Great news, Ipswich – the Ipswich City Council has signed a contract with leading glass recycler, Owens-Illinois (O-I) meaning residents will get to recycle glass bottles and jars again.

With new drop-off locations set to be announced soon, Works, Parks and Sport Committee Acting Chairperson Cr David Morrison said it was an initiative to win the war on waste.

Works, Parks and Sport Committee Acting Chairperson Cr David Morrison said it was a logical solution and was a significant step in council’s innovative measures to get on top of recycling and win the war on waste.

“We anticipate sending 2000 tonnes or more of glass to O-I a year for recycling. That means a lot of glass bottles and jars will be recycled by O-I into new glass bottles that are then sent to local beverage companies in SEQ,” Cr Morrison said.

“This keeps the glass material local and closes the loop from being used, to recycled and then reused again.”

Recycling glass has an enormous benefit to the environment, with every tonne of recycled glass being able to be turned into one tonne of new glass packaging. It also helps replace raw materials like soda ash, sand and limestone which are traditionally used to create glass bottles and jars.

When the new glass recycling program is in full swing, residents will be able to dispose of all glass bottles and jars, of any shape and colour, and minus the lids. Glass that cannot be recycled includes items such as drinking glasses, window glass, pyrex or car windscreens.

To keep in the loop about Ipswich’s recycling strategy, download the Ipswich Bin App at www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/residents/waste/ipswich-bin-app or visit the Council web page.