The importance of recycling Glass
Recycling glass is crucial for environmental conservation and sustainability. It can be recycled indefinitely without losing quality, reducing raw material use and energy consumption.
The process involves collecting, cleaning, and melting glass to create new products. This significantly cuts landfill waste, as glass takes thousands of years to decompose.
Recycling conserves resources since producing new glass requires more energy and materials. It saves up to 30% in energy, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and production costs.
Additionally, it supports the economy by creating jobs and fostering technological advancements.
Overall, glass recycling:
reduces waste,
conserves resources,
boosts the economy,
and saves energy,
playing a vital role in sustainability.
Society must recycle glass to protect the environment and reuse valuable materials.
Where can you drop off glass items in Gqeberha?
Deal Party
Location: The Waste Trade Company, Warehouse 8, 137 Grahamstown Rd
Contact: The Waste Trade Company (041- 486 2204 Or 041- 486 2110) info@thewastetradecompany.co.za
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 am – 4 pm, Saturday, 8 am – 1 pm
Framesby/ Kragga Kamma
Location: Kragga Kamma Municipal Drop-Off Site, Kragga Kamma Rd
Contact: NMBM, Cell: 079 490 0879, wastexchange@mandelametro.gov.za
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8 am – 4:30 pm
Fernglen
Location: ASTRON Energy Petrol Station
Operating Hours: Open all hours.
Hunters Retreat
Location: Hunters Retreat Municipal drop-off site, Cape Rd, Parsons Vlei
Contact: NMBM, Cell: 079 490 0879, wastexchange@mandelametro.gov.za
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8 am – 4:30 pm
Kabega
Location: Kabega Primary School, Brabant St, Kabega Park, Gate 6.
What is recycled? : Glass bottles
Contact: Dr Adele Botha, 041 – 360 2581
Operating Hours: Drop-off chutes outside school property can be accessed anytime.
Mount Pleasant
Location: 31 Boundary Lane, Mount Pleasant.
Operating Hours: Open all hours
Schoenmakerskop
Location: Bungcwele Recycling Centre
Contact: The Waste Trade Company, 065 533 2892 Or 041- 486 2204 Or 041- 486 2110, info@thewastetradecompany.co.za
Operating Hours: Contact for details
Sidwell
Location: Khalisha Trading 28 Hart Street
Contact : Cell: 073 464 7017
Operating Hours: 8 am – 5 pm (Monday - Friday)
Summerstrand
Location: Strandfontein Road & Second Avenue (Just before the Sasol petrol station)
Operating Hours: Available all hours (Monday - Sunday)
Walmer
Location: In front of the BP petrol station on the corner of Walmer Main Road and 10th Avenue
Operating Hours: Open all hours.
Walmer Downs
Location: The Family Centre off William Moffett Expressway opposite Overbaakens.
Operating Hours: Open all hours.
Walmer Downs
Location: Near the corner of William Moffett Expressway and Mildon Road
Operating Hours: Open all hours
Glass recyclers in Gqeberha that can assist you.
Company Name: The Waste Trade Company Contact details: Warehouse 8, 137 Grahamstown Rd, Deal Party Tel: 041 486 2204 General Manager: Kay Hardy; Cell: 071 942 9905 E-mail: info@thewastetradecompany.co.za Schools Project Coordinator: Emmy Nxayeka Tel: 084 028 5734 What they recycle: Glass (glass bottles & jars, wine bottles, spice & sauce bottles, plain drinking glasses), Fluorescent tubes & Light bulbs (at a cost) |
Company Name: Greencycle Contact details: 10 Tassan Rd, Walmer Tel : 041 581 2174; Mobile: 072 237 5895 E-mail: info@greencycle.co.za Phone for a quote What they recycle: Glass (Bottles, jars, wine bottles, spice & sauce bottles & plain drinking glasses) |
Company Name: Cannibal Recycling Contact details: 9 Murdoch St, Deal Party Tel: 041 486 3940, Cell: 082 959 5117 E-mail: info@cannibalglass.co.za What they recycle: Glass (Beer/wine bottles & household glass bottles) |
Company Name: Comwaste Contact details: 12/13/14 Bellgrave St, North End Tel: 041 484 1436, Website: comwastemanagement.co.za Email: info@comwastemanagement.co.za Quote: 073 244 4200, Free pick up What they recycle: Glass |
Company Name: E.P Waste Management Contact details: 5 Worraker St, Newton Park Tel: 041 365 6893 Website: www.epwastemanagement.co.za Quinten van Zyl, Cell: 082 450 5084 Email: info@epwastemanagement.co.za What they recycle: Glass, as well as events recycling. |
Company Name: Eco Waste Contact details: 351 Villiers Rd, Walmer Cell: 065 879 8614 or Cell: 083 470 0003. Phone for a quote, Email: ew@live.co.za What they recycle: Glass. Provide custom bin hire. |
Company Name: Khalisha Trading 1188(PTY) LTD Contact details: 28 Hart St, Sidwell Cell: 073 464 7017 What they recycle: Glass. |
Glass objects suitable for recycling
Examples of Glass items that are suitable for recycling
Here are some common examples of glass items that are suitable for recycling:
1. Beverage Containers: This category encompasses glass bottles and jars that previously contained drinks like soda, beer, wine, and spirits. Typically made from clear, green, or brown glass, these containers can be gathered and recycled into new bottles or other glass items.
2. Food Jars: Glass jars for food products like sauces, jams, and pickles are recyclable. Made of sturdy glass, they can endure recycling and be reused in manufacturing new glass items.
3. Cosmetic Containers: Glass packaging for cosmetics, such as perfume bottles, skincare jars, and makeup containers, can be recycled if it is clean and free of product residue.
4. Glassware: Drinking glasses, glass bowls, and vases are recyclable. Though not usually accepted, they can be taken to specialised recycling facilities.
5. Window Glass: Due to its different composition, not all recycling facilities accept window glass, but some do. Check with local recyclers for proper disposal methods.
6. Glass Packaging: Glass containers used for products like cleaning agents and pharmaceuticals can be recycled if rinsed clean.
7. Light Bulbs: Incandescent and halogen bulbs are recyclable. Fluorescent and LED bulbs need special handling, so ask your nearest glass recycling business.
8. Glass Tiles: Though less common, glass tiles can be recycled by crushing and using them as aggregate in new construction materials.
Please keep in mind that most glass recycling bins are designated for bottles and jars only. Before you consider placing other glass items in recycling bins, the recycler should approve them.
Glass objects that are not suitable for recycling
When it comes to recycling glass, it's essential to understand that not all glass items are suitable for inclusion in recycling programs. Certain types of glass can contaminate the recycling stream, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies in the recycling process. Below is a comprehensive list of glass items that should not be recycled and explanations for each category.
1. Window Glass: Window glass differs from container glass due to its distinct properties and frequent chemical treatments, rendering it unsuitable for standard recycling and risking contamination of recycling batches.
2. Mirrors: Mirrors have a reflective coating, usually silver or aluminium, which complicates recycling and makes them non-recyclable through standard glass recycling systems.
3. Light Bulbs: Incandescent bulbs and CFLs contain hazardous materials. CFLs have mercury, needing special disposal.
4. Ceramics and porcelain: Dishes, cups, and toilet bowls do not melt at the same temperature as glass. Mixing them with glass in recycling facilities can cause defects in recycled glass products.
5. Pyrex and Other Borosilicate Glass: Borosilicate glass, used in kitchen and labware like Pyrex, withstands high temperatures but doesn't recycle well with standard glass, often making it non-recyclable.
6. Food Jars with Metal Lids: Glass jars are usually recyclable, but metal lids can complicate recycling. Separate them and check local guidelines, as some facilities may not accept both together.
7. Glass Cookware: Like Pyrex, glass cookware withstands extreme temperatures and is made from specialized, non-recyclable glass.
8. Glass Fragments: Broken glass pieces, especially non-container forms, pose safety hazards and are often not accepted in recycling bins. They should be securely wrapped before disposal.
9. Non-Container Glass: This includes glass decorations, vases, and artistic pieces, often containing mixed materials or colours that complicate recycling and are usually not accepted.
Knowing which glass items are non-recyclable is key to an efficient recycling system. Proper sorting reduces contamination, lowers costs, and supports sustainability.
Always consult local glass recyclers for specific instructions, as practices may vary.
At last a complete guide to find places to take my glass recycling.