Glass Recycling Basics
Follow these simple steps when recycling glass bottles and jars. Keep out non-container glass and other contaminants to ensure the glass you recycle is able to be used to make new glass bottles.
1. Recycle Glass Containers Only
- Check to make sure it’s a bottle or jar.
- Iced tea and soda bottles
- Food jars
- Beer bottles
- Wine and liquor bottles
- Juice and water containers
2. Keep It Clean
- Keep out all non-container glass.
- Ceramic coffee cups
- Drinking glasses
- Mirrors
- Pyrex
- Light bulbs
Also, no metal caps, lids, or neck rings; or ceramic and wire caps from beer bottles. A List of Common Contaminants
3. Enjoy Products in New Glass Bottles and Jars
Glass bottles and jars go from recycling bin to the store shelf in as little as 30 days. And glass is 100% recyclable. Be sure to include glass when recycling.
And, look for the Recycling “G” logo on glass packaging. It lets you know the container is made from recycled glass—and can be recycled again and again.
Sweden’s Gripsholm Distillery has made its Kanon Organic Vodka available to the U.S. market. Kanon Organic Vodka is distilled from locally grown organic wheat and uses a unique organic distillation process. The vodka is packaged in a 750 mL bottle that is made from more than 60 percent recycled glass, and its distillery runs on wind and water power.
Use our Carbon Calculator to find out how much energy you can save by recycling your glass containers.
Order the Flexo Color Guide - Edition X »
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.
