Recycle Glass

Idea:

Glass is literally the most recyclable material on earth. WHY are we not recycling glass jars or containers?? I’m fine to take bottles to a bottle depot, but throwing away a perfectly recyclable glass jar in the trash is so irresponsible when we know there’s a better, greener way. There’s only so many jars I can repurpose in my home. The city should partner with local businesses (like Picaroon’s, Greystone, and construction companies) to start a glass recycling initiative across Fredericton and the surrounding areas. Bottles can be recycled to make more bottles for the brewing companies involved, and the construction companies can take the glass aggregate to use for their own projects (like fixing potholes, or whatever).

Staff Feedback:

Thanks for your idea! Fredericton Region Solid Waste is responsible for the disposal and recycling of solid waste in Regional Service Commission 11. The City of Fredericton is one member of a 19-member board that makes decisions about FRSW's operations. Because of safety, poor markets and contamination issues, FRSW does not accept non-refundable glass for recycling, and the City supports this.

At this time, it is not environmentally beneficial or economically feasible for the City to operate its own glass recycling system because it would require collection trucks and processing equipment (both of which would be costly), and there simply aren't enough buyers for low volumes of glass.

The team at FRSW are always open to answering questions and addressing concerns, and we're sure they'd welcome chatting with about landfill practices. They can be reached at 453-9930 or info@frswc.ca.