How it Works
Types of Glass
Glass is a wonderful material and has many uses in and out of the home and the commercial environment. However, the type of glass that makes up our windows and fenestration is called soda-lime glass. It is predominantly clear but can also be tinted and be patterned.
It is imperative that the types of glass recovered are only soda-lime. There are other clear glasses such PYREX(R) which is used cookware and fire-resistant glazing that will cause contamination issue if included in recycling bound for architectural glass. The guide below will help you understand and identify what can be included.
Clear Single Glazing
Coated Glass
Low Iron Glass
Insulated Glass Units (IGU)
Laminated Glass
Fritted Glass
Body Tinted Glass
Heat Resistant Glass
Recycling Made Easy: Step by Step Guide
1. 
Evaluate Glass Type
Begin by evaluating the types of glass present in your building. If you're unsure, it may be beneficial to consult with an installer or a professional to determine the specific type of glazing used.
- Residential Buildings: These typically have single or double glazed clear glass, which is usually straightforward to recycle.
- Commercial and Larger Buildings: These may use more complex types of glazing, such as laminated or fritted glass. For these applications, it is more important to identify the glass type to assess its recyclability.
2. 
Glass Removal
During the glass replacement process, old windows are first removed before the new glazing is installed. If possible, the existing glazing should be removed without breaking the glass. The frame may be separated from the glass at this point; if this is not possible, the glazing and frame can be removed as a single piece.
3. 
Glass Storage
To prevent contamination and ensure recyclability, keep the old glass units separate from other building waste.
- For Larger Sites: Use a dedicated skip for waste glass. Ideally, place the entire glass units into the container without breaking them, as this aids in processing and recycling later on. Clearly label the container to indicate the types of material it can accept. Ensure that other waste types, such as scrap metal, are not placed in these containers.
- For Smaller Installers: Store glass units collected throughout the day separately in your vehicles. If there's a nearby deposit site or recycler, make regular drop-offs. Otherwise, keep the old glass units segregated from other waste types and deliver them to a recycler once you've accumulated enough material.
4. 
Passing Glass Waste to Recyclers
Once you have successfully removed and segregated glass from buildings, it's ready to be handed over to recyclers. Some recyclers will collect waste glazing from your site if there is sufficient material. Alternatively, end-of-life glazing can be deposited at collection sites.
5. 
Processing of Glass Material
Glass recyclers will process end-of-life glazing by removing contaminants and effectively separating different types of glass. The highest quality cullet (crushed glass) will be passed onto float lines to be used in the production of new flat glass. If cullet is contaminated then it may be repurposed for container glass, insulation or aggregate. The glass recycler will ensure the cullet is directed to the appropriate destination depending on its quality.