1. Does it really conserve energy if I recycle my container glass? -Recycling one glass container saves enough energy to keep a 100 watt light bulb burning for 4 hours. Producing glass from recycled glass uses less energy than preparing glass from raw materials.

2. How much raw material is saved due to glass recycling?

1.2 tonnes of raw material (sand, limestone, soda ash) is saved when a tonne of glass is recycled.

3. Is it true that glass biodegrades or decomposes?

NO!!! Biodegradation and decomposition are biological processes. Glass is abiotic. Glass does eventually break-down, but it takes about 1 million years fora single glass bottle to break down. Glass is only broken down by weathering and physical crushing or pounding.

4. Do labels and lids need to be removed before container glass can go in the blue box?

In some communities, both need to be removed, in others the recycling company will do it for you. Check with your programme to be sure!