Glass Recycling

Jade Swepston

Introduction

very month, we throw away enough glass to fill a skyscraper

he energy saved from recycling one glass bottle can power a computer for 25 mi
modern glass bottle would take over 4000 years to decompose in a landfill.
ecycling glass causes 20% less air pollution and 50% less water pollution.

rce County does not accept glass recycling in curbside collec

attle and many other Metropolitan areas DO, and it WORKS.

Tacoma Glass Museum, Pierce Co.

Overview
Pierce County accepts glass recycling
via municipal collection sites located
around the county.
Hauling glass to these locations is
cumbersome and may lead to glass
being thrown away, destined for a
landfill.
Pierce County suggests recycling via
collection sites or throwing glass in
the trash.

Overview
The cost of recycling glass curbside
is slightly higher than normal
recycling.
Seattle accepts glass curbside and
stands by its impact on the
environment.
Suggestion: Incorporate glass pickup
curbside, with possibility of recycling
rates going up slightly per capita to
reduce impact on the environment.

End Product
Brochure or blog/website outlining
specific monetary and environmental
benefits of glass recycling, weighing
with the costs of recycling glass.
May be a persuasive brochure or
pamphlet.

Expertise
Seattle and Pierce County Resident
Recycler since 1994
Glass is thrown away too much.
Ability to research and
compare/contrast recycling methods
outside of PC/Seattle
Environmentally minded/not
specifically profit driven.

What We Will Gain

Knowledge of environmental impact
of recycling
Practice in community outreach
Experience in petitioning an
organization
Broader understanding of community
recycling organizations and their
impact