Waste flat glass can be processed to produce quality cullet – a recyclate which has various uses. It’s a great way to recycle glass from the 6.6 million domestic windows replaced every year.
Through the Waste Protocols Project we have gathered evidence on standards the material meets, markets it may be able to exploit, and most importantly any potential impacts on human health and the environment. The aim is to establish whether the waste can be considered to be fully recovered and as quality cullet. We calculate that, on average, it will divert 5,500 tonnes of glass away from landfill each year.
What are the benefits of the flat glass quality protocol?
In addition to diverting waste away from landfill, industry-wide compliance with the quality protocol could:
- save around 5,500 tonnes of virgin raw material
- save 1,100 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions annually
- save businesses over £189,000 each year; and
- create markets worth over £275,000 a year.
Flat glass quality protocol review
The flat glass Quality Protocol was due for review in 2010. However, a decision has been made to delay this review until the outcome of the work the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) in Seville is complete. The JRC is developing European end-of-waste criteria for glass waste.
The current status of the flat glass quality protocol
You can download the quality protocol for the production and use of processed cullet from waste flat glass.)You can use this link to download the final quality protocol for flat glass.
You can also download the:
Find out how we regulate flat glass.
Get involved
If you produce or recycle flat glass, it is likely to be in your interests to comply with the relevant quality protocol. See above for links to the documentation.
Find out which recyclers can use your waste. A good place to start is the NetRegs Waste Directory.
If you are an end user of cullet from flat glass you can be assured of the quality when the producer is compliant with the protocol.
More information
Our project partner, WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) has more information about collecting and sorting waste flat glass, and industry recognised product specifications on its website.
If you would like further help, please email Waste Protocols.
