Glass recycling hits new high in New Zealand

30th August, 2007

Glass recycling hits new high in New Zealand

New Zealanders recycled nearly 110,000 tonnes of glass containers in the past year which is an increase of almost 18% over the previous year or equivalent to an additional 17000 tonnes of glass being collected around the country.

David Carter, Chair of the Glass Packaging Forum said that this achievement can be attributed to the major efforts made by the local authorities in collecting the glass combined with the joint efforts of industry, recycling operators and community collectors in finding economically viable alternative uses for the glass.

“53% of glass consumed is now being recycled either into new glass containers in New Zealand or off shore; or for increasing use in building or construction projects typically close to where the glass is recovered. The amount of glass recycled last year is the equivalent of diverting 367 m glass containers from landfill. In addition using recovered glass rather than raw materials to make new glass containers uses less energy and produces fewer GHG emissions. ”

Mr. Carter added that the quantity of glass recorded does not include glass which awaits crushing by either the mobile glass crusher which has been purchased by the Glass Packaging Forum and which will start operating soon or by other anticipated community crusher operations.

“The glass recycling rate achieved in New Zealand compares favourably with the 44% achieved in Australia and 34% in the UK but we are absolutely committed to exceeding the 55% target set for glass recycling by 2009 under the Packaging Accord. Investment in the glass crusher and other initiatives funded by the voluntary levy will help make this happen. By working closely with local authorities, recycling operators, collectors and those involved in roading and construction we can maximize the opportunities and use the glass which is being collected in growing quantities.”

At its Annual General Meeting in Auckland this week the Glass Packaging Forum launched its new website which details projects currently being funded. To date the voluntary levy has raised over $2 million to help support glass recovery and develop alternate uses for glass.

ENDS

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