Where glass is recycled
Glass is a material that, regardless of the number of times it is recycled, maintains 100% of its initial properties. The recycling chain of this material forms what could be called a ‘perfect circle’, being an example of circular economy and sustainability. Discover how recycled glass is obtained.
During the Ancient Ages, the Egyptians and Phoenicians were the main manufacturers and suppliers. After the conquest of Egypt by Rome, many glassmakers migrated to the capital of Italy and began to create factories. The Venetians, with the arrival of the Middle Ages, learn the secrets of its manufacture and the island of Murano becomes the epicenter of the creation of glass, to later spread to the rest of the world. During this period, this material was only accessible to the nobility, the bourgeoisie and the high clergy, as it was a luxury item. But the Industrial Revolution brought glass to the whole world and it was in the mid-17th century when the production and use of the bottle as we know it today became widespread.
How glass is recycled
Is broken glass recyclable or should it be thrown away? Since glass containers are recyclable, we tend to think that broken glass is recyclable too. But that’s not quite true… Here’s what to do if a mirror or glass is broken.You’ll need:How to reuse or recycle a mirrorThe type of glass used in mirrors is not recyclable, so it should not be deposited at a recycling point. But if the mirror is not completely broken, it can be reused. And if you decide to throw the mirror in the trash, it is important to do it very carefully.
Each waste collection company has different requirements for the treatment of the glass or mirror. The important thing is to make sure that no one cuts themselves on the glass and to label the broken glass or mirror so that workers know how to handle it carefully.How to recycle broken glass.
If the glass has been in contact with liquids or food, clean it with thick gloves, inside a plastic strainer (colored, to see the pieces of glass) with water or Cif Trigger Glass Cleaner and let it dry.
Glass waste examples
The first thing to know is that Australians understand recycling as an individual responsibility of each citizen. Each household or community manages its own waste, so it is very easy for the council to know who is managing their waste correctly and who is not.
As in most developed countries, in Australia the council is responsible for waste collection. Collectors come by weekly or as often as every 15 days depending on the type of waste.
To find out exactly what day of the week you should put your recycling garbage cans out on the street, ask your neighbors or flatmates; it varies from neighborhood to neighborhood. If by any chance your house does not have garbage cans, ask the City Council, who will kindly give them to you free of charge.
If you want to recycle other waste such as batteries, you will have to be well informed because it will depend on the State where you are. ALDI supermarkets usually have specific containers for batteries. There is also this website to find out which stores have these containers.
How to recycle broken glass
In Australia it is clear that it is better to reuse than recycle. Therefore, even in the sorting of garbage, they establish ways so that everything that can be reused is reused and they take it very seriously. So, even if it takes time for all the families, the goal is worth it, and they consider that it is everyone’s responsibility to manage their garbage properly.
As you are coming to live in Australia or you are already here, knowing how to recycle your garbage in Australia will be great, both to avoid fines and to contribute properly to the care of the environment. Shall we go?
In Australia it is not like in other places where the garbage cans are directly on the street. Here you will have the garbage cans inside your building, house or garden and they are taken outside on the days and times of collection. If you have just moved in and have no idea when they are: ask your neighbors! That way you’ll have a good excuse to introduce yourself.
Also, not all garbage cans are always put out. The frequency changes depending on the dumpster. The red one may be every week or every few days and the rest once a fortnight. It depends on the site.