Glass Recycling Increases to 35 Percent in Britain

The amount of glass recycled for packaging increased to 35 percent in 2001 according to figures released by Glasspac, the packaging promotions arm of British Glass.

Total tonnage recycled rose by 3.5 percent to 587, 000 tonnes, an increase of just over 20,000 tonnes. Figures from DEFRA, which include glass collected for additional uses such as water filtration, shot blasting and aggregates, indicate that total glass recycling was 735,594 tonnes last year.

The quality and purity of new bottles and jars made with recycled grass is the same as those made only with raw materials, and this process can be repeated endlessly delivering continued environmental benefits.

The rise in recycling means that in 2001 the average jar or bottle produced in the UK contained 35 percent recycled glass. Recycling glass to make new containers has four main environmental benefits -energy saving, lower emissions, reduced landfill and a reduction in quarrying. Among the environmental benefits realized are diverting 735,594 tonnes of glass from landfills, and reducing the container industries emissions by 16 percent.

Glasspac chairman Andy Hartley says: "I am pleased to be able to report a continuing increase in the amount of glass being recycled.

"However, the full potential for glass recycling is nowhere near being realised. Currently capacity exists in the container industry to double the amount of glass recycled, including more green glass. In the long-term an increase in alternative uses means there is a market potential for virtually all the glass packaging that arises in the UK to be recycled."

He adds: "The challenge for all involved is to focus on the nearly 1.2 million tonnes of glass which continues to be wasted in landfill. We must all support urgent efforts to divert this material into the recycling chain.

"Everyone can play their part, no matter how small, recycling just on jar or bottle saves enough energy to power your TV for 11/2 hours. So please don't bin it, bank it."