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TRACKING THE FLOW AND END DESTINATIONS OF POST-CONSUMER GLASS IN NY

Dr. Laura Markley and Jesse Kerns

Center for Sustainable Community Solutions, Syracuse University

September 20^th, 2023

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GLASS: INFINITELY RECYCLABLE BUT IS IT INFINITELY RECYCLED?

There is a lack of geographic flow data for recyclables, which would help to:

Locate existing end-markets
Find “market deserts”
Track material flows throughout NY and where materials enter or exit

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HOW CAN WE TRACK THE FLOW OF RECYCLABLES?

Recyclables Handling and Recovery Facilities (RHRF) are required to submit an annual report which includes “…the amount, type, and service area of recyclables received, as well as the destination of recovered material.”

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HOW CAN WE TRACK THE FLOW OF RECYCLABLES?

Recyclables Handling and Recovery Facilities (RHRF) are required to submit an annual report which includes “…the amount, type, and service area of recyclables received, as well as the destination of recovered material.”

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HOW CAN WE TRACK THE FLOW OF RECYCLABLES?

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2020 GLASS DESTINATIONS CAN BE CATEGORIZED INTO 4 GROUPS: BOTTLE BILL, DROP-OFF, MRF, LANDFILL

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GLASS IS WIDELY USED FOR ALTERNATIVE DAILY COVER IN THE NORTH-EAST BUT IS NOT CONSIDERED RECYCLING.

75% of surveyed states/provinces report that post-consumer recycled (PCR) glass is being used as Alternative Daily Cover (ADC)

76% do not recognize PCR glass use for ADC as recycling

83% requires PCR glass to be recycled

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WE USED FLOWMAP.BLUE TO MAP GLASS FLOWS

View Flow Map and End Markets on the Center for Sustainable Materials Management Website

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Using the RHRF forms, we were also able to map the flow of materials, including glass, throughout the state using flowmap.blue.

Using this information, we had a clearer understanding of where glass from various counties was moving

Show flow map
We conducted outreach to various county recycling coordinators in rural areas to determine glass recycling successes and barriers in their area.

Highlight programs using existing markets:

While Cattaraugus county is able to send their glass to RecycALL in Pennsylvania, Chautauqua county landfills their glass for beneficial use because they do not meet RecycALL’s acceptance standards for glass.
EWG & SIMs in NYC
TOMRA locations
Hillcrest industries 🡪 location

Primary use – abrasives, sandblasting material

Glass used as ADC on landfills

View End Markets map on website

Despite our efforts to find as many as possible, there is still a clear need for additional facilities or uses in NYS, especially in the northern portion of the state.
Feedback from rural county recycling coordinators
EPA Recycling Infrastructure and Market Opportunities Map
(Some) acceptance criteria and collection methods

View end markets sheet

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FACT SHEET

Feedback from rural county recycling coordinators
EPA Recycling Infrastructure and Market Opportunities Map
Acceptance criteria and collection methods

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ALTERNATIVE GLASS COLLECTION METHODS

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U.S. Glass Recycling Rates by Category of Glass. Data from (United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2018), (Container Recycling Institute, 2017), and (Container Recycling Institute, 2013).

Figure from New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) Impact Study of NYS Bottle Bill Expansion

Expanded Returnable Container Act (Bottle Bill)

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ALTERNATIVE GLASS COLLECTION METHODS

Expanded Returnable Container Act (Bottle Bill)

Separate collection and hauling of glass

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ALTERNATIVE GLASS COLLECTION METHODS

Expanded Returnable Container Act (Bottle Bill)

Separate collection and hauling of glass

Drop off locations

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THANK YOU!

Dr. Laura Markley (lamarkle@syr.edu) and Jesse Kerns (jekerns@syr.edu)

Center for Sustainable Community Solutions, Syracuse University

September 20^th, 2023