Anchorage ditches glass recycling

More than 150 tons of glass per month will go to the Anchorage dump instead of Anchorage recycling bins beginning January 5th. Alaskans for Litter Prevention and Recycling (ALPAR) says the primary reason for the shutdown in glass recycling is significant decrease in demand for end product.

About 140 to 150 tons of glass is recycled per month in Anchorage, 90 percent of that amount dropped off by individuals at the recycling center. The Valley Community for Recycling Solutions in Palmer does not accept glass and has directed people to locations in Anchorage recyclers.

When the new recycling building gets built in Palmer, the center plans to have their own glass crusher and recycle all glass on the premises. The building project, partially funded by the Mat Su Borough, goes out to bid early tin 2009. Meanwhile, ALPAR in Anchorage is continuing to search for different sources for recycled glass, but until that time, they say glass will go to the landfill.