While you have likely been told that you can put glass in your green bins on recycling day (and technically, you can) did you know that this glass is actually ending up in our landfills?
The Truth About Glass Recycling in Evansville
Unfortunately, at this time, there is no way to recycle glass in Evansville directly via curbside collection.
If you live in the city limits of Evansville, IN, Newburgh, IN or Henderson, KY, the items from your single-sort recycle bin are delivered to Tri-State Resource Recovery (TSRR) our local Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) by Republic, the hauling company contracted by the city to haul both our waste to the landfill, and our recycling to TSRR. That contract was created almost 10 years ago and at the time, there was an option to process and recycle glass.
That has changed in recent years and at this time, there is no place for TSRR to send our glass for recycling.
So what happens to your "recycled" glass?
Currently when your glass arrives at the recycling center, it is removed from the stream and hauled to the LANDFILL. TSRR has obliged to accept glass since it is included in the contract. But in reality all we are doing is hauling our glass twice and putting an extra burden on the manpower and finances of TSRR.
Can We Make Glass Recycling Possible in Evansville?
Here are some ways to help:
- Contact your City Council Representative and the EWS Dept. and let them know you want to see glass recycling opportunities in our area!
- Sign our Petition!
- If you live near Posey County, you can drop off your glass at their facility. (Marrs Recycling) off Ford Rd where it is hauled to St. Louis to be given new life.
Facts about Glass Recycling
- Glass is infinitely recyclable (meaning it can be endlessly recycled without a loss in quality or purity).
- One ton of carbon dioxide is reduced for every six tons of recycled glass used in the manufacturing process.
- Materials used to make glass are not renewable.
- It takes less energy to recycle glass than to make new glass.
- Color sorting makes a difference! Separating colors ensures new glass meets the color standards set by container companies.
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