Glass

Glass beverage containers are 100% recyclable and glass bottles purchased in Alberta stay in Alberta. When you return glass containers, you’re contributing to a sustainable future while preserving natural resources.

What are glass containers?

Glass beverage containers are made from natural materials like sand, soda ash, and limestone, and can be fully recycled. 

In our system, non-refillable glass beverage containers of all colors are accepted.

Common Beverage Containers:

  • Juice bottles
  • Ready-to-drink tea bottles
  • Energy drink bottles
  • Specialty beverage bottles
  • Wine and spirit bottles (non-refillable)

Did You Know?

  • Non-refillable glass bottles purchased in Alberta and returned in Alberta are processed in Alberta and made into new products in Alberta.
  • Recycled glass helps reduce energy costs in manufacturing.

The Glass Journey:

  1. Collection and sorting at depots (refillable vs. non-refillable)
  2. Refillable brown glass beer bottles go back to beer manufacturers for sanitizing and reuse.
  3. Non-refillable glass bottles go to ABCRC to be crushed into cullet (small glass pieces.
  4. Cullet is sent to the recycler to be processed into a sand-like material.
  5. Manufacturers use the material to create fiberglass insulation.