Keeping Your Environment Safe: The Right Way to Dispose of Glass

The sound of glass shattering is one of the most heartbreaking things to hear. Not only is it a symbol of something broken, but it also means that sharp debris and shards are now scattered around the area. Although it’s natural to want to immediately grab a dustpan and broom, disposing of glass and glass items requires a little more caution. Before you go to dump your glass into the trash can, it is essential that you take time to consider the environment and proper disposal techniques. In this blog, we’ll discuss the importance of properly disposing of glass and how to do so safely.

Importance of Proper Glass Disposal

Unlike other materials, glass can be very dangerous to throw away without considering the environment and wildlife. Shards of broken glass can cause both physical and environmental harm. Animals in particular, are vulnerable to open wounds and infections from stepping on or ingesting the shards. In addition, if the glass isn’t recycled, it will end up in our landfills and add to the growing problem of environmental waste. Glass takes several hundred years to break down, meaning it will stay in the ecosystem for a very long time.

How to Properly Dispose of Glass

When it comes to disposing of glass, you can do a few things to ensure that it is disposed of safely.

Wear Protective Clothing

Glass can cause cuts and open wounds from even the most gentle of contact. To ensure that you don’t get hurt while disposing of glass, it is important to wear protective clothing such as gloves and long sleeves.

Start by Picking Up Larger Pieces

To make the process easier for yourself, it is important to start by picking up the larger pieces of glass and putting them into a plastic bag. By removing the larger pieces, you can make sure that all of the smaller shards are easily collected by the dustpan and broom.

Sweep and Vacuum Smaller Shards

Once you remove the larger pieces, you can use a small broom and dustpan to sweep up any smaller pieces. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment if necessary. Make sure that the vacuum is on a low setting, as shards may be too light to stay in the vacuum otherwise.

Wrap All Loose Shards

Once all of the glass is collected, it is important to wrap all loose shards with newspaper or other non-porous material. This will ensure that no shards escape from the bag and get into the environment.

Place Glass Into a Recycling Bin or Local Drop-Off Point

Once the glass is all wrapped up, it can be placed into a recycling bin or dropped off at a local glass waste drop-off point. Ensuring the glass waste is placed into the correct bin or marked with the proper label is important. To find the closest drop-off point, contact your local waste management department or check online.

When to Call a Professional for Glass Waste Removal

Many electronics and appliances contain glass elements, which can be difficult to remove on your own. In these cases, calling a professional waste removal company such as Daniel J. Clifford & Son for dumpster rentals where you can place your glass safely is important. By calling a professional, you can be sure that your glass waste is disposed of safely and align with all local regulations.

Contact Daniel J. Clifford & Son in Weymouth & Abington, MA for Waste Removal Solutions

At Daniel J. Clifford & Son, we understand the importance of proper waste disposal and are here to help you with all of your waste management needs. We offer dumpster rentals for glass disposal and other materials, as well as curbside dropoff and pickup services. To learn more about our commercial and residential dumpster services, visit our website or give us a call today at 781-337-7389.