- 1Remove ALL caps and lids (metal or plastic) - these contaminate glass recycling
- 2Rinse out food and beverage residue thoroughly - sticky residue causes problems
- 3Remove labels only if they peel off easily (most facilities can handle attached labels)
- 4Separate by color if required locally (clear, brown, green)
- 5Remove any plastic neck rings or shrink wraps
- 6Ensure bottles are completely empty - even small amounts of liquid cause contamination
- Curbside recycling
- Recycling centers
- Bottle return machines
- Glass collection bins
- Grocery store drop-offs
CONTAMINATION PREVENTION: Never include caps, lids, corks, or plastic rings with glass bottles - these materials jam sorting equipment and contaminate the glass melting process. Even tiny amounts of metals or plastics can ruin entire batches of recycled glass.
Glass can be recycled infinitely without loss of quality. Recycling saves 30% of energy vs. new glass and reduces CO2 emissions by 20%. Every ton of recycled glass saves 1,300+ pounds of sand, 500 pounds of limestone, and 400 pounds of soda ash from being mined. Glass recycling creates 2x more jobs than landfilling.
- Reuse as storage containers
- Upcycle into decorative items
- Return to wineries for refilling
- Use for home brewing
Accepted
- Beer and wine bottles (all colors)
- Beverage bottles (soda, juice, water)
- Liquor and spirits bottles
- Cooking wine and vinegar bottles
Not Accepted
- Bottles with caps or lids attached
- Window glass or mirrors (different melting point)
- Drinking glasses or glassware (different composition)
- Light bulbs or fluorescent tubes
- Pyrex or heat-resistant glass cookware
- Bottles with significant food residue
Do I need to remove labels from glass bottles?
No, most recycling facilities can handle labels during processing. Only remove labels if they peel off easily - don't force them as this may damage the bottle.
Why can't I recycle glass bottles with caps on?
Caps are made of different materials (metal/plastic) that melt at different temperatures than glass. They contaminate the recycling process and can damage equipment.
Can I mix different colors of glass bottles together?
This varies by location. Many single-stream programs accept mixed colors, but some require separation. Clear glass has the highest value, followed by brown, then green.
Why are glass recycling programs disappearing in some areas?
Glass is heavy and expensive to transport, making it less profitable than other recyclables. However, it's still valuable and infinitely recyclable - look for drop-off locations if curbside isn't available.
What happens to recycled glass bottles?
They're crushed into cullet (glass fragments), melted in furnaces, and formed into new bottles or other glass products. About 80% of recovered glass becomes new containers.