Organized by the Environmental Protection Agency, America Recycles Day, held November 15, recognizes the importance and impact of recycling, which has added jobs and helped to protect our environment. Recycling and the contribution of flat glass recycling to a circular economy is a top priority, and the NGA encourages industry to be involved in recycling at all levels.

"We are starting to make the right recycling moves as an industry," says Courtney Little, president and general counsel, ACE Glass, and NGA board member. "The public is now asking (demanding in some cases) for sustainability. Over the last year we have learned of a number of new sustainable products and organizations, which leads me to believe that ACE Glass and many other NGA members are on the right track. I believe we have to continue to push forward voluntarily."

Fun Fact: Glass is 100% recyclable and can be recycled endlessly without loss in quality.

 

Glass Recycling Forecast (from Courtney Little)

We will recycle over 5,000 Tons of consumer glass and 10,000 Tons of architectural glass in 2023. (Closer to 60,000 Tons in 2024.)

There will be low carbon glass installed in several new projects.

More and more projects will require recycling in the production cycle.

Recycling efforts of communities and business throughout the United States are key to increasing the recycling rate. To build on the progress, EPA encourages every American to contribute by recycling right, not only on America Recycles Day, but all year long.

Read on for how the glass and fenestration industry is contributing to the recycling rate and how you can get involved in your own community.