FAQ-Waste-Glass

The majority of glass recovered in Alberta is recovered through the beverage container recycling program. A large percentage of beverage containers, such as beer bottles, are returned to the manufacturer for reuse. Non-refillable beverage containers are recycled for a variety of uses, including remanufacture into beverage containers, other glass containers, insulation, and even rroad paint.. Other glass containers (e.g. pickle jars) are being collected through some blue box programs and drop-off recycling facilities. The market for waste glass, however, is very low and is a major barrier to increasing the recovery for non-deposit glass containers and flat glass.

A special note: Pyrex and ceramics (like dishes) are not glass and are a major contaminant in glass recycling. A small amount of Pyrex and ceramics can contaminate a load of glass and prevent this material from being recycled.

Where do we recycle clear glass?

If the glass product is a non-dairy beverage container, take it to your local bottle depot for a refund.

Beverage container recycling depots are located in communities throughout Alberta. Visit the Beverage Container Management Board (BCMB) for more information and locations near you.

Most residential recycling programs accept glass and have various methods for glass collection. In some cases recyclables are picked-up through curb-side collection programs and in other cases citizens need to take their glass products to a designated location. Contact your municipality to find out what happens in your district. Or, check your Yellow Pages under “recycling” to find out more on recycling opportunities in your area.

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