Glass Waste
The proper disposal of glass waste is essential for protecting our environment. At WM101, we help clients understand their glass waste disposal options and implement effective storage, collection, and recycling practices suited to their needs and budget.
Disposal of Glass Waste
Glass is one of the easiest materials to recycle. It also takes much less energy to recycle glass than to produce it, and it is one of the few materials that can be recycled time and again with no loss of quality. This makes glass recycling key to reducing energy consumption in the UK and thus one of the most important recyclables in our waste.
Waste glass covers any discarded products made entirely of glass, from broken windowpanes to empty bottles and jars. If a business has produced or used a glass product and is disposing of it, then it is classed as commercial glass waste.
Businesses must address the disposal of glass waste responsibly – with each tonne of recycled glass saving around 1.2 tonnes of raw materials and 580kg of CO2 emissions throughout the supply chain, as well as reducing air pollution by 20% and water pollution by 50%.
Our Glass Waste Disposal Services
Many businesses produce large amounts of commercial glass waste and often neglect proper recycling processes due to a lack of on-site storage facilities. WM101 is here to help, offering comprehensive glass waste disposal services to ensure your premises are equipped with the appropriate bins, storage containers, and collection schedules.
Disposal of glass waste is simple and requires separating the items into dedicated glass waste bins. Glass can be recycled whether intact or broken, as all glass is crushed during the recycling process. While broken glass can be disposed of in the same bin as intact items, it is safer for collectors if broken glass is stored separately.
Once your glass is removed, it will be transported to a local recycling plant to be sorted, graded, and disinfected before being used for new products. Support from our specialists means you can focus more time and effort on your business, with peace of mind that your glass waste is removed and recycled correctly.
Types of Glass Waste
Glass waste covers a wide range of products and affects almost every business in some way. Commercial glass waste often includes used or broken glass bottles, jars, kitchenware, and plates and panes (e.g., double or single-glazed windowpanes).
Alongside commercial glass waste, other types of glass waste include:
- Borosilicate glass - used in chemistry labs & industrial settings, or for premium kitchenware.
- Fibreglass - used in construction.
- Lead glass (also known as X-ray glass or radiation shielding glass) - used in medical / research fields.
- Alkali-barium silicate glass - used for flat glass products such as windows, doors, mirrors & display screens.
- Aluminosilicate glass - used for halogen lamp glass bulbs, high-temp thermometers & combustion tubes.
- Glass-ceramics - used for glass-ceramic cooktops, kitchenware, or as high-performance reflectors for digital projectors.
- Optical glass - used for medical equipment lenses, photographic lenses & windows for optical systems & instruments.
- Sealing glass - used to make airtight seals between ceramic, metal & glass components.
- Vitreous silica - used for astronomical mirrors, optical fibres, crucibles for melting high-purity silicon & high-efficacy lamp envelopes.
Not all these glass types can be processed in the same way as common commercial glass waste and will require different disposal methods. Please get in touch for guidance.
WM101 for the Disposal of Glass Waste
Glass cannot be compacted like other materials, adding unnecessary weight and volume to general waste or dry mixed recycling bins. With a dedicated glass waste bin and collection schedule managed by WM101, you can implement an efficient, cost-effective, and safe system for the disposal of glass waste on your site.
As experts in waste management, we can ensure your business adheres to relevant legislation and industry best practices. Whatever type of waste disposal you need, our team can help you understand your options and find the best solution for your business and budget.
Why choose WM101 for glass waste disposal?
- Eco-conscious approach
- Site-specific recommendations
- Highly skilled waste specialists
- Cost-friendly solutions
- Free site visit & no-obligation quotation
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can glass be recycled?
Glass is infinitely recyclable, with no loss of quality. The proper disposal of glass waste means we can use the same materials endlessly – saving resources and reducing CO2 emissions.
Can you put broken glass in recycling?
The disposal of glass waste includes both intact and broken glass (so long as the shards are not too fine), as all glass is crushed during the recycling process. However, to reduce the risk of accident or injury, it is best to store broken glass in a separate and marked container. You may also choose to put the broken glass in a cardboard box inside this separate container.
How do you dispose of glass windowpanes?
Both single and double-pane window glass can be recycled. However, some recycling companies may have different policies on which type of glass they accept.
At WM101, we are partnered with several reputable recycling facilities across the UK and can recommend the most appropriate service for your glass waste disposal needs.
Get low-cost waste collections for your business
WM101 has a team of specialists ready to help you optimise your waste management. Contact us for your free site visit and quotation today!