The Glass Packaging Institute’s 2009 Recycle Glass Week proved a clear success, with member companies reporting that more than 14 tons of glass bottles were collected for recycling through events at the member plants, as well as in the local communities. In all, more than 50 educational activities and public events in 22 states were held during the week, building awareness for glass bottle recycling across the U.S. Two events, in Colorado and Indiana, also lead to permanent collection locations for glass container recycling. In announcing the results for the week, the GPI noted that by doubling the U.S. glass container recycling rate, which stood at 28 percent in 2007, manufacturers could use 50 percent recycled glass to make new glass containers.
"Recycle Glass Week exceeded our expectations of creating awareness for the benefits of choosing and recycling glass," says Joseph Cattaneo, president of the GPI. "We were also able to collect additional clean, sorted recycled glass for the manufacture of new glass bottles and jars, which will save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and help meet the goal of using 50 percent recycled glass in the creation of new containers by 2013."
GPI Touts Success of Glass Recycling Week
More than 14 tons of glass collected for recycling during special Recycle Glass Week.