On February 22, the PA Resources Council announced it will hold a series of 8 “pop-up” glass recycling collection events in Allegheny County in response to the sudden removal of glass from many of the region’s residential curbside recycling programs.

“Based on overwhelming demand from residents, local governments and the glass industry, PRC is announcing a new alternative for glass recycling,” according to PRC Co-Executive Director Justin Stockdale.  “This exciting new program will ensure that glass is not trash, even if it can no longer be put out for curbside recycling in numerous municipalities due to recent changes in waste haulers’ contracts.”

Residents can drop off all colors of glass bottles, jars and jugs at no cost.  PRC staff and volunteers will be on-site to assist recyclers.

“PRC is excited to introduce this new opportunity for glass recycling in the Pittsburgh area that will not only provide a solution for residents but that keeps the supply of recycled glass flowing to the mills that consume it as a raw material,” said Stockdale.

The pop-up glass recycling network is sponsored by CAP Glass, Owens Illinois and Straub Brewery in conjunction with several local municipalities impacted by recent changes in curbside recycling regulations. 

“We commend the municipal governments who helped PRC develop this network for their strong commitment to recycling and leadership, and we thank Oxford Development, Quaker Valley School District and Avonworth Park for serving as site partners,” said Stockdale. “PRC hopes to expand this service by partnering with additional municipalities who also recognize that glass remains a valuable commodity with vibrant demand in the regional/national recycled materials marketplace.”

Pop-Up Schedule

The initial schedule of glass recycling events will be held from 9:00 to 2:00--

-- March 9: Village Square Mall, sponsored by Municipality of Bethel Park

-- March 30: Edgeworth Elementary School, sponsored by Edgeworth Borough

-- April 6: South Fayette Municipal Complex, sponsored by South Fayette Township

-- April 13: Dormont Pool, sponsored by Borough of Dormont

-- April 27: Avalon Borough Park, sponsored by Borough of Avalon & Bellevue Borough

-- May 11: Village Square Mall, sponsored by Township of Upper St. Clair

-- June 1: Avonworth Park, sponsored by Kilbuck Township

-- June 8: [location to be announced] sponsored by Municipality of Mt. Lebanon

For more information, visit PRC’s Glass Recycling webpage or send email to: glass@prc.org.

Why Recycle Glass?

-- Glass bottles and jars are 100 percent recyclable and can be recycled endlessly without any loss in purity or quality. 

-- Recycled glass containers are always needed because glass manufacturers require high-quality recycled container glass to meet market demand for new glass containers.

-- Glass containers returned for recycling can be made into new glass bottles and jars that constitute up to 95 percent recycled content.

-- Your glass bottles and jars can go from your recycling bin to the store shelf in as little as 30 days.

-- 1 ton of carbon dioxide is reduced for every 6 tons of recycled container glass used in manufacturing.

Where Will The Glass Go?

Pennsylvania is home to three glass mills that depend on our recycled glass bottles and jars as the raw material to produce glass containers. In addition several other glass mills operate in neighboring states resulting in one of the strongest markets for glass recycling in North America.

PRC will ship all collected glass to our partner CAP Glass who will prepare it to the mill specifications. This glass will be used to make beer and liquor bottles, pickle and mayonnaise jars and many other consumer products.

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Resources Council website.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates, follow PRC on Twitter or Like them on Facebook.  Click Here for PRC’s Events Calendar.  Click Here to support their work.

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[Posted: Feb. 22, 2019]

2/25/2019