Over 800 new glass banks in South Africa

The new glass banks are not replacing the banks currently in use. At this stage, they have been placed in addition to the 550 banks already being utilised by South Africans. As consumers are embracing glass-recycling habits, this is contributing to the need for even more glass drop-off points.

The new model of glass bank has been adapted to allow for ease of emptying and is more rounded than the previous design. Manufactured in South Africa from roto-moulded plastic, the banks are also studier than their predecessors. The cleverly designed containers are easily identifiable at a height of just under two metres, in a shade of dark forest green with two circular openings on either side.

Big potential for savings

Since the inception of The Glass Recycling Company in 2006, South Africans have increased the recycling of waste glass from 148 000 tons to more than 204 000 tons per year. This is effectively an increase of just over 38%. That said, more than 550 000 tons of waste glass still finds its way into landfill in South Africa. The energy-saving potential in this waste glass is significant and, in addition to this, using cullet in the manufacturing process saves raw materials and cuts CO2 emissions.

Glass bank allocations are made to appropriate site owners based on the following strategic considerations:

• Sufficient traffic to warrant a glass bank
  
• Site location
  
• Visibility and accessibility to the general public
  
• Safety considerations

The sturdy new glass banks are appearing at a shopping centre, school, sports club, church or community location near you. To locate a glass bank in your area, go to The Glass Recycling Company website: www.theglassrecyclingcompany.co.za.