Since launching the glass recycling pop-up collection events in Allegheny County in March, the PA Resources Council and its partners have collected nearly 170 tons of glass from about 9,000 participants.

The pop-up collections were held in response to the sudden removal of glass from many of the County's residential curbside recycling programs.

“Based on the tremendous response from residents, local governments and the glass industry throughout the past nine months, PRC recognizes that the public truly wants an alternative for glass recycling,” according to PRC Managing Director Justin Stockdale.  “PRC’s pop-up glass events have ensured 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.”

Dec. 7 Collection

The 27th and final pop-up collection event was held December 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Village Square Mall (Kohl's upper lot) sponsored by the Township of Upper St. Clair.

Residents could drop off all colors of glass bottles, jars and jugs at no cost.  PRC staff and volunteers will be on-site to assist recyclers.  The preferred packing/delivery method is glass loosely placed in plastic bins or cardboard boxes.

“Glass remains a valuable commodity with vibrant demand in the regional/national recycled materials marketplace,” said Stockdale.  “PRC now provides an opportunity for glass recycling in the Pittsburgh area that not only offers a solution for residents but that keeps the supply of recycled glass flowing to the mills that consume it as a raw material.” 

PRC’s 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.

About 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.

-- Glass bottles and jars can go from a recycling bin to a store shelf in as little as 30 days.

Next Year

PRC plans to resume pop-up events in March 2020 and will advertise permanent drop-off locations during the winter.

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

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: December 3, 2019]

12/9/2019