How Does

How Does Recycled Glass Become New Products?

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By Elizabeth Holli Wood
eHow Contributing Writer
Rate: (6 Ratings)
From Quick Guide: Green Product Basics
  1. www.awarenessideas.com
    www.awarenessideas.com
    The label will tell you whether a glass product is made out of recyclable materials. But how are old products recycled into new ones? The process is simple.
  2. Recycling

  3. www.ci.fort-collins.co.us/
    www.ci.fort-collins.co.us/
    At the time it is recycled, the glass is separated into three categories: clear, green, and amber/brown. It is important to separate the glass because the different colors are chemically incompatible and will typically not melt correctly if left together. The glass is then taken to a recycling plant.
  4. At the Plant

  5. www.livingroofs.org/
    www.livingroofs.org/
    At the plant, the glass is further separated and cleaned in preparation of being broken down. The plant separates all Pyrex materials, window glass, bottleneck rings or other materials that will contaminate the process. The material is then put into a machine and crushed into pieces ready to be reused called "cullet."
  6. From Cullet to New

  7. www.letsrecycle.com/
    www.letsrecycle.com/
    The cullet is then purchased by manufacturers who will melt down the pieces to recreate new products. In order to get glass to take a desired shape, it must be heated to extreme temperatures and then molded into the shape of the new product. The new product is then distributed again for new purchases.

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eHow Article: How Does Recycled Glass Become New Products?

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