No, broken glass cups don’t belong in the glass recycling bin. While they’re made of glass, they aren’t recyclable like jars or bottles and must be disposed of differently. Here are the rules you need to know!
It’s easy to assume that broken glass cups should be recycled with other glass items. But that’s not always the case. In fact, broken glassware must be handled and discarded differently. Be extra careful when handling sharp shards—recycling should be done both thoughtfully and safely.
So, where should you throw away broken glass cups?
Where to Throw Away a Broken Glass
Only glass marked with the abbreviation VE or the recycling triangle with the numbers 70, 71, or 72 is recyclable. All other types of glass, including kitchenware, are considered non-recyclable, as they are often made with additives or materials that interfere with standard recycling processes.
Whether broken or intact, glass cups should be placed in the unsorted dry waste bin (and handled with care to avoid injury).
Why Don’t Glass Cups Go in the Glass Bin?
As mentioned, glass cups are often made from types of glass that aren’t compatible with regular glass recycling. To avoid contamination of the recycling stream, these items should always go in the unsorted waste bin.
It’s not just drinking glasses—window panes, porcelain plates, and light bulbs also do not belong in the glass recycling bin.
What Can Go in the Glass Bin?
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