The Northeast Resource Recovery Association (NRRA), Epsom, New Hampshire, has issued a notification to New England municipalities reminding them that glass is not trash and can and should be recycled.
The statement reads, “Glass is an extremely valuable recyclable material. Whether crushed to a 3/8-inch-minus specification for reuse under roads, sidewalks and parking lots, or melted and reused for other glass products, it most certainly is not trash and it can be recycled at a much lower cost per ton than either single-stream recycling or trash disposal. Glass is detrimental for both incinerators and single-stream processing plants and its disposal as waste will only accelerate the loss of landfill capacity. The recent international recycling market upheaval has put a tremendous strain on municipal recycling budgets and programs. NRRA recognizes that cities and towns are in a tough spot with no easy answers. They are facing rapidly rising recycling costs unheard of only a year ago, and NRRA stands ready to help them recycle right. All municipalities are encouraged to call 1-800-223-0150 for assistance with options other than disposal.”
Founded in 1981, NRRA provides a clearinghouse for current, up-to-date information and a source of technical and marketing assistance in the general areas of waste reduction and recycling. NRRA is a member-driven nonprofit organization made up of more than 400 municipalities, individuals and businesses in New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and southern Maine.