From the New York Department of Environmental Conservation

When glass is recycled it reduces emissions, saves energy, and conserves natural resources compared to using raw materials. But did you know not all glass can be recycled in your local recycling program?

What glass should I put in the recycling bin?

The only glass you should put in the recycling bin is glass bottles and jars. All other glass, ceramics, or pottery cannot go in your local recycling program. This includes but is not limited to plates, flower pots, drinking glasses, mugs, light bulbs, mirrors, windowpane, broken glass, baking glass, home decor, and more.

Why can I only put glass bottles and jars in the recycling bin?

Other types of glass have a different melting point and chemical composition than bottles and jars. If these materials are mixed with glass from bottles and jars it can contaminate glass recycling or weaken recycled glass which hurts recycling programs.

What can I do with glass that is not a bottle or jar?

Don’t contaminate, reuse, up-cycle or donate! Gently used glass, ceramic, and pottery items can be donated to charitable organizations and other people who can use them. Also consider reuse! If your items cannot be donated or reused, carefully dispose of them in the trash.

What about glass bottles with a deposit on them?

Some glass beverage bottles are part of NY’s Returnable Container Act otherwise known as the Bottle Bill. These glass bottles can be returned for recycling at local redemption centers for 5 cents. Because this glass is generally cleaner and is already separated it makes glass recycling more efficient, making it easier for your glass to be turned into things like new bottles or home insulation. Learn more about the types of beverage containers accepted under the Returnable Container Act.

Quick Tips: Glass Recycling and Reuse

• Is it a bottle or a jar? It can go in your recycling bin for your curbside program, transfer station or another local drop-off program. And remember – many beverage bottles are accepted in NY’s Bottle Bill deposit programs that are good for recycling!
• Not a bottle or jar? Don’t contaminate the bin. Reuse, up-cycle or donate.
• Not in condition to donate or reuse? Carefully dispose of it in the trash.
• Broken glass? Whether a bottle, jar, or another glass item, no broken glass should ever go in your recycling bin.