How to dispose of Broken and Unbroken Glass

Disposing of glass properly is important for both safety and sustainability. It’s important to note that each local council may have different guidelines for glass disposal, so check with your local council for the most accurate information. Some councils even provide a separate bin specifically for glass materials.

Sources:

  • General Recycle

    Disposing of unbroken glass

    General Recycling: Unbroken glass items, such as jars, bottles and cups can usually be placed in your kerbside recycling bin. Check with your local council if they provide recycling bins specifically for glass. Make sure to rinse the containers to remove any food residue before recycling.

    Check for restrictions: Not all types of glass can be recycled together because different kinds of glass melt at different temperatures. For example, window glass, drinking glasses and Pyrex are typically not accepted in kerbside recycling bins. Check with your local council for specific recycling guidelines as it could be different in each suburb.

  • General waste

    Disposing of broken glass

    General waste: Broken glass should not be placed in the recycling bin as it poses a safety hazard during the sorting process.

    To dispose of broken glass safely:

    1. Carefully wrap the glass in newspaper or place it in a sturdy, puncture-proof container (like a cardboard box).

    2. Seal the container or wrap securely with tape.

    3. Dispose of it in your kerbside general waste bin to prevent injury to waste management workers and the public.

broken glass bottle