The Challenges with Starting a Glass Recycling Program in a Rural Area

While operating any recycling plant it is expected that you will encounter some struggles, however, doing it in a rural area raises its own set of challenges.

Michael Berry, board member and treasurer of Unity Area Recycling Center (UARC) in Unity Maine, and Reynold Hebert, supervisor of North Aroostook Solid Waste Association (NASWA) in Eagle Lake Maine, expressed numerous of these struggles and methods to overcome them at a webinar titled "Nuts & Bolts to Starting a Rural Glass Recycling Program."

Berry began the session by explaining the physical process the glass goes through after being collected. Facility workers accept clear glass bottles and jars with or without labels that are then put through a $7,000 crushing machine to create fine glass sand. Hebert added that they leave bottles intact.

Both processing methods have their own pros and cons. While glass crush is more compact and easier to transport, it also limits the potential uses of the material. Listing fire suppression boxes, concrete fill, and artificial beach sand as promising uses for this form of recycled glass, Berry admitted the struggle it is to find companies within a manageable distance willing to buy the glass crush.

The ever-evolving market for recycled glass makes it important for these facilities to consistently explore their possibilities, but also check the changing regulations and expectations.

Another issue both facilities encounter is promotion. Both facility leaders expressed a struggle advertising their services even though both are covered under local taxes.

Reynolds mentioned a previous proposition to offer lottery tickets to residents who bring glass bottles to the facility as a means of enticing people to recycle.

“Maybe we can teach the kids at school,” Berry said, introducing the idea of working with local school districts to educate children on proper recycling practices and local options. Both presenters echoed the importance of clear, concise, and frequent signage as a form of promotion.

All hardships aside, each facility presented an important and necessary segment of a town or region.

With only 12 months of glass recycling under its belt, NASWA estimated a total of 1.5 to 2.5 tons of diverted waste and represents five towns with roughly 2,500 community members. The UARC collects glass for 8 towns and even more people.

With their work cut out for them, both Berry and Hebert voiced their commitment to serving these communities and doing what it takes to make their facilities run as smoothly as possible to make an impact.