Recycling & Disposal of Clear and Colored Liquor Bottles, Glass Bowls, Jars, and Dishes

These items are often made of glass, are accepted by curbside recycling but check your local regulation first. Also, they require special attention due to their color and potential contamination. Here's what you need to know:

1. Recycling Options

• Colored Glass:

  • Liquor Bottles: Colored liquor bottles (such as green, brown, or blue bottles) can usually be recycled with other glass containers, but some programs may not accept colored glass because it is more difficult to recycle into new products.

  • Glass Jars, Bowls, and Dishes: These can typically be recycled with other glass items. However, colored glass may need to be separated depending on local recycling rules.

• Check Local Recycling Guidelines: Not all glass can be accepted in curbside programs. For example, some programs may refuse to accept colored glass or non-container glass items like bowls, dishes, and bakeware.

• Retail Take-Back Programs: If your curbside program doesn’t accept these items, check if retailers like IKEA or specialized recycling centers offer glass recycling services.

2. Responsible Disposal

• Clean Items Thoroughly: Ensure that all bottles, jars, bowls, and dishes are free of food or liquid residue. Many recycling centers may reject dirty glass containers.

• Remove Lids & Other Non-Glass Parts: Remove any metal lids or plastic caps from glass jars or bottles, as they need to be recycled separately. Metal lids can be taken to scrap metal yards, while plastic caps should follow local plastic recycling rules.

• Check for Special Items: Some glass dishes, such as Pyrex or ceramic-coated glass, may not be accepted in standard glass recycling due to their higher melting points. These should be disposed of according to hazardous waste or specialized glass recycling.

3. Sustainable Alternatives

• Reuse:

  • Mason jars, liquor bottles, and glass bowls can be reused for storage, home decor, or craft projects.

  • Liquor bottles can also be upcycled into candle holders, vases, or art.

• Donate: If the items are in good condition, you can donate glass bowls, dishes, and jars to local thrift stores, shelters, or community organizations.

• Repurpose: Glass items can be turned into planters, DIY home projects, or kitchen containers.

4. Do Not Donate or Recycle If…

• Cracked or Broken: Glass items that are cracked or shattered should not be recycled in standard curbside bins because they can cause injury and may be rejected.

• Heavily Contaminated: If the items are heavily soiled or contain food residue, it's best to clean them before attempting recycling.

⚠ Important Safety Warning ⚠As with all recycling or disposal activities, please follow local regulations and ensure that glass items are handled safely. Connecting The Dots Project will not be responsible for any damage, loss, injury, emotional damage, or harm that occurs during the disposal, recycling, or donation process of any items, including glass bottles, jars, bowls, and dishes.