This article appeared in the June 2023 issue of Resource Recycling. Subscribe today for access to all print content.
California regulators in mid-May released data showing the percentage of recycled glass used in bottles and fiberglass insulation decreased slightly in 2022.
State law requires glass bottle manufacturers in California to use at least 35% recycled content and fiberglass insulation manufacturers to include at least 30% recycled glass. In 2022, bottle makers averaged 43.43%, down from 44.24% the prior year, and insulation producers averaged 44.28%, down from 46.65% in 2021.
California is now taking steps to boost glass recycling in the state, including by implementing market development payments for glass bottle manufacturers and funding glass recovery grant programs. The state is also adding wine and spirits to the container redemption program, which is expected to increase the amount of glass generated for recycling.
The following shows total weight of production over the past four years, as well as the amount of post-consumer cullet used in those products.
This article appeared in the June 2023 issue of Resource Recycling. Subscribe today for access to all print content.