How to Dispose of Broken Glass in NYC?

In New York City there are clear guidelines on how to dispose of broken glass items and intact glass items. This article will explain how you can dispose of broken glass if you live in New York City (NYC). It will go further explaining which glass items are recyclable in NYC and which you must dispose of otherwise. 

How to Dispose of Broken Glass in NYC?

In New York City, broken glass is not recycled by the department of sanitation. Thus it is considered household waste. There are guidelines on how to dispose of broken glass, you need to ensure the glass is not a cause of harm to sanitation workers or animals living in the landfills. 

Before you throw out the glass pieces, call local recycling centers if they accept broken glass or not. Some places may respond favorably. But if no such service is available in your area, you can dispose of the glass in general trash. 

For broken glass, you need to put them in a cardboard box and seal the box with tape. It is very important that you write “BROKEN GLASS” on the box. Make sure your writing is clear and visible. 

If the box is small enough you can directly throw it in the trash can or put it in a trash bag. But if the box is large, you can place it near general trash at the collection point. 

For a small number of tiny glass pieces, you’ll not need a cardboard box, just wrap it securely in newspaper and throw it in the trash. 

What can and can’t you recycle in New York City? 

In NYC, only glass jars and bottles are recyclable. So make sure no other glass items not end up in the recycling bin. 

The non-recyclable glass includes light bulbs, Pyrex, drinking glasses and glassware, mirrors, eyeglasses, etc. All non-recyclables should be disposed of as explained above, most glass items will break during transportation, thus precaution should be taken. 

Conclusion

In New York City there are clear guidelines on how to dispose of broken glass items and intact glass items. This article explains how you can dispose of broken glass if you live in New York City (NYC). It goes further explaining which glass items are recyclable in NYC and which you must dispose of otherwise. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): How to Dispose of Broken Glass in NYC

Does broken glass get recycled in NYC?

Broken glass is a potential cause of injury for sanitation workers, so they are not accepted by the general recycling system in NYC. But you should call a nearby recycling facility if they accept broken glass for recycling. 

How to properly dispose of broken glass? 

For big broken pieces, you need to wrap them in a thick cloth like a towel. Make sure the wrapping is secure. Afterward, double bag them and put them in a cardboard box, and tape them shut. Label the box ‘BROKEN GLASS’ and leave it near the collection point for household waste. For small pieces, you can wrap them in newspaper securely a few times and throw them in the trash. 

Can you put broken glass in the trash bin?

No, it is not recommended. It may injure sanitation workers or poke through the bag and rupture it. If the pieces are small you can double-wrap them in newspaper and throw them in the trash.  

How do I get rid of glass plates in NYC?

Glass plates are not recyclable in New York City. So you need to place them in a cardboard box, and tape the box shut. Then place the box near the waste collection site. 

How do I get rid of a mirror in NYC? 

Mirrors are not recyclable in New York City. So wrap it with newspaper and label its mirror. Place it near the garbage collection place. But if your mirror is not broken or damaged, you can donate it or sell it instead. 

How can I dispose of broken drinking glass? 

Drinking glasses are not recyclable in New York City. So you need to place them in a cardboard box, and tape the box shut. Then place the box near the waste collection site. 

How do I dispose of broken beer bottles in NYC? 

Broken glass is not recycled in NYC. So you need to place them in a cardboard box, and tape the box shut. Then place the box near the waste collection site. 

References: 

  1. Residential Trash Rules · NYC311. (2022). Retrieved 3 March 2022, from https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-02086
  2. DSNY – The City of New York Department of Sanitation. (2022). Retrieved 3 March 2022, from https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dsny/site/services/recycling/what-to-recycle
  3. Recycling Rules · NYC311. (2022). Retrieved 3 March 2022, from https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-02013
  4. How do you throw out the broken glass in New York City?. (2022). Retrieved 3 March 2022, from https://www.quora.com/How-do-you-throw-out-broken-glass-in-New-York-City
  5. Broken Glass – Recycle Right NY. (2022). Retrieved 3 March 2022, from https://recyclerightny.recyclist.co/guide/broken-glass/?embeddedguide=true
  6. Broken Glass – Recycle Right NY. (2022). Retrieved 3 March 2022, from https://recyclerightny.recyclist.co/guide/broken-glass/?embeddedguide=true
  7. How To Dispose Of Broken Glass Nyc. (2022). Retrieved 3 March 2022, from https://knowitinfo.com/how-to-dispose-of-broken-glass-nyc/
  8. How Do I Dispose of Flat Glass? | Homewood Disposal Service. (2022). Retrieved 3 March 2022, from https://mydisposal.com/recycling-types-of-glass
  9. How to Dispose of Broken Glass Into the Garbage Safely. (2022). Retrieved 3 March 2022, from https://dengarden.com/safety/How-to-dispose-of-broken-glass-safely
  10. Recycling | Madison County, NY. (2022). Retrieved 3 March 2022, from https://www.madisoncounty.ny.gov/2376/Recycling#!rc-cpage=378461