From Mirrors and Photo Frames to Car Windows and Whiskey Glasses: What Glass Should Not Go in the Bottle Bank?

From wine bottles to jam jars – if you need to throw away glass, the bottle bank seems like the right place. Right? Unfortunately, it’s not always that simple. There are several exceptions. So, what types of glass don’t belong in the bottle bank?

What Types of Glass Can Go in the Bottle Bank?

Let’s start with some common examples: empty wine bottles can almost always go into the bottle bank, as long as they’re placed in the correct color container (clear, green, or brown). The same goes for jam jars – including their metal lids.

Empty beer bottles are a special case: if they carry a deposit, they must be returned. But specialty beer bottles from small breweries often don’t have a deposit and can go in the bottle bank.

All of these glass containers – bottles and jars that held food, drinks, perfume, or medicine – are called packaging glass. That includes things like deodorant rollers. This kind of glass is designed for recycling and does belong in the bottle bank.

Why Other Types of Glass Shouldn’t Go in the Bottle Bank

There are other types of glass with different compositions from packaging glass. These are often processed or heat-resistant, and if they end up in the bottle bank, they disrupt the recycling process. Examples include:

• Mirrors

• Window glass (including from photo frames)

• Car windows

• Oven dishes

• Tea glasses

• Decanters

• Wine glasses

• Whiskey glasses

• Decorative bottles

• Vases

• Ashtrays

• Black glass

• Light bulbs and fluorescent tubes

These types of glass should not be placed in the bottle bank. Depending on the type, they should go into regular waste or be taken to a recycling center.

What About Ceramics, Stone, and Porcelain?

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