Archaeological evidence suggests that the first true glass was made in coastal north Syria, Mesopotamia or ancient Egypt at least 3,600 years ago. Today, glass bottles and jars are 100% recyclable, and can be recycled endlessly into new containers without any loss in purity or quality.
According to the Glass Packaging Institute, glass manufacturers can substitute recycled glass for up to 95% of raw materials. The more recycled glass used, the less energy used in the furnace and the fewer carbon emissions generated. Using recycled glass saves the manufacturers money and helps our planet.
Recycling glass in Bartholomew County is easy and convenient at any of the four recycling locations operated by the Bartholomew County Solid Waste Management District. Empty, clean, and unbroken glass bottles and jars are accepted for recycling. Labels can be left on. Lids should be removed and sorted for recycling with plastics Nos. 3-7, or with scrap metal.
Other kinds of glass, like windows, ovenware, crystal, etc. are manufactured through a different process than glass bottles and jars, and cannot be recycled with container glass. Consider donating ovenware, dishes and windows for reuse to a second-hand shop or charity renovation center.
The Columbus/Bartholomew Recycling Center, located at 720 S. Mapleton St., is open 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Please sort glass bottles and jars by color: brown, green and clear.
The Bartholomew County Landfill, located at 811 E. County Road 450S, Columbus, is open 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Brown, green and clear glass bottles and jars can be mixed together.
The Harrison Township Site, 10293 Old Nashville Road, Columbus, and the Petersville Convenience Station, 11110 25th St., Columbus, are open only 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Brown, green, and clear glass bottles and jars can be mixed together.
For more information on how to recycle in Bartholomew County, visit the Bartholomew County Solid Waste Management District website, bcswmd.com, or call 812-376-2614.
Jessica Norcross is the education coordinator for the Bartholomew County Solid Waste Management District. Contact her by email at jnorcross@bartholomew.in.gov or call 812-376-2614 to schedule a tour, program or presentation.
