Clifton, NJ Takes Glass Quality Seriously—for 25 Years
The City of Clifton, NJ has been collecting color-sorted glass bottles and jars from residents and commercial establishments for nearly 25 years—and recycling about 1,200 tons of clean, high-quality glass annually.
At the curb, glass bottles are collected in metal or plastic reusable containers. Residents can also take glass for recycling at local drop-off centers. “The quality is good,” says Alfred Dubois, Recycling Coordinator. “We do get some contamination at the drop-off sites like ceramic and window glass, but residents are educated regularly through mailings, online, and at civic meetings.”
Ahead of their time, Clifton mandated recycling for all bars and restaurants in 1988. Businesses can choose a private hauler or have the city collect. The City collects source-separated glass from over 50 taverns, 25 restaurants, and 20 condos. “If the barrels are mixed we leave them and tell the owner to separate and then we come back,” says Dubois. “Those that cannot maintain quality must hire a private vendor to collect their material.”
This high-quality glass goes to ABCA Glass in Kearny, NJ for processing and then on to glass container manufacturers for making new glass bottles and jars. “People need to understand that most of the country is collecting glass commingled with other recyclables, and often it can’t be used to make new glass bottles because it’s too contaminated,” says Dubois. “Unless glass is going back into new bottles, there’s no reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and no saving of natural resources.”
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About the institute
The Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) is the trade association representing the North American glass container industry. Through GPI, glass container manufacturers speak with one voice to advocate industry standards, promote sound environmental policies and educate packaging professionals. GPI member companies manufacture glass containers for food, beverage, cosmetic and many other products. GPI also has associate members that represent a broad range of suppliers and closure manufacturers.
