Recycled glass, especially glass food and beverage containers, can be recycled over and over again.

In fact, 90 percent of recycled glass is used to make new containers. Recycled glass can also be used in kitchen tiles, counter tops, and wall insulation. Glass recycling has grown considerably in recent years through increased collection through curbside recycling programs and glass manufacturers’ increased demand for recycled glass.

Most glass manufacturers rely on a steady supply of recycled crushed glass, known as “cullet,” to supplement raw materials. To make glass, manufacturers mix sand, soda ash, limestone, and cullet; heat the mixture to a temperature of 2,600 to 2,800 degrees F; and mold it into the desired shape.

Using cullet saves money and helps the environment, because:

• Cullet costs less than raw materials.
• Cullet prolongs furnace life and saves energy since it melts at a lower temperature.
• Less energy used means reduced emissions of nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide, both greenhouse gases.

How to recycle information on the EPA website.
How to Recycle