- 1Remove glass carefully using proper safety equipment
- 2Separate windshields (laminated) from side windows (tempered)
- 3Remove all rubber gaskets and adhesive materials
- 4Clean off tinting film from side windows
- 5Wrap sharp edges to prevent injury during transport
- 6Keep different glass types separated for recycling
- Auto glass replacement shops
- Specialized automotive glass recyclers
- Some scrap yards with glass processing
- Municipal recycling centers (call first)
Windshields require specialized recycling due to plastic laminate layers. Side windows and rear glass are standard tempered glass. Always wear safety equipment - glass is sharp and can cause serious injury.
Glass recycling saves energy and raw materials. However, laminated windshield glass is challenging to recycle due to plastic layers. Side window glass can be recycled into new glass products or aggregate materials.
Accepted
- Tempered side windows
- Rear glass/back windows
- Sunroof glass panels
- Mirror glass (small quantities)
- Headlight and taillight lenses
Not Accepted
- Laminated windshields (most facilities can't process)
- Glass with extensive film or tinting that can't be removed
- Broken glass mixed with other materials
Estimated value: $0.10-0.50 per pound for clean tempered glass
Why is windshield glass harder to recycle?
Windshields are laminated with plastic layers for safety, making separation difficult. The plastic contamination prevents standard glass recycling processes from working effectively.
Can I remove window tinting before recycling?
Yes, removing tinting increases recyclability. Use heat guns or steamers to soften adhesive, then peel off film. Some facilities can handle lightly tinted glass.