Atlanta Hyatt Regency Makes Room for Glass Bottle Recycling
The Hyatt Regency Atlanta has been recycling since the 1990s, but they had stopped recycling glass and weren’t recycling any of their food residuals. “We were already largely compliant with the Atlanta Zero Waste Zone challenge when it was rolled out,” says Randy Childers, Senior Director of Engineering at the hotel, “but with their help we now have a source for food waste, our waste oil and grease is going to biodeisel production, and we are recycling glass bottles again.”
Glass by weight is well over 80% of their containers. “Some recyclers in this area won’t take glass,” says Childers, “but anyone that works with us has to take the glass. We made that a non-negotiable with our recycler.” Conex Recycling, Alpharetta, GA, picks up their glass, and other plastic and metal containers. From there, it goes to SP Recycling for processing.
Like other bars and hotels, logistics for collecting and transporting recyclables as well as training staff present the most challenges. But according to Childers, “public and employee consciousness around recycling is pretty high right now, so staff is typically on board as soon as we give them the tools.”
About 60-75% by volume of containers is glass from the hotel’s bars, restaurants, and banquet service. Beer, wine, liquor, squat soda bottles and some premium waters are all packaged in glass. Liquor and wine bottles are returned to the loading dock where they are reconciled for alcohol control and then placed in 65-gallon totes for recycling. “The beer bottles find their way back from collection bins behind the bar,” says Childers. Bartenders recycle and store the containers in Slim Jims.
While tipping and landfill fees in Atlanta are not as high as other areas, Childers says that recycling does reduce what goes to the landfill and saves them money. “Absolutely we are saving through recycling,” says Childers. The hotel was also the first to meet the Atlanta ZWZ challenge and they have received a lot of recognition for that. “Aside from the financial benefit,” says Childers, “it’s a requirement from the company that we recycle responsibly. Hyatt has always had a commitment to responsible management and sustainability.”
related items
GPI Releases Results of U.S. Bar/Restaurant Glass Recycling Survey
Vancouver Lodge Gets Glass Recycling Rolling Among Area Bars/Restaurants
Cincinnati Bars and Restaurants Call for Glass Recycling Program
Partnership in Kansas Closes the Loop on Glass Bottle Recycling
Made with organic fruit from California Wild Poppy Juice is sweetened with organic agave nectar and mixed with spices from around the world. The flavors include: Blood Orange Chili, Peppermint Lemonade, Plum Licorice, Peach Vanilla and Grapefruit Ginger. The bright colored juices are packaged in 10 oz. glass bottles with applied ceramic labeling.
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.
