Recycling of glass

Abstract Household refuse generally contains 5–10% of glass. Per capita production of refuse in Denmark is about 300 kg per annum of which an unusually low percentage comprises beer and soft drinks bottles in a country where the tradition persists of using returnable containers. Further, government legislation permits brewers to sell only up to 4% of their total consumption in non-renewable bottles. The arguments for and against non-returnable beverage containers are discussed and a continuing trend towards shorter trippage noted in some countries. The results of a Swedish study are reported where the energy consumption is considered in respect of a returnable bottle, a non-returnable PVC bottle, a non-returnable steel can and a non-returnable glass bottle. The results are reported of British, Danish and Swedish test collections of paper, glass and metal. Re-use procedures are described for collected glass.