Glass-Only Recycling Coming to McDonough County this Spring

MACOMB, Ill — Several local McDonough County organizations and agencies, in partnership with Ripple Glass, is launching a new glass recycling initiative for McDonough County residents. Beginning in the spring of 2025, residents and businesses will be able to drop off glass at a designated recycling bin located in the Farm King parking lot at 1620 E Jackson in Macomb.

Unlike traditional commingled recycling programs, which result in much of the glass being landfilled, the new glass-only program will significantly improve recycling efficiency. According to the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce, separating glass from other recyclables leads to a 98% recycling rate, compared to just 40% when mixed with other materials.

Why Glass-Only Recycling?

Glass is 100% recyclable and can be endlessly reprocessed without loss of quality. It is a primary ingredient in fiberglass insulation and new glass containers. Recycling glass conserves raw materials and reduces air and water pollution. For example, recycling a single glass bottle can save enough energy to power a 100-watt light bulb for four hours.

Every ton of recycled glass saves over one ton of raw materials, including sand, soda ash, limestone, and feldspar. Additionally, using recycled glass results in 20% less air pollution and 50% less water pollution compared to producing new glass from raw materials.

What Can Be Recycled?

Ripple Glass accepts all colors of food and beverage glass, including wine bottles, mason jars, candle jars (with leftover wax), cosmetic jars, and windows with hardware removed. Labels can remain on the glass, as they do not interfere with the recycling process.

Items that cannot be recycled include porcelain, ceramic, mirrors, milk glass, China, Pyrex, Corelle dishware, and laminated glass. TVs and light bulbs are also not accepted.

Community Support

This initiative is supported by several organizations, including the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce, McDonough County Board, the City of Macomb, area townships, the Glass Recycling Foundation, and the Fellheimer Foundation. Their partnership with Ripple Glass aims to increase sustainability efforts within the county and reduce the environmental impact of discarded glass.

Residents are encouraged to look for the purple bin at the Farm King parking lot and participate in this new recycling opportunity. For more information, visit Ripple Glass online or follow their social media pages.

** About Ripple Glass**

Ripple Glass is a regional glass recycling company dedicated to improving glass recycling access and efficiency. The company partners with communities and businesses to ensure that more glass is repurposed into sustainable produ