Can we throw glass in the trash?
When we cook, unpack our groceries, or finish a bottle of juice, one question often comes up: what to do with the empty glass? Can we just throw it in the regular trash?
These everyday actions generate different types of waste, each requiring a specific destination. To facilitate daily sorting and avoid mistakes, it's important to stay organized in your kitchen. Suitable kitchen bins and dual-compartment bins allow you to effectively separate glass from other waste right from the sorting process.
Here is a short guide to help you sort properly and avoid mistakes.
Not all glasses go in the same bin
We sometimes think that all we need to do is put anything made of glass in the yellow or gray bin, but it's not that simple. In reality, glass has its own recycling stream, and it's very important to dispose of it in the correct container.
Most cities provide special bins or columns, often green in color, reserved exclusively for recyclable glass. This is where:
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Glass bottles (wine, juice, oil, etc.)
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Jam jars
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The sauce jars
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Glass perfume bottles (empty)
⚠️ Please note : no need to remove the labels, they will be burned during recycling.
What not to throw in the glass bin
Not all glass items are recyclable in the same way. Some must go in the regular bin (often the grey bin) or at a recycling center. Here are some examples:
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Broken dishes (glasses, plates, Pyrex dishes)
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The mirrors
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The windows
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Light bulbs (except in special cases)
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Earthenware, porcelain
Why? Because these types of glass melt at different temperatures, which disrupts the container glass recycling process.
What if I don't have a glass container near me?
If you can't find a glass dumpster in your area, you have several options:
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Search your town hall's website for a map of collection points.
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Ask your trustee or landlord if a room or sorting point is provided.
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Go to the recycling center: some centers accept glass in small or large quantities.
In all cases, avoid throwing glass in the gray or yellow bin: this complicates sorting and can injure the collection agents.
Why is glass sorting so important?
Glass is 100% infinitely recyclable, with no loss of quality. Recycling it allows you to:
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Save energy (less raw material is melted)
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Reduce CO₂ emissions
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Limit waste buried or incinerated
By sorting correctly, each of us contributes to a simple but powerful gesture for the environment.
In summary
Can you throw glass in the trash?
No, not in the regular trash. You have to put it in the designated bins, often green. And be careful not to put just any glass object in there!
💡 Decorating tip : If you like recycling differently, some jars or bottles can be transformed into vases, spice jars or DIY light fixtures. And to make sorting at home easier, discover our selection of kitchen bins , designed for easy sorting on a daily basis. For large volumes of glass, our ultra-practical 100-liter bins are ideal in a garage or back kitchen. Finally, for sorting at source in an apartment, a double-compartment bin will really simplify your life.