Glass is 100% recyclable and can be recycled endlessly without losing its quality. In fact, recycling glass has environmental benefits. Recycled glass to make new glass requires 40% less energy to melt than make new glass from fresh raw materials.
Every metric ton of glass recycled into new glass items prevents 315 kg of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere. Here’s a why recycling glass is beneficial:
1. Saves energy
Glass is crushed before it can be recycled into a new product. This crushed glass is called cullet. Cullet melts much easier than the raw material for glass (sand, soda ash and limestone). Melting cullet takes 40% less energy to melt down.
2. Reduces GHGs
If glass was being formed using its raw materials, it would have released 315 kg of more carbon dioxide atmosphere.
3. Reduces waste
Glass thrown in garbage ends up in a landfill and contributes to overall quantity of waste. Recycling removes glass waste completely and allows it to be recycled instead