Houston Recycler Focuses on “Huge Need” For Glass Bottles
Mark Austin, founder of We CAN Recycle set his sights on glass bottle recycling after prices for other recyclables tanked late last year thanks to the current global economy. Prices for glass recyclables remain stable, and Austin is finding business is brisk collecting 4-5 tons a week from 15 local bars and restaurants, and high-rise condos. According to Austin, “there’s just a huge need for recycled glass in this town.”
The nonprofit We CAN Recycle picks up glass bottles from local businesses three days a week and takes them to glass processor Strategic Materials, Inc. From there, most is sold to Longhorn Glass Corp. and manufactured into new bottles for Anheuser-Busch. Some of the glass also goes to an abrasives market.
“My goal is to get up to ten tons a day,” says Austin. “That’s where I’ve set the bar.” Glass is collected mostly color separated—the bulk is amber and a little green. Clear is separated out. “My customers are really good about keeping it clean,” says Austin. “I give them feedback if here are any problems.” Austin has a monthly e-newsletter and reminds customers each time, “no pyrex, no porcelain, and no china.”
Customers are storing glass bottles in 64-gallon wheeled toters. Austin uses a one-ton truck and trailer to carry the toters, deliver the glass, and then return the collection bins to customers. “It’s inefficient, but the only way to do it right now.” Austin is in the process of identifying funding for a collection vehicle with an automatic cart tipper, which would speed up the collection process. It would also allow him to expand his customer base. “I get calls everyday from businesses that want me to collect their glass bottles,” says Austin.
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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.
