Recycling Glass

Certain types of glass can be recycled easily, and others cannot. Please take the time to learn which types of glass you can place in a City of Fort Lauderdale container.

In general, if it is used as packaging for food, beverages or cosmetics, then it is probably recyclable.  If it is used as decoration or simply to serve food or beverages, then it is probably not recyclable.  Here are some additional guidelines for recycling glass.

Colored glass is recyclable.  As a commodity, certain colors are not as valuable as others, but you don't need to worry about that. Wine bottles, beer bottles, and soft drink bottles of all colors may be placed in City of Fort Lauderdale recycling containers.

Place glass carefully so that it does not break.  Color may not matter, but to the extent that we can keep different colored glass from getting hopelessly combined that does increase its value.  When glass is broken, different colors mix together and become nearly impossible to separate.  When you place glass carefully into a recycle bin, that lessens the chance it will break.  

Don't overlook small bottles or unusual shapes, such as those used for hot sauces, spices, syrups and baby foods.  They are still recyclable.

Look outside the kitchen for glass too.  Perfume bottles, small cosmetic jars and mason jars are recyclable too!

Remove metal and plastic lids and caps.  They are recyclable but should not be attached to the glass.  They need to go separate ways at the processing plant.

Remember to rinse lightly.  Because most glass once held food, it is especially important for you to rinse before recycling.  Food is a contaminant which slows the recycling process, increases its cost, and renders paper useless.  If a glass container is filled with food residue and breaks, that food can contaminate all of the recyclables around it.

What glass is NOT recyclable?

• Dishware and figurines of glass, ceramic, and porcelain  
• Crystal and stemware, and all drinkware  
• Glass from windows, automobiles, mirrors, picture frames and table tops
• Monitors and screens of any type
• Magnifying glass, eyewear and marbles
• Most light bulbs