Not only that, but have you ever considered the intrinsic value of glass and the merit of buying products packaged in glass. Think about it. Glass does not lose any of its quality with time and so can be reused in its immediate form; returnable glass beverage bottles can be refilled without a change in form, and of course, recovered waste glass can be efficiently and resourcefully recycled into new glass products.

But wait there’s more. Did you know that waste glass has a monetary value attached to it and when the volumes are big enough, can be sold in bulk to buy-back centres and recycling entrepreneurs. On a smaller scale, anyone can take returnable bottles back to the retail outlet it was purchased from to get back their “returns” deposit. Urban household consumers of glass who take waste glass to community glass banks around the country should not however expect to be reimbursed and no cash exchanges hands for an essential behaviour that needs no reward; helping save the plant should be reward enough.

 “The increased glass recycling rates are great news for our magnificent country but this phenomenal growth trend needs to be sustained and further increased. Everyone must improve our collective futures by recycling their glass – even a small change in behaviour has a measurable benefit,” says Jhetam.

With that in mind the latest glass recycling figures are expected to continue to climb with the signing of the Environmental Waste Management Act in June 2009. This Act will aid in the development of a more sophisticated recycling industry.  As South Africans we can expect a more regulatory environment as part of government’s drive to achieve a zero waste society by 2022. Municipalities will also need to develop integrated waste management plans that think beyond landfills. When all is said and done, we are all going to have to work together to achieve the targets that will be put in place.

“Glass recycling is not just for households.  Businesses, schools, community centres, retail outlets, bars and restaurants need to proactively put steps in place to facilitate recycling which is such a simple process, asks so little of us and yet has such far reaching consequences and the potential to effect positive change for the better.” 

Anyone wishing to join the “green” glass recycling movement can start by simply returning glass bottles that carry deposits on them. Nothing like being paid for going “green”!  Another just as easy move is to reuse old glass containers; glass is great for storing food, accessories, arts and crafts equipment and so much more.  Of course unwanted waste glass being disposed of can be deposited at local community glass banks.  This includes alcoholic beverage and soft drink bottles, as well as jars which contain food and condiments. It’s important to note that light bulbs, crockery, and cookware such as pyrex are not recyclable. Neither are glass window panes, computer and TV screens, windscreens or laboratory glass.  This glass has different properties that can contaminate a recyclable load of glass.

The Glass Recycling Company is a not for profit organisation that does not recycle the glass itself – rather it promotes the recovery of waste glass for recycling.  For tips on how you can start recycling your waste glass, or to locate a recycling bank in your area visit www.theglassrecyclingcompany.co.za or call 0861 2 GLASS (45277).