Glass is one of the most common materials found in just about any household. Despite this, not a lot is known about how recyclable different types of glasses are. Unfortunately, not all types of glass we may be looking to dispose can go into the recycling bin. Here is a guide on the recyclability of common glass household items.

Window glass

Window glass can be more difficult to recycle than other types of glass because it is often attached to a metal or wood frame. Detaching the glass from its frame, if possible, is usually expensive. Recyclers must also take into consideration what type of glass the windows use, such as safety or tinted glass. These types of glass cannot be molded together to create a new product. Because of this, many recycling centers will not accept window glass. However, recycled windows can be used for other purposes. They can be recreated into Fiberglas, ground up and added to asphalt for creative projects, stirred into paint used on roads and more. Companies that reuse building materials will also accept the donated window glass to use as it is. Click here more information on how window glass can be reused.

Drinking glass

Unfortunately, drinking glasses cannot be recycled because they contain added chemicals. The chemicals are needed so that this type of glass can be tougher to hold both hot and cold beverages, but that also means the glass has a different melting point than the types of glass typically put in recycling bins. Therefore, if drinking glass was added to the recycling process, the final product would break. If the glass is in good condition, thrift shops usually are a good landing spot. If the glass is broken, it should be wrapped up in paper and disposed.

Mirrors

Mirror glass is also comprised of additives that make it hard to recycle. However, some recycling center may still accept it, so you can check with a recycling center near you. Similar to drinking glass, if a mirror is in a good condition it can be donated to a thrift shop, and if it is broken it should be carefully wrapped up and tossed in the garbage.

Glass picture frames

If you are looking to dispose of a picture frame, the glass is recyclable as long as it can be removed from the rest of the frame. However, the circumstances may be different if the glass is broken. To find out what to do with the broken glass from a picture frame, it is best to contact your local recycling center. If it cannot accept the broken glass, it should be carefully disposed of in the trashcan.