Glass Recycling Coalition Launches MRF Glass Certification

According to a 2018 industry survey, more than 27 percent of materials recovery facilities (MRFs) have glass cleanup equipment. The Glass Recycling Coalition (GRC), a collaborative glass recycling organization, is launching the MRF Glass Certification to recognize effective programs.

"The long-term goal is to encourage and produce quality glass products that are viable in the glass container market or other beneficial reuse applications and not in a landfill," said Tom Outerbridge, manager of Sims Municipal Recycling, in a statement.

The free certification program recognizes MRFs with additional equipment and operational procedures to clean up glass in both single and dual stream systems that are producing more marketable and higher-quality glass.

GRC’s website currently hosts an interactive map showing MRFs, glass processors and end markets across the country. GRC-certified MRFs will be noted on this map along with public recognition of this certification through traditional and social media.

The glass certification criteria are judged on current infrastructure and a glass purity measure. An independent committee will score certification levels into gold, silver and bronze certifications. MRFs holding this certification will have a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

According to the GRC, glass is endlessly recyclable, and residents view it as a core recyclable. The organization believes this certification will highlight the importance of MRFs role in successful glass recycling.