How to Recycle Glass Windows

Clear glass is the easiest glass to recycle and can be reused many times, which is why windows are prime for recycling. Even treated or double-pane windows can be recycled. Since windows can be difficult to transport, the best way to recycle is either through your local recycling program or by finding a group that reuses building materials in your state. In direct recycling, the window will be melted and turned into new glass -- probably bottles and other containers. In building materials reuse, your window could be repurposed for use in a home or business.

Instructions

Traditional Recycling

1. Call your recycling service if you currently have curbside recycling and tell it you have a large item for pickup. It will make a note of it, so the workers know to pick it up during curbside pickup. Put the window next to the rest of your recycling, not in your recycling bin unless told to do so by the service and leave it out the morning of recycling pickup.

2. Call a local recycling center if you do not currently have curbside recycling and ask if it is willing to do a pickup. They often will for large items, especially if you have multiple large items such as windows. Follow the instructions for placing the windows outside for pickup.

3. Take the glass windows directly to the recycling center if it doesn't pick up from your house. Call ahead for its hours and, if possible, set up an appointment to drop it off at a specific time, so you know the windows will be recycled appropriately.

Building Material Reuse

1. Click on your state on the Building Materials Reuse Association's (BMRA) website. There are many listings for each state, and the ones highlighted in green are BMRA members with all pertinent contact information, including a specific contact person and her phone number.

2. Find an organization on the BMRA site that is near your area and call about arranging a pickup. In some cases you'll need to bring the material to them, but if you'd prefer, keep calling until you find a group that will pick up from your house. Give the organization your phone number and address and arrange a pickup.

3. Put the windows outside your house, following any instructions that the BMRA member requested. It will probably ask that you be home during the pickup in case its personnel any questions. Ask if they can give you a note for a tax write-off, since, in some cases, this counts as a charitable donation.

References

• Obviously: Commonly Recycled Materials

Resources

• BMRA: Directory