Glass Waste problems and solutions

Now, the question is, “Why is proper glass waste disposal mandatory”? Various reasons that make it important to recycle glass waste properly are:  Glass Waste is a contaminant: Glass in the form of waste negatively impacts other recyclable materials, like cardboard or paper, and lowers their value. It also contaminates water and different water bodies, which creates a threat to the existence of the aquatic ecosystem. 

Glass Waste is hazardous: Glass poses multiple challenges in recycling—it can harm workers, cause damage to machinery, and significantly raise processing costs. Improper disposal creates a threat to the existence of life on Earth. 

Broken glass is difficult to sort: Recyclers find it too difficult or expensive to separate out glass, so they send the entire stream to the landfill, resulted “More than 28 billion glass bottles and jars end up in landfills every year — that is the equivalent of filling up two Empire State Buildings every three weeks.” 

Glass is heavy: Glass is heavy and expensive to transport. Faced with high costs, some communities are paying to have the glass specially crushed for use in construction. 

Long-term decomposition: Glass is a non-biodegradable waste that takes millions of years to decompose, which naturally harms the environment. 

Impact on Wildlife: Improper management of glass creates threats to wildlife.  

Solutions 

• Conservation of Raw material: Recycling glass reduces the need for raw materials like sand, soda ash, and limestone. For every tonne of recycled glass used, 1.2 tonnes of raw materials are preserved. 
  

• Zero Waste Programme: ZWP is based on the principles of the circular economy. It focuses on the implementation of 2016 ‘Solid Waste Management’ rules, including ‘Glass Waste’ for proper recycling to demonstrate responsible waste management & conscious consumption.  
  

• Environmental Sustainability: For every ton of glass that is recycled to make new glass products, 693 pounds of carbon dioxide is saved. So, glass recycling plays a wider role in sustainability and environmental conservation. 
  

• Social Inclusiveness: Most of the waste collection and processing tasks are managed by the informal sector. The informal sector is not well-trained in waste management activities. Due to its unregulated nature, workers in the informal sector often face exploitation, earning far below a standard living wage, and lacking access to safe working conditions, job security, and social protection. Social Inclusion is a necessity to promote formal and environmentally friendly waste handling. 
  

• Resource Savvy: The cost savings of recycling are in the use of energy. Compared to making glass from raw materials for the first time, the cullet melts at a lower temperature. We can save on the energy needed to melt the glass. 
  

• Landfill Conservation: With a proper recycling process, we can save landfills from contamination due to Glass waste; otherwise, they can simply be used as waste dump sites full of glass bottles and jars. 
  

• Removal of environmental Pollution: Proper handling of glass waste contributes to a 20% reduction in Air pollution and a 50% reduction in water pollution. 

  
  

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