The collection of all recyclables at the curb in one bin, called single-stream recycling, has become the practice for most communities.

Over the past two decades, single-stream recycling collection (all recyclables in one bin) has taken root in many communities.

Recognizing the need to protect the environment and conserve valuable energy resources, the Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) announced in December 2008 that its member companies were committed to using at least 50% recycled glass in the manufacture of new glass bottles and jars by 2013.

Access to quality cullet through effective recycling programs is critical for glass manufacturers. Using 100% recyclable glass containers in the raw materials mix reduces energy use and natural resources, cuts CO2 emissions, and improves economic efficiencies.

An ongoing issue for glass manufacturers is the growing demand for high-quality recovered glass and insufficient supply. This is often the result of the way in which glass and other recycled materials are collected from consumers.

A recent survey found that a growing number of Americans say recycling is important to them and significantly impacts their food and beverage purchasing decisions.

Starting last August, Ohio kicked off a one-year recycling pilot program to recover glass bottles from bars and restaurants. After collection, some of the glass will go to local glass manufacturer O-I for use in the production of new containers.

A new U.S. survey of just over 4,000 adults finds that 65% “strongly agree” or “agree” that glass bottles are 100% recyclable, and 73% always or usually recycle whatever they can.

Over 40 state legislatures convened in the first quarter of 2013 and, as in previous years, they are actively introducing legislation that has the potential to impact the glass container industry and glass bottle recycling.

This latest set of revisions, developed after input from thousands of stakeholders, is largely in response to the “green” marketing declarations that have ballooned in the past several years as consumers have become more attentive to the impact products and packaging have on the environment.