Recycling: the everyday hero’s secret weapon. It’s all about conserving natural resources, minimizing materials going to the landfill and reducing greenhouse gases. By taking part in recycling efforts, you’re playing a major role in creating a cleaner and more sustainable world. Let’s explore how recycling makes ripples!
Why Does Recycling Matter?
Reason #1: Energy Savings
Making new items from recycled materials takes way less energy than starting from scratch. For example, recycling glass saves up to 30% of the energy needed to make new glass. This means fewer carbon emissions and a happier planet.
Reason #2: Environmental Conservation
When we recycle, we cut down on the need to dig up, refine and process raw materials. This means less habitat destruction and pollution. By recycling glass, we help save natural resources like sand, soda ash and limestone, keeping natural habitats safe and sound.
Reason #3: Economic Benefits for Communities
The recycling industry generates a ton of jobs – from collecting and sorting to processing and manufacturing. The Recycling Economic Information (REI) Report found that, in a single year, recycling and reuse activities in the United States accounted for 757,000 jobs.
Reason #4: Contributing to the Circular Economy
When we recycle, we’re not only saving energy and reducing emissions, but we’re also participating in a process that reuses and replenishes resources. Recycling glass, for instance, greatly reduces air and water pollution compared to producing new glass. Plus, recycled glass can be transformed into practical items like fiberglass insulation, which can effectively insulate entire attics or walls using just a few bottles.
Reason #5: Environmental Stewardship
Recycling isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for the soul! There’s a special kind of satisfaction in knowing you’re doing your part for the environment. Plus, it sets an example, inspiring others to join in. When you recycle, you can see the tangible results of your efforts, as your recycled glass gets turned into new products right in your community.
Why Don’t More People Recycle?
Despite all the amazing benefits, some folks still skip over the recycling bin. Let’s break down a few common misconceptions that hold people back:
- “It doesn’t make a difference.” Think again! Every piece of paper, every bottle and every can you recycle adds up to make a BIG impact.
- “It’s too complicated.” Sure, the different bins and rules can seem confusing at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s easy! Plus, we make glass recycling as simple as possible. We even offer handy guides and resources to make the process crystal clear.
- “I don’t have time.” Recycling doesn’t have to take up much of your day. Setting up a simple system at home can make it almost effortless. And think of it this way: the few seconds it takes to sort your recyclables is a small price to pay for a cleaner, greener planet.
- “It’s such a hassle.” Sorting recyclables into different bins can feel like a chore when you’re used to throwing everything together. But once you realize how easy (and therapeutic) it is to toss your glass into a Ripple bin (conveniently located throughout the city), you’ll never go back!
Next time you think about tossing that bottle in the trash, remember these myths are just that—myths. Recycling is easy, impactful and worth your time!
What Items Are Easiest to Recycle?
Many materials can be turned into new products, which helps increase sustainability and reduce waste.
Glass: Our Specialty! 
- Types of glass we accept*: We accept a wide range of glass items, including bottles, jars and other food and beverage containers. The labels can stay on, and the glass doesn’t even need to be rinsed out!
- The glass recycling process: Once collected from a purple bin, your glass begins its journey. At the processing facility, glass undergoes careful sorting to maintain quality. After removing labels and contaminants, the sorted glass is crushed and cleaned, transforming into furnace-ready glass or ‘cullet.’ This cullet is ultimately used by local manufacturers to create products like fiberglass insulation and new glass bottles, completing the sustainable cycle of renewal, from bin to new beginnings
Other Easily Recyclable Materials
- Paper and cardboard: Paper and cardboard are some of the easiest materials to recycle. This includes newspapers, magazines, cardboard boxes, office paper and even pizza boxes! We don’t accept these items in our bins, but they can be recycled curbside or at a Kansas City area recycling center.
- Aluminum cans: Aluminum beverage cans are highly recyclable. From soda cans to energy drink containers, all aluminum cans can be recycled curbside or at a Kansas City area recycling center.
What Can’t Be Recycled with Ripple Glass?
Some items can’t be accepted in our purple bins:
- Cardboard boxes
- Trash bags
- Porcelain
- Ceramic
- Milk glass
- China/Leaded glass
- Mirrors
- Laminated glass
- Windshields
- Pyrex, Corningware
- Dishware (i.e. Corelle)
- Light bulbs
- TVs
For a full list of what we do and don’t accept, click here.
How Much Actually Gets Recycled?
In areas served by Ripple Glass, nearly 20% of our community’s glass gets recycled. By providing over 100 convenient and accessible glass recycling drop-off locations, as well as clear recycling guidelines, Ripple has saved over 400 million pounds of glass from landfills since 2009.
Nationally, recycling rates in the United States hover around 32%, indicating that a significant portion of all recyclable materials still ends up in landfills. Despite the push for increased recycling awareness and more efficient systems, there is still a great deal of growth potential.
The Impact of Proper Recycling
When we look at the numbers, recycling brings in about $35 billion in the U.S. This includes money saved from recycling, jobs in recycling and less greenhouse gases (imagine removing 17 million cars from the roads). Communities that get on board with programs like Ripple Glass not only keep their streets tidy, but also save resources by turning old glass into new products. It’s a win-win for everyone!
Alternatives for Non-Recyclable Items
When faced with non-recyclable items, think creatively about how you can repurpose them. Reusing items extends their lifespan and reduces waste, promoting sustainability in simple ways.
How to Start Recycling Glass Today
Starting your glass recycling journey is easy! Begin by making a commitment to recycle – every bottle counts. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide: 
- Step 1: Gather Your Glass Collect all types of food and beverage glass, including jars and bottles. Labels can stay on, and residue is okay. Non-container glass like windows or glass tabletops can be accepted if hardware is removed and they fit through the bin openings*.
- Step 2: Store Your Collection Keep your collected glass in a convenient spot at home, like a garage corner or under the sink. Use a durable home bin or repurpose a cardboard box for storage, but remember not to toss your container into the purple bin.
- Step 3: Drop Off Your Glass: Take your gathered glass to the nearest Ripple Glass purple bin, which are open to the public and free to use. Bins are conveniently located for easy access.
- Step 4: Glass Gets a New Life: Once tossed into a purple bin, your glass arrives at the Ripple Glass processing facility and is crushed, cleaned and ultimately sent to local manufacturers to be made into fiberglass insulation or new glass bottles.
Embrace Recycling with Ripple Glass
Recycling glass packs a punch when it comes to making our planet greener. When you recycle with Ripple, you’re making a direct impact on our environment and preserving natural resources. Just think – if everyone recycled glass a bit more, we could lengthen the life of landfills, dial down pollution, conserve energy, safeguard natural habitats and pave the way for a more sustainable tomorrow.
How to Find a Purple Bin?
Ready to do your part for the planet? We believe glass recycling should be easy, and that’s why we’ve made it super simple and totally free for you to bring your glass containers to any of our purple bin locations in cities across the nation. Check out our handy map for exact addresses and directions to get started!
*Note: Some items may not be included in curbside pickup or certain Ripple Glass programs, but they can often be recycled through other local recycling initiatives.