Sustainable Westport partnered with the Town of Westport Department of Public Works to develop a Glass Recycling Brochure to inform residents about the benefits of recycling glass separately at the Westport Transfer Station. Since the town launched its separate glass recycling program in February of 2022, over 26 tons of glass has been collected! 

Continue reading to learn more about why the Town of Westport is encouraging residents to recycle their glass separately and for instructions on how to dispose of glass properly at the Transfer Station.

What is the problem?

Recycling in Westport is either collected by a private hauler or directly deposited by residents at the Westport Transfer Station. Once collected, the mixed recycling is transported to a Materials Recovery Facility (or MuRF) and inspected for contamination. The mixed recycling then travels over conveyor belts, screens, optical scanners, forced air, and magnets as people and machines sort through the paper, plastic, glass, and metals to group like materials together. Then, the sorted recyclables are baled and sold as commodities for reuse.

While it is convenient for residents to mix recyclables together in the same bin, it can also present problems as well. Glass containers commonly shatter during the collection process. Once broken, the shards of glass attach themselves to paper, cardboard, and other recyclables, contaminating them and reducing their market value.

Machines and employees at the MuRF cannot remove all the broken glass from the other recyclables, or the bits of paper, bottle caps, metal, and straws that contaminate the glass containers. Once contaminated, there is a substantial cost to clean the glass before it can be recycled. If the contaminated loads cannot be cleaned, they are sent to landfills or the incinerator, and the additional costs passed on to the Town of Westport.

What do you mean by “substantial cost”?

It is important to note that the cost of glass, or any recycled goods, constantly changes based on the market. The price fluctuates from month to month, however here are the contaminated vs non-contaminated costs of recycling glass from earlier this year:

• April 2022: Contaminated cost/tons $65.00 vs non-contaminated cost/ton $40.56
• May 2022: Contaminated cost/tons $65.00 vs non-contaminated cost/ton $37.47

As you can see, there is roughly a $20 difference per ton, which adds up quickly and is passed along to the town (and taxpayers!).

What is the solution?

When glass is separated from mixed recycling, each recycling stream is freed from contamination by the other. The clean, separated glass can now be recycled into new products, and the high-quality mixed recycling commodities become more marketable.

In order to manage increasing costs, and the quality of our recyclables, the Town of Westport has now added a separate glass collection container to the Westport Transfer Station. For instructions on how to recycle your glass, follow the instructions below.

How do I recycle glass?

While residents may still recycle glass with their mixed recycling, it is strongly encouraged that you recycle your glass separately at the Westport Transfer station. To do so, please follow the instructions below:

• Rinse your glass containers and remove lids, caps, and corks.
• Place in a box separate from your mixed recycling bin. 
• Drop-off at the Westport Transfer Station during operating hours. 

It is essential that you recycle ONLY acceptable glass. Unacceptable items will contaminate the entire load and it will either be rejected or cost the Town of Westport contamination fees.  

Acceptable Items:

• Beverage Bottles 
• Juice Jars 
• Condiment Bottles 
• Food Jars

Not Accepted:

• Candle Jars
• Ceramic
• Clay
• Crystal
• Drinking Glasses 
• Lightbulbs
• Mirrors
• Ovenware
• Perfume/Cologne Containers
• Window Glass