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Glass recycling
The most common form of glass used in recycling is container glass, namely bottles and jars. Other forms of glass, like Pyrex and window glass, are technically recyclable but can not be mixed as they contain certain other chemicals in their make-up. Many recycling companies will not accept the latter because of the specialized machinery needed and time consumed in the recycling process.
To prepare your glass bottles and jars for recycling, first rinse and then place in separate packets to your other waste. Try not to break the glass intentionally. If you are dropping off glass at a recycling plant, check with that specific plant as to whether they prefer the glass broken or intact, and if they prefer the glass separated in different colours.
Once the glass reaches the plant, a mechanical processing system breaks it into small pieces called cullet. Metals, labels, plastic, rings and caps are then separated using magnets, screens and vacuum systems. From there, the cullet is mixed with measured amounts of silica sand, soda ash and limestone. The mixture is then placed into a furnace which melts it into molten glass. This molten glass is then poured into moulds and slowly cooled down - the slow cooling process helps strengthen the glass. From there, the new glass containers are packed for resale. A small amount of recycled glass is also sent to other companies who specialize in manufacturing stained glass.
Remember that South Africa, like certain other countries, has a deposit system on certain cool drink bottles, which allows for immediate reuse after thorough washing and decontamination. This is an economical and energy-saving system and affords the person in possession of the bottle a small sum of money when handed in at certain retailers. So, rather than leaving those bottles for recycling, hand them in for immediate reward.
