Glass Recycling Update

SWAC MeetingJune 20, 2013

Glass Recovery in Ohio

• Overarching Goal: “…..simply improve the connections between those having glass and those needing glass.”

• Who needs what?• How much?• What kind?• Capability to recover glass• Capacity to process glass• Ability to connect the dots

Ohio Glass Study

90 % 10 %

Perfect Storm

• Major glass processors• Ohio’s core manufacturers• 90% still going to landfill• Strong desire to define/improve the market• Ohio EPA & Governor’s commitment

• Appears to be a disconnect between the perceived and actual value of recovered glass markets.• Glass continues to go to landfills primarily due

to inefficient system for collection and processing.• This is not an environmental problem….it is a

logistics problem.• The solution lies in efficient supply chain and

establishing a network.

DSM Environmental, Inc.

• Supply of Discarded Material • Primary Factors Affecting Supply• Projected Supply• Current Demand for Ohio Cullet

Expected Outcome from Study

• Projected Demand for Cullet• Collection Systems/Strategies• Processing Systems/Strategies • Primary Barriers to Material Supply/Demand• Strategies to Overcome Barriers

Glass Study

• DSM Environmental analyzed five strategies for recovery of additional glass

• Not meant to be a definitive answer to the question of cost and benefits but rather one way to prioritize strategies

Recovery Strategies

• Expansion of single stream recycling could roughly supply 60,000 new tons of glass;

• Implementation of glass recycling programs for bars and restaurants could be estimated 53,000 new tons of new glass cullet;

• Source separated collection of glass by color using glass drop-off locations throughout Ohio could bring an additional 14,400 tons of container glass.

Recovery Strategies

• Recovery of additional plate glass from windshield replacement but this is an unknown market.

• Glass bottle bill legislation could recover an estimated 239,000 tons of glass.

Ohio’s Progress Report

• Glass Stakeholders convened• DSM Environmental hired for Glass study• 2010 MOU – Owens Illinois and Rumpke• Glass collection pilots

Marion County – Glass ActHamilton County – Downtown Cincinnati

Ohio Progress Report

• State grants focused on glass

– Processing – SI & Rumpke – Expanded Curbside Recycling – Single Stream– Modernization of MRFs– Developed new partnerships – Ohio Mulch

Statewide Initiative

• Voluntary Bar & Restaurant Recycling;• Establish 9 regional Glass Act Recovery

Centers (transfer stations/glass depots) in Ohio - linked to processors;

• Create Glass Act Recycling Drop offs – located in existing drop off areas (Ripple Glass model)

Statewide Glass Initiative

• Target Grant Opportunities for Ohio Communities & Local Businesses - The Ohio EPA will fund up to $1 million in grants to start and/or expand glass container recycling in bars, restaurants, and hotels in Ohio

Ohio EPA Grants

• Grants can be used for indoor and outdoor collection containers for bars, restaurants, hotels looking to start a recycling program. Collection vehicles and “collaborations” to increase/improve route densities would be eligible grant activities.

Demonstration Projects

• Ohio EPA would work with industry leaders to develop demonstration projects in the 9 regional Glass Act transfer station sites.

Regional Focus

• Columbus– Recycling on High Street

• Dayton– Southwest Regional Meeting – 13 SWMD

• Cleveland– Meeting w/ Strategic Materials

Dayton Meeting

• Adams Clermont, Brown, Clark, Clinton, Miami, Montgomery, Greene, Hamilton, Preble, Butler, Logan, Clark, & Warren

• Rumpke’s role• Discussions & brainstorming• Potential projects identified

Public Education & Awareness

• Ohio EPA would collaborate with industry to develop how-to toolkits for bars, restaurants, and hotels wanting to start a recycling program.

• Ohio EPA provide seed money for 2 years to start a statewide education/promotion campaign to encourage glass recycling.

Ohio EPA is committed to…

• Implementing strategies that strengthen glass recycling programs across the state that can create a competitive advantage for Ohio manufacturers.

• We will be careful that it is not done at the expense of others.

Final Thoughts…

• The Division will work with all industry stakeholders to help establish infrastructure needed to help turn the valuable glass cullet away from landfills and back into jobs for Ohioans.

Contact Information

Terrie TerMeer, Assistant ChiefDivision of Materials & Waste Management

Materials Conservation & ReUse

terrie.termeer@epa.state.oh.us