Under recycling regulations that came into effect on May 19 for Greater Victoria, we’re supposed to sort our glass into a separate container. That’s glass bottles and jars that don’t carry a deposit. The ones that have refundable deposits go to bottle depots. Under the old system, non-refundable glass could be mixed in with plastics and metals in a recycling bin.
I missed the small-type announcement about this. And indeed, the Capital Regional District isn’t making much of an effort to publicize it or to enforce it. I haven’t been sorting out the glass, because I didn’t know I was supposed to, but have not received a warning sticker. Because I know now, I’ll sort.
The printed recycling schedule that would have carried the news wasn’t issued this year. Instead, we’re to go to the CRD website to download the schedule. There’s also a form to request that a schedule be mailed; you can also phone 250-360-3030.
The change in how glass is handled was caused by a switch to a new recycling system. An outfit called MMBC has taken over the processing. They are reluctant about glass, and are only grudgingly accepting it. There’s little demand for glass, and handling it can be hazardous because it breaks easily, MMBC says. To make things safer, and to prevent contamination of other recyclables, it wants glass to be in a separate container.
The CRD website says collected glass is ground into cullet which can then be used for new glass, sandblasting, or for building materials such as fiberglass and a variety of asphalt called glassphalt.
A major objective of the region’s recycling program is to divert things from Hartland landfill, so that it can be used for years longer. The notion of opening a new landfill when Hartland gets full is regarded as something that isn’t going to happen. So, the plan is essentially to make Hartland last forever by diverting as much as possible from it. Because of shifting market demand, what to do with those diverted items is a constant challenge. (For example, there's the kitchen scraps headache.)
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MMBC explains its aversion to glass. This is a PDF download.
More explaining here.
Times Colonist story: Curbside recycling poised for changes
A story from therecord.com in Waterloo, Ont. discusses the low demand for glass. It is being crushed and used at the Waterloo landfill to strengthen roads and as bedding around pipes.
Here’s an explanation from the Region of Waterloo
The Capital Regional District explains glass recycling.
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