A survey, conducted by an Irish group Rehab Recycling, finds that around 100 million glass containers will be recycled this year in Ireland.
Rehab Recycling, which is responsible for 90 percent of glass recycling in Ireland – revealed that some 24,000 metric tons of bottles and jars have been deposited at its network of bring sites in the first eight months of the year. That represents an increase of 24 percent from last year.
The survey finds that a total of 37 bottles and jars were recycled for every man, woman and child in the two counties during the first eight months of the year. Next best was Galway with an average of 36 containers recycled per head of population.
Commenting on the results of the survey, Bob Rowat, general manager said: “Breaking the 100 million barrier for household glass recycling marks an important landmark in the growth of real action to protect and preserve our environment and Ireland’s green image.”
According to Andrew Hetherington, CEO Repak, the results of the Rehab survey are encouraging. “The figures show increased participation by householders in recycling. Repak National Recycling Week is a perfect time to increase the amount and type of material that we recycle. With the introduction of pay by weight and pay by use planned for next year, getting into the recycling habit can make a big difference to your household bin charges. Additionally every bit of extra packaging you recycle this year will benefit the St Vincent de Paul as we will be contributing money according to the extra amount recycled during October over last year’s figures.”
With more than 1,700 sites nationwide, Rehab Recycling is responsible for 90 percent of Ireland’s bottle bank network and currently reprocesses in excess of 45,000 metric tons of glass a year – representing 146 million bottles and jars. The company is part of a unique integrated employment model and has a workforce of 105 people, 68 of whom are people with disabilities.