Glass Recycling in Ontario

A Practical Guide

Why Recycle Glass?

Glass is a valuable material that can be processed and reused in many ways—from new bottles and jars to building materials like fiberglass and tile. Recycling helps conserve resources and reduce landfill waste—but only when done correctly. In Ontario, there are a few systems working together to collect, sort, and repurpose glass containers. Here's how it all fits together.

How Glass is Collected in Ontario

1. Collection Methods

Blue Box Program

Ontario's curbside recycling system accepts glass bottles and jars. Residents are encouraged to place clean, empty glass containers into their blue bins.

Deposit Return Program

The Ontario Deposit Return Program (ODRP) allows consumers to return alcoholic beverage containers for a refund. Managed by The Beer Store, this program boasts high return rates, with refillable beer bottles achieving a 98% return rate.

Drop-Off & Commercial Recycling

Glass is also collected at municipal drop-off sites and through commercial programs (e.g. bars and restaurants). Some cities have separate bins for glass to help improve sorting and quality.

2. Processing Facilities

Collected glass is transported to processing facilities where it is cleaned, sorted by color, and crushed into cullet. 

Challenges in Glass Recycling

Contamination

Non-glass materials mixed with recyclables can hinder the recycling process. It's essential to rinse containers and avoid placing non-recyclable items in the blue bin.

Breakage

Glass can break during collection and transportation, making it more challenging to sort and recycle effectively.

Tips for Effective Glass Recycling

Return alcohol containers

 through the deposit system when possible


Separate When Possible

If your municipality offers separate collection for glass, utilize it to reduce contamination.

Avoid Non-Recyclable Glass

Items like ceramics, Pyrex, and window glass are not accepted in the blue bin.


Clean Containers

 Rinse glass bottles and jars to remove food residue before recycling.

A Note on Reuse

While recycling is important, reuse and repurposing are also part of the picture. By understanding and participating in glass recycling, Ontarians can contribute to a more sustainable environment.

Additional Resources

Ontario Blue Box Program

Ontario Deposit Return Program