commercial recycling bin, then best thing to do is to wrap the glass in a protective material like newspaper and dispose of it in your general waste bin.
Although in some cases you could be disposing of recyclable waste, you mitigate the risk of recycling centres disposing of huge amounts of completely recyclable waste.
5. What Size Dimensions is a Business Glass Recycling Bin?
A business glass recycling bin can come in a variety of size dimensions, but the ideal glass waste bin size tends to be the size of a household wheelie bin.
We know that many businesses tend to neglect their glass recycling waste management due to the lack of on-site waste storage facilities available.
We’ve listened to our 27,000+ customers and provided an efficient storage solution to your commercial glass waste that has been tried and tested!
Our glass recycling bins have saved our clients a huge amount of investment over the long-term in comparison to increasing the frequency of pick up or adding more quantity of general dry mixed recycling bins.
Our 240L glass recycling bin is the perfect size for your business’ glass recycling waste.
It can hold up to 100kg of glass (that’s the weight of a standard washing machine!)
It measures just 1.08m in height, and 0.58m in width and is the same size as your household wheelie bin.
Dependent on your requirements for glass waste collection, some businesses do choose to get multiple bins if they produce a larger amount of commercial glass waste (usually restaurants and hotels).
If your business has access to a secure waste store, our bins dimensions are ideal for small spaces where you might need some safe-saving storage.
Unlike other waste collection suppliers like Biffa or Veolia, you’ll never encounter any hidden fees or variable costs with us.
We will always have completely transparent pricing so you know exactly what you’re paying for when it comes to your glass recycling every time.
Alternatively, you can use our free quote tool for instant access to what your requirements will cost you, or give us a no-strings, free call to find out more.
6. How Much Does a Commercial Glass Recycling Bin Cost?
The price for commercial glass recycling collection for a 240L bin starts at £22+VAT per month for fortnightly collections, and is £44+VAT per month for a weekly collection.
Here at Waste Basics, we are completely transparent and up front about our low-cost pricing.
Direct waste collectors like Biffa, Veolia and Viridor might try and manipulate your business into paying more than what you need to for your glass recycling.
With hidden fees and confusing costs, it can be really difficult to decide who is the best choice for you and your business.
Since starting Waste Basics 12 years ago, we knew from day one that we wanted to build the best relationship with our customers, and prioritise transparency above anything else.
And our 27,000+ customers love our approach!
Our most popular option for glass waste collection is our weekly pick up. This will cost just £44+ VAT per week.
Alternatively, if you’d like to get just 2 collections per month with our fortnightly pick up option, it’ll cost £22+ VAT per month. Simple!
To calculate the exact cost of the waste streams you need for your business bespoke to the frequency of pickups you would like, make sure to use our free quote tool to get access to the price instantly!
7. What Are The UK Laws for Recycling Glass?
The UK laws for recycling glass are currently quite simple, but with the new ‘Environmental Act 2021’ coming into effect for Wales in April 2024, and with England soon to follow, the requirements for businesses to properly dispose of waste responsibly are going to change.
Current Laws
Currently, businesses are legally required to keep waste to a minimum by doing everything that is reasonably possible to prevent, reuse, recycle or recover waste.
So if your business is already producing large volumes of glass waste, it’s expected by UK legislation that your business is making every effort to recycle this appropriately.
For businesses that only produce a small amount of glass recycling, they may find that they only need to use a Dry Mixed Recycling bin and can dispose of their small amount of glass recycling through that waste stream.
Impending Changes
However, with the Environmental Act 2021 coming into effect in 2024, businesses will have a legal requirement to separate their recyclable waste streams, and any glass recycling that the business generates will have a mandatory requirement to be dispose
d of through an individual glass waste bin.
This means that businesses will be legally required to obtain and organise collection for a general waste bin, a dry mixed recycling bin, a food waste bin and a glass recycling bin (assuming their business produces the waste necessary for these bins).
This action by the government was brought in to encourage businesses to recycle their waste more effectively and have a better impact on the global environment.
Don’t worry – we understand how overwhelming changes to regulation can be on your business, particularly if you’re brand new!
If you’d like to know anything about how your business needs to operate its waste management, or specifically about your business’ glass recycling collection, then please don’t hesitate to give us a call and speak to one of our friendly advisors.
Alternatively, if you’d like to know the exact costs of your waste management requirements then you can use our free quote tool to get instant access to our pricing.
8. How Does Glass Recycling Work?
Glass recycling in the UK works by a seven step process.
It’s a well-established and sustainable process that involves several key steps, from collection and sorting, to the transformation of recycled glass into new products.
Glass is 100% recyclable, making it one of the most eco-friendly materials.
However, despite its recyclability, a significant amount of glass is still disposed of improperly, highlighting the importance of efficient recycling practices, particularly for businesses that produce more glass recycling.
Here’s a breakdown of how glass is recycled in the UK.
1. Collection & Sorting
The first step in glass recycling in the UK involves the collection of glass waste from various sources.
This is where the glass waste from your business is collected by one of our great waste collectors.
Once collected, the glass is transported to recycling facilities.
At the recycling facility, the glass is sorted based on colour, typically into clear, green, and brown categories.
Sorting is essential as it ensures that recycled glass maintains its colour purity.
2. Cleaning and Contaminant Removal
After sorting, the glass recycling goes through a cleaning process to remove contaminants such as labels, caps, and any remaining food or liquid residues.
This is typically done by subjecting the glass to high-pressure water jets, and sometimes, air or vacuum systems are used to remove smaller contaminants.
3. Crushing and Melting
Once cleaned, the glass is crushed into small pieces known as cullet.
The cullet is then heated in furnaces at extremely high temperatures, typically around 1,700°C (3,092°F).
This melting process turns the cullet into molten glass, which can be molded into new glass products.
The high temperature helps remove any remaining impurities and ensures the glass is of high quality.
4. Forming New Products
The molten glass is then shaped into new products.
This can include bottles, jars, glass containers, and even fiberglass insulation.
The specific product depends on the desired application.
By using glass recycling to create new items, the demand for raw materials is reduced, which is great for the environment and helps contribute to a circular economy.
5. Quality Control
Throughout the recycling process, there is a strong emphasis on quality control.
The glass is constantly monitored and tested to ensure that it meets industry standards for strength, colour, and purity.
Any glass that does not meet these standards may be recycled again or discarded.
6. Distribution and Use
Once the recycled glass is transformed into new products, it’s distributed for various purposes.
Recycled glass containers, for example, can be filled with beverages or food products and distributed to consumers.
Fiberglass insulation made from recycled glass can be used in construction.
7. Repeat the Cycle
The recycling process is cyclical.
Glass can be recycled indefinitely without losing its quality or purity, making it one of the most sustainable materials available.
By participating in the recycling process, individuals and businesses in the UK contribute to conserving natural resources, reducing energy consumption, and minimising environmental impacts associated with glass production.
In summary, glass recycling in the UK not only conserves resources, but also reduces energy consumption and environmental impacts associated with glass production, making it an environmentally responsible practice.
9. What is the Commercial Glass Waste Collection Process?
The commercial glass waste collection process is a 4-step operation.
When you partner with us as your Waste Broker, and we’ll make glass recycling collection process as easy as possible for you, taking all the hassle out of your commercial glass waste collection.
How does glass recycling collection work, and what are the next steps?
1) Choose Your Bins
At Waste Basics, we make arranging your commercial glass recycling collection as straightforward and efficient as possible.
Our commitment to transparency means we proudly display our prices – you can find them on our website, or by using our free quote tool!
The tool shows you the exact cost of the specific waste you wish to dispose of (including glass waste, or any other waste streams your business needs), the size of the bins you require, and the quantity of bins you need too.
We recognise your need for the best service possible at the lowest prices, and we’re here to assist you in achieving just that.
If you’d like personalised assistance from a real human being, don’t hesitate to give us a call or request a callback at your convenience.
2) Arrange Free Delivery of Your Bins
Unlike national waste collection providers that may impose monthly fees for bin rental and/or additional costs for bin delivery, with Waste Basics, when you’ve chosen the bins you need, we’ll transport them to your business at absolutely no cost to you!
We’ll work collaboratively with you to determine the most convenient delivery schedule for you and address any potential issues in advance such as locked gates or secured areas.
Relax with the knowledge that we’ve got your glass recycling needs covered.
We’re dedicated to ensuring your experience is as easy as possible, ensuring quick collection of your commercial recycling waste and the best experience every time.
3) Fill Up Your Bins
Once your brand new free bins have been delivered to your business address, you can go ahead and fill them with your glass recycling waste, or any of the other waste streams you may have gone for.
4) Get Your Glass Recycling Collected
We’ll set out a weekly or fortnightly schedule that suits you and your business needs, entirely based on the type and amount of waste you produce.
10. FAQs
What are common glass recycling mistakes?
The most common glass recycling mistakes are:
- Contamination – putting non-glass items in the glass waste bin, or glass that has food/liquid still in it.
- Mixed Colours – some bins will only take a particular colour of glass. Always double check what type of glass waste bin you have.
- Wrong Types of Glass – trying to recycle non-recyclable glass like mirrors or pyrex.
- Not Separating Properly – caps and lids made from metal or plastic cannot be recycled in a glass recycling bin and must be removed beforehand.
Why Can’t You Recycle Mirrored Glass?
You can’t recycle mirrored glass through your glass recycling bin due to the type of glass it is, paired with the reflective coating on the back.
Even if you were able to remove the reflective coating the glass is still unrecyclable.
Since mirrored glass and common glass (used in bottles and jars etc.) have different melting points, recycling centres can’t accommodate mirror glass.
Can I Recycle Pyrex?
No, you cannot recycle Pyrex.
Pyrex is a type of glass, but it has been specially treated in the manufacturing process to withstand extremely high temperatures which sadly makes it non-recyclable.
Broken pyrex should be disposed of in your general waste bin carefully.
Why is Glass No Longer Recyclable?
It’s a common misunderstanding that glass is no longer recyclable – when in actuality, glass is 100% recyclable!
Glass can be recycled endlessly through glass recycling bins without losing its quality, which reduced energy consumption, conserves natural resources and helps divert glass from landfills and incinerators.
Recycling glass has environmental benefits by reducing pollution associated with the production of new glass and creates jobs in recycling processes.
It also decreases the demand for new raw materials, contributing to resource conservation and reduced environmental impact.
There are certain types of glass that cannot be recycled, including glass with different material components, mirrored glass, and heat-treated glass like pyrex.
What is the recycling rate for glass in the UK?
The UK recycling rate for glass is 74.2% on average, making it one of the highest recycling rates of any packaging material.
The aim for the UK is to increase this number to 90% recycling rate by 2030.
Can I put Glass in my General Waste Bin?
Yes you can put glass in your general waste bin.
Although businesses that produce waste are legally required to make every effort possible to dispose of waste responsibly, which includes recycling as much as possible.
So ideally, your business would dispose of glass either through your dry mixed recycling bin, or by your glass recycling bin.
Can you put Glass in your Dry Mixed Recycling Bin?
Yes, you can put glass in your dry mixed recycling bin.
However, the recycling rates for glass are greatly improved if your business uses a glass recycling bin.
Not only this, but the cost for disposing of a glass waste stream is significantly cheaper than other waste streams like general waste, so if your business is disposing of large volumes of glass, it may work out more cost-effective to get a glass recycling bin in addition to a dry mixed recycling bin.
Come April 2024 for Wales with England soon to follow, a glass waste bin will be mandatory for glass refuse.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
If you’d like to find out more then feel free to give one of our friendly team a call, or request a call back at a better time.
In a rush? No problem! Use our free quote tool to get instant access to pricing.
Should you Remove Labels from Glass Bottles Before Recycling?
No, you don’t have to remove labels from glass bottles before disposing of them through your glass recycling bin.
Modern recycling facilities are equipped to handle labels and adhesives as the high temperatures in the furnace effectively combust and remove any paper, plastic, or adhesive residues, leaving behind only the clean glass for recycling.
This practice not only saves time for consumers but also promotes convenience and encourages higher participation in recycling programs, ultimately benefiting the environment by diverting glass from landfills and reducing the need for new raw materials in glass production.
How Do You Clean Glass Bottles for Recycling?
You can clean glass bottles for recycling easily with the following steps:
- Empty the Bottle: Start by pouring out or using the contents of the glass bottle, ensuring it’s completely empty.
- Rinse with Water: If there’s any residue left inside, a quick rinse with water will usually suffice to remove it. Swirl the water around inside the bottle and then pour it out.
- Use a Bottle Brush (Optional): For stubborn residue or narrow-necked bottles, you can use a bottle brush to scrub the interior. Make sure to rinse thoroughly afterward.
- Remove any Non-Glass Materials: If there are metal or plastic caps on the bottle, make sure you remove them and dispose of them through your dry mixed recycling.
- Place in Recycling Bin: Once the bottle is empty and relatively clean, simply place it in your recycling bin along with other recyclables.
Can You Put Broken Glass in Recycling?
Yes, you can put small amounts of broken glass in your recycling bin, but not large, sharp pieces.
A better option is to dispose of broken glass through your glass recycling bin.
However, an alternative is to wrap the broken glass in multiple layers of newspaper or store it in a cardboard box and dispose of it through your dry mixed recycling.
If you have particularly large volumes of broken glass, it’s always better to try and dispose of it through through your glass waste stream.
What’s the Safest Method of Disposing of Broken Glass?
The safest method for disposing of broken glass is to take precautions to prevent injuries during cleanup.
First, put on thick gloves to protect your hands, and consider wearing safety goggles for added protection.
Carefully collect the broken glass using a broom and a dustpan, taking extra care not to touch the sharp edges directly.
You can either place the broken glass pieces directly into your glass recycling bin, or if putting it in dry mixed recycling then place it in a study cardboard box or multiple layers of newspaper.
Can You Put Coloured Glass in Recycling?
Yes, you can put coloured glass in your glass recycling bin.
Coloured glass, such as green, brown, or blue glass, undergoes the same recycling process as clear glass.
Recycling facilities have advanced sorting systems that can effectively distinguish between different glass colors, making the recycling of colored glass as convenient and eco-friendly as clear glass.
So, whether it’s a bottle of rich red wine or a vibrant green jar, rest assured that recycling colored glass is an environmentally responsible choice that contributes to a more sustainable future.
Should Glass Jars be Recycled with the Lids On or Off?
If the lids are not made from glass, then glass jars should be recycled with the lids off.
Removing the lids from jars is crucial because jar lids are often made from materials like metal or plastic, which require different recycling processes than glass.
Leaving lids on can disrupt the recycling process and potentially contaminate the glass recycling stream.
You can dispose of the lids in your normal dry mixed recycling bin.
Which Types of Glass Cannot be Recycled?
There are multiple types of glass that cannot be recycled:
- Cookware (heatproof jugs, pyrex dishes, microwave turntables)
- Lightbulbs
- Glazed Window Panes
- Mixed-Material Vases
- Mirrors
- Spectacles
- Crystal Glass
We understand the rules around recycling waste can be confusing, and often finding the answers can be time-consuming and unclear.
Feel free to give one of our knowledgeable team a call to answer any of your questions regarding your glass recycling, or alternatively you can request a callback at a more convenient time.
How Do I Dispose of my Business Glass?
There are 4 easy steps to get your business glass disposed of with ease.
It’s important that you arrange proper disposal of your business’ glass waste, not only for legal compliance, but to keep you and your staff safe, and save costs.
- Choose a Waste Broker (just like us!)
- Pick Your Bins (this will depend on what waste you need to dispose of and how much waste you generate)
- Fill Up Your Bins (dispose of your waste in the bin)
- Prepare for Collection! (your Waste Broker will set out a schedule to collect your bins that suits you)
Is Glass a Hazardous Waste?
Uncontaminated glass is not considered a hazardous waste and can be disposed of through your glass recycling bin.
Glass containing hazardous substances is considered a hazardous waste.
If you’re at all unsure about what kind of method of waste disposal you need to collect your waste, feel free to speak to one of our friendly team who are more than happy to give you completely free advice!
You can give us a call directly or request a call back at a more convenient time.
Is Glass a Recyclable Waste?
Yes, glass is a recyclable waste, and can be disposed of through your glass recycling bin.
Glass is a highly recyclable material, and it’s a valuable resource in recycling programs around the world.
What makes glass particularly advantageous is that it’s 100% recyclable, meaning it can be recycled over and over without any loss in quality or purity.
The recycling process involves collecting used glass containers, breaking them down into small pieces, melting those pieces, and then forming them into new glass products.
This process significantly reduces the need for raw materials, conserves energy, and decreases greenhouse gas emissions compared to producing new glass from scratch.
Additionally, disposing of glass through your glass recycling bin helps divert it from landfills, contributing to reduced waste and a more sustainable approach to resource management.
So, when it comes to glass, recycling is not just an option; it’s an environmentally responsible choice that benefits both the planet and future generations.
What is Commercial Glass?
Commercial glass includes a wide range of glass products and installations used in non-domestic or business settings, including restaurants & bars, hotels, offices, and other industrial establishments.
This category includes glassware and decorative items as well as architectural elements like storefront windows, glass doors, glass partitions etc.
These commercial glass items may also come in various shapes and sizes to accommodate different needs, reflecting the specific requirements and aesthetics of the commercial environment.
Some commercial glass can be recycled through your glass recycling bin but not all. Feel free to give us a call with any questions you have to get some completely free advice on what types of waste streams you need.
Alternatively you can request a call back at a more convenient time for you.
Where Do I Dispose of Commercial Glass?
You can dispose of small amounts of commercial glass through your dry mixed recycling bin, but a better option is to dispose of commercial glass through a glass recycling bin.
Come April 2024 for Wales with England shortly to follow, a glass waste bin will become compulsory for UK businesses that generate glass waste.
If you’d like more assistance with disposing of your commercial glass and you’d like some free advice then feel free to speak to one of our team who are more than happy to give you all the help you’ll need.
You can give us a call directly or request a call back at a more convenient time for you.
What’s the Difference Between Commercial and Household Glass?
Commercial glass is designed for use in non-residential settings like restaurants and offices, emphasising durability and functionality to withstand heavy use.
It includes items such as glassware for bars and safety glass for buildings.
In contrast, household glass is intended for residential use, prioritising aesthetics and comfort, encompassing items like drinking glasses, plates, and decorative objects for home settings.
You cannot dispose of your commercial glass through your household glass recycling bin.
If you need more assistance understanding how to dispose of your commercial waste, feel free to give us a call with any questions and our friendly team will be more than happy to help you!
Alternatively you can request a call back at a more convenient time for you.
What’s the Difference Between Commercial and Industrial Glass?
Commercial glass is primarily used in non-residential settings like offices, restaurants, and retail spaces, focusing on aesthetics and functionality.
It includes glass elements such as storefront windows, glass doors, and decorative glass features.
Industrial glass, on the other hand, is designed for heavy-duty applications in manufacturing and industrial environments, often prioritising strength, resistance to extreme conditions, and safety features like tempered or laminated glass.
If you’re not sure what kinds of glass can go through your business’ commercial glass recycling bin, then feel free to give our friendly team a call with any questions and we will be more than happy to help you.
Now not a great time? No problem! You can request a call back at a more convenient time for you and we’ll be in touch.
