The Glass Recycling Company (TGRC), the nation’s leading voice for glass recycling, is encouraging people to recycle empty glass bottles and jars during the festive season to generate extra cash.
The organisation explains that this is a unique chance to contribute positively to the environment while lining your pockets ahead of the new year.
With numerous celebrations taking place at taverns, shebeens, restaurants, and community centres, TGRC assures that there will be ample opportunity for individuals to gather glass ready for recycling.
Steps to collect and sell your glass effectively
The organisation highlights that identifying local sources is essential. Reach out to your community; local taverns, shebeens, and restaurants often have an abundance of empty bottles to spare, allowing you to not only help them manage clutter but also start your glass collection.
Whether you collect whole, unbroken glass containers or break them down into ‘cullet’ (crushed glass ready for recycling), you have options. It is explained that the cullet should consist of fragments larger than 40 mm—about the size of two R5 coins.
Here’s how to prepare your cullet effectively:
Use appropriate bags or drums for collection.
Avoid sorting by colour; simply pack all glass together.
Store your bags or drums in an easily accessible area for collection.
Remember, the fuller your bags or drums are, the more you’ll earn when you sell your glass, so maximise your collection efforts!
Staying safe while you recycle
While turning glass into cash can be rewarding, it’s essential to handle glass with care to avoid injury. TGRC emphasises the importance of safety by providing gloves and goggles for safe handling practices.
Here are a few more essential tips:
Wear gloves: Protect your hands when handling and breaking glass.
Use safety goggles: Shield your eyes from shards and splinters.
Wear sturdy shoes: Thick-soled shoes protect your feet from sharp pieces.
By following these steps and using the recommended safety gear, you can confidently recycle glass while prioritising your well-being.
Finding a buy-back centre near you
With your gathered glass ready, the next step is selling it. Take your packed bags or drums to your nearest buy-back centre, where payment is made based on the weight of glass collected.
It is explained that you can easily locate a nearby centre using Money4Glass, which also provides valuable insights into the recycling process.
The Star
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za