We all know that Glass is recycled in the green containerbut not everyone knows the reason why it is important to recycle glass. It is a material that is possible to recycle in its entirety, in addition to an unlimited number of times. Recycling glass helps reduce energy consumption, reduces waste, so it reduces pollution and environmental problems and, also, the consumption of other raw materials. To deepen more, then in this ecology article, we talk about Why it is important to recycle glass.
Why it is important to recycle glass and what is achieved
It is important to recycle glass Because with the simple gesture of recycling our glass bottles, and other pieces of this material, it can be achieved:
- Waste reduction Importantly and so that they go to the landfill. It is estimated that with 3,000 recycled bottles, it is avoided that 1,000 kg of waste will stop at the landfill.
- Improvements in air quality and reduction in pollution. Air pollution can be reduced by up to 20 %. It is estimated that with 10 % recycled containers, up to 8 % less particles to the atmosphere, 10 % sulfuric oxides and 4 % nitrogen oxides are emitted. The reason is that the manufacture of new containers is greatly reduced, which also reduces the use of fuels and with it, the emission of gases and particles.
- Reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases for the previous reason. For each ton of recycled glass, about 300 kg of CO2 issued to the atmosphere is avoided during the manufacturing processes.
- Reduction in water pollution by up to 40%.
- Savings in energy consumption. In the manufacture of containers from recycled glass, it can be saved between 20 and 30% energy. This is because the melting point of recycled glass is less than that of raw materials that are usually used to manufacture new containers, and therefore also the energy needed in the process
- Raw material savings and with various benefits for the environment. With the recycling of 3,000 bottles, it is estimated that they are able to save 1.2 tons of raw material (sand, limestone and sodium carbonate). In addition, by saving virgin materials, extraction needs are also reduced, with the consequent benefit to the environment.
- Resource savings, because with glass recycling, the glass manufacturing industry itself could be supplied, with up to 30% of the necessary resources.
The glass recycling process
Glass is a material that is present in bottles, windows or bulbs and is one of the most abundant components of garbage, both industrial and domestic.
He glass recycling process begins with its selective collection in The green container. Once this happened, its cleaning is followed by treatment with chemicals, which eliminate the possible dirt, sand or fat. Next, plastic, paper and other waste elements are also removed. When the glass is clean, it is passed through some sieves, until reaching the desired granulometry. Subsequently, all possible metal remains are removed by using magnets. The result of these processes is calcin or crushed glass and prepared to be melted again. Finally, it is mixed 50% with sand, sodium and limestone hydroxide. Thus, it is obtained recycled glass and with the same properties as the one that is manufactured.
Data on glass recycling
In European Union countries A minimum recycling of 60% glass is requiredSpain exceeded that figure in 2007, but in countries like Sweden, Switzerland or Belgium, the figures exceed 90%.
Ecovidrio It is the waste management system that promoted the green point, in which glass manufacturers pay a tax that finances packaging recycling. In Spain, the glass recycling process is to recover the containers and transform them into calcine into recycled plants (as we have already explained), however in countries such as Germany it is possible to reuse containers without subjecting them to new manufacturing processes, but simply with washing them is sufficient.
Green containers They selectively collect the glass, began to be installed in Spanish cities and towns during the 80s and today, collect most of the glass. For example, between 2003 and 2007, about 10 kg were collected per glass inhabitant to almost 15. According to the Ministry of Environment, citizens are much more aware of the need to recycle glass. However, outside the domestic sphere as at work, on the street, school or universities, much remains to be done.
In addition, this material is very reusable and an unlimited number of times can be recycled. For example, here we leave you simple ideas to reuse and recycle glass and glass bottles.
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