Why do we need to recycle glass?

Recycling is one of the important parts of looking for the good of the environment. 

Let's understand why recycling of glass matters a lot: 

Reduces landfill waste 

Throwing glass in the landfills directly creates a lot of waste in the environment. Not only this, but the glass also does not decompose on its own. That's why we need to recycle it, at least to protect nature from its harmful properties.

Saves natural resources

Many finite resources including sand, soda ash, and limestone are used to make recycled glasses. So, if we recycle glass, there will be less need for these natural resources. 

Conserves energy

The manufacturing process of glass needs a lot of energy. On the other hand, its recycling asks for comparatively less.

Reduces carbon emissions 

As there is less requirement of energy, there will be less greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, we can fight against climate change more easily. 

The process of glass recycling 

The process of recycling glasses made from recycled materials involves: 

Collection 

In recycling programs, drop-off centers, and industrial waste systems, first of all, glass is collected.

Sorting 

Based on color, glasses are separated from each other.

Cleaning 

If there is any kind of impurity like food residues, labels, and caps on the glass, they are cleaned first of all. 

Crushing and melting 

Once the glass is cleaned thoroughly, the manufacturers cross it into small pieces which are then melted and given the shape of new products like eco-friendly glasses.

The benefits of recycling glass 

Economic benefits 

• The recycling of glass can lead to a lot of job opportunities for people.
• By going with recycling, less production cost will be required to buy raw materials.

Environmental benefits

• In the recycling process of glass, there is less demand for sand, one of the most depleted resources in the past decades. 
• Also, the cullet reduces emissions from mining and the transportation of raw materials for making glass. 

Energy efficiency 

• Sending your eyeglasses made from recycled materials for recycling can save a lot of energy for the environment. 

Infinite recycling potential 

If you recycle glass, do not worry about any degradation in its quality. Even after multiple recycling cycles, the glass remains the same. That's why it is a perfect sustainable material.

Challenges in glass recycling 

Despite a lot of benefits that come along when we go with recycled vinyl records, some challenges also come hand in hand: 

Contamination 

In the complete process of glass recycling, it is important to clean and sort the materials properly. If any contaminated glass remains there, it can make the whole batch of recycled glass unusable.

Logistical issues 

First of all, as glass is very heavy and fragile, the transportation costs are very high. In many areas, the recycling facilities for glass are very limited which even converts to higher expenses if the brands want to transfer the material to distant plants. 

Economic viability 

If you compare the value of recycled glass with other materials like aluminum or plastic, its value is comparatively lower. It can be a point of discouragement for people who are putting recycling efforts for glass. 

Broken glass 

Shattered glass is not easy to collect and process. Even if we try to recycle it, it can mix up with non-recycling waste which can contaminate the whole recycling stream.

Is glass recycling always worth it?

There is no direct answer to this. A lot of factors come along to define whether your glass recycling is worth it or not: 

When recycling glass is essential 

If the areas of landfills near you have exceeded their capacity, it is important to send glass for recycling. This way, waste will be less, and landfill life will also increase.

Also, if in a particular region, there are efficient recycling facilities and strong policies, why not go with a sustainable and cost-effective practice like glass recycling?

When recycling glass may be less feasible 

In rural areas, we often observe that there are fewer proper recycling facilities, so the cost and energy of transporting glass to far away places might outweigh the benefits. That's why in these cases, it might not be too much worth it to recycle glass.

Conclusion 

Today, we need to consider recycling eco-friendly eyeglasses and other glass products as a necessity. If we want sustainable living for us and future generations to come, it is important that we take the larger step today onwards. Despite the existing challenges, the environmental and economic benefits that come with recycling glass outweigh its drawbacks for sure.