Flat glass recycling trial launched

Aucklanders can now recycle flat glass through a new six-month trial aimed at reducing construction waste going to landfill.

The service allows residents to drop off broken or intact flat glass, including window panes, at two community recycling centres: Wairau Community Recycling Centre in Glenfield and Tāmaki Community Recycling Centre in Point England.

Collected glass is sent to a new 5R Solutions facility in Wiri, where it is crushed and remanufactured into products such as insulation, construction materials and wastewater filters.

Manukau Ward Councillor Alf Filipaina says the initiative supports a circular approach to waste.

“Glass is a valuable resource, not rubbish,” Filipaina says.

“This new service helps keep materials in circulation and makes it easier for Aucklanders to reduce waste.”

Flat glass cannot be placed in kerbside recycling because it melts at a different temperature to bottles and jars and may contain coatings or reinforcing layers.

Auckland Council senior waste planning advisor Felicity Johnson says the trial will test how well community recycling centres can divert the material from landfill.

Who can use the service?

Residents: Bring flat glass, broken or intact, to Wairau or Tāmaki CRCs during opening hours. Check with your local centre for accepted types and any charges.
Businesses: 5R Solutions accepts larger quantities directly from businesses. Contact it for commercial recycling services.

What’s accepted

Single-pane flat glass. For other types, check with your nearest community recycling centre.