GG 83 Cover (Page 2)

GG83 GUIDE

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY BEST PRACTICE PROGRAMME IMPROVING CULLET QUALITY

GOOD PRACTICE: Proven technology and techniques for profitable environmental improvement IMPROVING CULLET QUALITY

This Good Practice Guide was produced by the Environmental Technology Best Practice Programme

Prepared with assistance from:

Entec UK Ltd

Section Page

1 Introduction 1 1.1 Purpose and content of this Guide 1 1.2 Potential audience 2 1.3 Benefits of glass recycling 2

2 Markets for recovered glass 3 2.1 The sales potential of collected glass 3 2.2 Quantities of glass arisings 3 2.3 Sources of glass arisings 4 2.4 Contacts for cullet collectors 4

3 Contaminant-free cullet 5 3.1 Sources of cullet contamination 5 3.2 Why cullet should be contaminant-free 6

4 Cullet recycling and cost-effective good practice 8 4.1 The main elements of cullet recycling schemes 8 4.2 Cost-effective good practice 8

5 Reducing cullet contamination: public recycling schemes 14 5.1 Types of collection scheme 14 5.2 The collection site 15 5.3 Collection bins 15 5.4 Colour separation 15 5.5 Collection routes 16 5.6 Collection vehicles 16

6 Reducing cullet contamination: commercial and trade collection 18 6.1 Establishing responsibilities 18 6.2 The role of the cullet collector in minimising contamination 18 6.3 The role of the cullet producer in minimising contamination 19

7 Reducing cullet contamination: post-industrial collection 21 7.1 The role of the cullet collector in minimising contamination 21 7.2 The role of the cullet producer in minimising contamination 21

8 Good management to improve cullet quality 22 8.1 Employee management and training 22 8.2 Effective contract management 22 8.3 Promotion and awareness raising 23

(continued overleaf) CONTENTS

Section Page

1 Introduction 1 1.1 Purpose and content of this Guide 1 1.2 Potential audience 2 1.3 Benefits of glass recycling 2

2 Markets for recovered glass 3 2.1 The sales potential of collected glass 3 2.2 Quantities of glass arisings 3 2.3 Sources of glass arisings 4 2.4 Contacts for cullet collectors 4

3 Contaminant-free cullet 5 3.1 Sources of cullet contamination 5 3.2 Why cullet should be contaminant-free 6

4 Cullet recycling and cost-effective good practice 8 4.1 The main elements of cullet recycling schemes 8 4.2 Cost-effective good practice 8

7 Reducing cullet contamination: post-industrial collection 21 7.1 The role of the cullet collector in minimising contamination 21 7.2 The role of the cullet producer in minimising contamination 21

8 Good management to improve cullet quality 22 8.1 Employee management and training 22 8.2 Effective contract management 22 8.3 Promotion and awareness raising 23

(continued overleaf) CONTENTS (continued)

Section Page

9 Meeting market specifications 25 9.1 Container glass 25 9.2 Flat glass 25 9.3 Domestic glass 25 9.4 Fibreglass 26 9.5 Scientific and technical glasses 26

10 What next? 27

Appendix Contacts for cullet collectors 28 1 INTRODUCTION

In the UK, local authorities and other organisations that collect and recycle waste glass (cullet) have an important environmental role. They are meeting their obligations under recycling duties and, section provided the cullet collected is of sufficiently high quality, they are benefiting from the income 1 received and/or the savings associated with reduced landfill costs.

Cullet collectors, especially local authorities, face a formidable challenge in setting up stable and cost-effective recycling programmes. They must accurately:

■ cost their collections; ■ appraise contractors; ■ assess income against the cost savings from reduced landfill; ■ evaluate the markets available and the prices paid and, in so doing, make an informed decision about the materials to be collected and the system to be used.

1.1 PURPOSE AND CONTENT OF THIS GUIDE

Many factors - commercial, political and technical - influence glass recycling in the UK, but cullet quality control is particularly important if high levels of recycling are to be achieved. The purpose of this Guide is to provide cullet collectors with appropriate advice on best practice for maintaining and, where possible, improving quality control in glass recycling. It aims to help collectors offset some of the costs incurred in cullet quality control, and at the same time provides guidance on maintaining the value and saleability of cullet in the future.

This Guide includes information on:

■ the markets for recovered glass; ■ the need for contaminant-free cullet and the main sources of cullet contamination ■ the main elements of cullet recycling schemes and cost-effective good practice for minimising cullet contamination; ■ specific techniques for reducing cullet contamination in public recycling schemes and during commercial, trade and post-industrial collection initiatives; ■ the importance of good management and promotion; ■ meeting market specifications.

This Guide only considers cullet collected from outside the glass manufacturing industry (‘external’ or ‘ecology’ cullet), and excludes cullet generated during the glass manufacturing process (‘internal’ cullet). It considers all types of external cullet, both ‘post-consumer’ cullet (bottles and jars collected from public glass banks and bins at commercial premises such as public houses, clubs and restaurants) and ‘post-industrial’ cullet (mainly waste flat glass from industrial sources such as window manufacturers and automotive companies).

Most local authorities and private collectors are already aware, to some extent, of cullet quality issues. The techniques outlined in this Guide may add to their knowledge. The information presented demonstrates what is considered to be best practice in cullet handling. It is intended to be a point of reference for those involved in glass recycling, and is designed to encourage improvements in current practice where such measures are cost-effective and contribute to the long-term viability of glass recycling in the UK. It does not represent ‘policy’ or prospects for future standards.

1 In some cases, the quality control measures discussed can be implemented at little cost - they may even generate net savings. In other instances, measures will require some additional, albeit small, resources. It is recognised that many local authorities have only limited resources for recycling activities, and the benefits of applying the measures listed to existing operations would need to be considered separately. However, the recommendations should be practicable when developing new recycling contracts or setting up new schemes. section 1 1.2 POTENTIAL AUDIENCE

This Guide is designed primarily for organisations involved in the glass recycling chain:

■ Cullet collectors - mainly local authorities but also private collectors. It is particularly relevant to collectors that are new to glass recycling and are establishing schemes for the first time. The aim is to help collectors supply cullet of a suitable quality and consistency to the cullet processors. Reducing the number of glass loads rejected by cullet processors saves money and landfill space. ■ Industrial and commercial producers of waste glass. By reducing levels of contamination, these organisations can increase the quantities of waste glass available for recycling. ■ General waste management contractors and hauliers. Improving the quality of cullet will increase the yield of all glass that is collected or transported, thereby developing new commercial opportunities. ■ Cullet processors. The techniques outlined in this Guide should help cullet processors, either directly or through their suppliers, to provide a consistently high quality product to their customers, the glass industry. ■ Glass manufacturers. Every supplier/buyer relationship is a partnership as well as a business arrangement. This Guide should help glass manufacturers to understand more fully the implications on their suppliers of tighter quality requirements further along the recycling chain.

1.3 BENEFITS OF GLASS RECYCLING

The main economic benefit of glass recycling to the cullet collector is the reduction in the quantities of collected glass going to landfill and the associated costs. The cullet sold to the glass producer may also be priced according to its quality, and this value can increase as the quality of the cullet improves.

Other important issues also need to be taken into account. While local authorities are committed to recycling, they need to be seen to be responding to the public’s growing awareness of environmental issues and, in particular, to the expectation that waste should be recycled wherever possible.

At the broader national level, glass recycling can:

■ reduce the consumption of virgin raw materials (1.1 tonne of raw materials saved for every tonne of cullet used); ■ reduce the amount of energy used for glass manufacture (glass made with 100% cullet can use 20 - 35% less energy than glass made wholly from raw materials); ■ reduce harmful emissions to the atmosphere from the manufacturing process.

2 2 MARKETS FOR RECOVERED GLASS

2.1 THE SALES POTENTIAL OF COLLECTED GLASS

To separate glass from the domestic, commercial or industrial waste stream costs money. Those responsible for glass collection therefore need to know whether the glass collected has any value as a recycled material. Table 1 summarises the main items that are likely to arise in recyclable waste glass and the most likely purchaser for each type. It clearly shows what types of glass are saleable section and to whom. However, materials and technologies are constantly evolving, and the development 2 of new processes should, in future, open up avenues for the recycling of types of glass for which there is currently no recycling potential.

Type of glass Main products Cullet used Cullet required Principal customer by container glass maker Soda lime Bottles and jars ✓ Bottles, jars, Glass processors. silica glass some flat glass. Individual glass plants. Tableware ✘ Flat glass ✓ Flat glass only. Glass processors. Lead glasses Crystal tableware ✘ TV screens ✘ VDU screens ✘ Borosilicate glasses Glass fibre ✓ Flat glass. Glass processors. Glass wool insulation ✓ Flat glass. Glass processors. Ovenware ✘ Flasks ✘ Technical glasses Scientific ✘ Frits ✘ Optical ✘

Table 1 Opportunities for recycling collected glass

2.2 QUANTITIES OF GLASS ARISINGS

Around 2.8 million tonnes of glass are manufactured each year in the UK. Although Fibreglass Scientific and technical there is no direct link between UK glass 4.8% 0.2% production and glass entering the waste stream, Flat glass the quantities of each type of glass 25.2% manufactured at the national level will generally be reflected in the quantities of waste glass available for collection. Fig 1 shows the main Tableware 1.6% categories of UK glass production. Of particular Crystal importance to cullet collectors is the fact 0.2% Bottles that the largest glass producers (those and jars manufacturing bottles, jars and flat glass) are 68% also the largest customers for cullet. Fig 1 UK glass production 1995 (total 2 800 000 tonnes) 3 2.3 SOURCES OF GLASS ARISINGS

If cullet collectors are to plan effectively for recovering glass from the waste stream, they need to be aware of the main sources of waste glass. They can then develop a strategy for diverting this glass away from the waste disposal route and towards recycling.

Fig 2 demonstrates the principal glass-cycle flows for the three main forms of glass - bottles, jars and flat glass. Taking bottles and jars as an example, the main sources of waste glass are the general public (domestic waste) together with commercial premises such as pubs and clubs. Within the UK, the public source of glass arisings has long been recognised, and strategies for the recovery of bottles and jars have been in place for many years. However, the collection of glass from other section 2 sources is not so well advanced.

Glass/bottle bank Glass collector 400 000 400 000

Bottle/jar manufacture (primary raw 400 000 materials 1.46 million) Recycle Filler/packer

Retailer Public 1 030 000 waste 1 880 000 1 430 000 1 430 000 420 000 Pub/club and service sector 425 000 450 000 waste

Cullet processor Landfill Construction 25 000 2 135 000 and sales Unknown recovered

700 000 680 000 680 000 680 000 waste

Demolition, dismantling Flat glass Fabricator and commercial glass manufacture 25 000 recovery (primary raw Recycle from plus small materials 700 000) 20 000 controlled quantity Recycle sources flat glass

45 000+ Glass collector Glass collector

NB excludes: fibreglass, domestic and speciality glasses; for this diagram imports and exports are assumed to be equal.

Fig 2 Principal flows in the container and flat glass cycles (tonnes/year)

2.4 CONTACTS FOR CULLET COLLECTORS

The customers for recovered bottles and jars are well known by cullet collectors. However, it is now possible that customers can be found for other types of glass arising as waste. The Appendix lists some useful contacts.

4 3 CONTAMINANT-FREE CULLET

3.1 SOURCES OF CULLET CONTAMINATION

Glass is removed from the waste stream by various collection routes. These include:

■ public glass-collection banks; ■ materials recovery facilities; ■ kerbside collections.

During collection, non-glass materials become mixed with the glass. These are called inclusions. Where cullet of different colours is mixed, this is referred to as colour contamination. Cullet is section usually hand sorted by the processor, glass breakage hampers this operation, and is therefore undesirable. 3

Table 2 summarises the principal contaminants of recycled container and flat glass cullet.

Cullet type Nature of contamination Main sources of contamination Inclusions Colour Breakage Bottles and jars Ceramics/stones Mixing clear, A problem for Soil, concrete at China, stones, amber and green colour separation transfer stations. concrete, porcelain, glass together. at the glass Deposit by the bricks. processing stage. recycling public. Glass ceramics Hotels and Cookware, restaurants cooker hobs. (ceramics). Lead glass Handling and TV screens. transport. Ferrous metals Bottle tops, lids, conveyor equipment. Non-ferrous metals Bottle lids, foils. Organics Excessive food residues. Flat glass Non-ferrous metals Manufacturers. Window frames. Salvage and Other demolition. Bonded windscreens.

Table 2 The principal contaminants of recycled container and flat glass cullet

The forms of cullet contamination shown in Table 2 do not necessarily affect the efficiency of the cullet collection process. However, cullet collectors are at the base of a cullet quality pyramid (Fig 3) which is driven by the need to deliver high-quality glass products to the public. The forms of contamination shown are those that cullet processors and container glass manufacturers would like to see removed to ensure a high-quality final product.

Once contamination has entered the system, it can only be removed (and then sometimes only partially) by specialist cullet processors. This represents an additional cost for the processors, making them less willing to purchase contaminated cullet from collectors.

5 Customer Increasing demand for products demand

for glass Retailers quality

Packers/fillers

Glass makers section 3 Cullet processors

Cullet collectors

Fig 3 The cullet quality pyramid

If cullet quality is to be maintained and improved, this can only be done effectively at the cullet collection stage by:

■ minimising inclusions; ■ ensuring proper colour separation; ■ reducing breakage.

Although improving cullet quality at the collection stage could add to collection costs, appropriate low-cost measures do exist for reducing contamination and contributing to the long-term viability of glass recycling in the UK. These measures are examined in the following Sections of this Guide.

3.2 WHY CULLET SHOULD BE CONTAMINANT-FREE

The level of cullet contamination has a direct influence on cullet value and saleability. Generating contaminant-free cullet is, therefore, vital to the financial viability of the cullet recycling process.

The increase in levels of cullet use that has occurred over the years has only been possible because of substantial improvements in cullet quality. These improvements have been achieved by introducing industry cullet quality standards, better collection facility designs, public awareness campaigns and more advanced technologies for cullet processing. Throughout, the glass industry has worked closely with all involved in the glass recycling process - local authorities, the public, contractors and, in some cases, bottling companies. The emphasis has been on education to prevent contamination. As a result, more than 95% of recycled glass is colour-separated at source, and the quality of the material recycled has consistently improved.

6 Several reasons why cullet quality must continue to be maintained and improved are identified below:

■ The demand for higher quality glass products is growing Quality standards for glass products are continually being upgraded. There are regulations designed to reduce the lead content in container glass, while bottlers are demanding lighter weight, defect-free containers that can only be manufactured from higher quality glass. These changes are having a knock-on effect, increasing the demand for purer raw and recycled materials. ■ There are external pressures to increase cullet use The glass industry is under pressure from external sources to increase recycling rates for glass cullet. The main driving force is the EC Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste, which sets a recovery target for 2001 of between 50 - 65% of all packaging waste, with a recycling target of 25 - 45% and a minimum level for each material of 15%. The UK glass industry’s

contribution to this goal has been to set itself a voluntary recycling target of 50% by 2000. section ■ Contaminants cause damage in newly manufactured glass 3 Inclusions in the cullet cause the formation of internal stress fractures within the finished glass bottles and jars. This, in turn, makes it more difficult for glass producers to meet customers’ specifications. Increasing the proportion of recycled cullet used in the manufacturing process increases the likelihood of both inclusions and colour contamination.

The fact that more than 400 000 tonnes of recycled bottles and jars are accepted by cullet processors each year indicates that cullet collectors are already making a significant improvement to cullet quality. However, to maintain the value and saleability of bottles, jars and other types of glass cullet as the total quantity of glass collected increases, collectors must continue to take account of customer requirements by maintaining and improving future cullet quality.

Contaminant-free cullet = greater value and saleability to cullet processors.

7 4 CULLET RECYCLING AND COST-EFFECTIVE GOOD PRACTICE

In this Section, the main elements of cullet recycling schemes and their advantages and disadvantages are summarised, and cost-effective good practice strategies that are currently being implemented by collectors to avoid cullet contamination are outlined.

4.1 THE MAIN ELEMENTS OF CULLET RECYCLING SCHEMES

Glass cullet can be collected and treated in a number of ways. Each has its own implications for the level of cullet contamination. The main elements influencing glass recycling schemes are:

■ type of cullet; ■ cullet source; ■ type of collection bin; ■ degree of colour separation; section 4 ■ transfer facility. There is no single accepted approach to glass recycling and, in practice, any combination of these elements can make up a glass recycling scheme. Table 3 (see pages 10 and 11) summarises the advantages and disadvantages of each element, paying particular attention to the implications for cullet quality.

4.2 COST-EFFECTIVE GOOD PRACTICE

4.2.1 Checking quality on collection The cullet collection point can provide a first opportunity for checking the quality of a load. This is particularly relevant where collections are made from trade premises as these tend to have smaller (1 100-litre), top-loading bins that can be given a quick visual inspection.

Although the bins generally used for large public glass banks are less amenable to quick inspection on collection, applying the following general principles can help to improve the quality of the cullet delivered to processors:

■ Encourage the driver to note any obvious contamination in the cullet, eg crockery, large metal objects. ■ Inform the site owner if contamination of this type is identified and reaching an agreement with that owner about how the load is to be handled. If the load is the subject of a commercial arrangement, the owner may be required to pay for removing the contamination or to take responsibility for load disposal. Such action is not usually appropriate where collection is from a public site. ■ Take specific measures if contamination problems persist. These might include: - clearer signs highlighting the effects of contaminants; - more receptacles for general litter or other contaminants.

From the point of view of staff management, it can be helpful to ensure that as few drivers as possible are assigned to cullet collection. This improves training and communication on cullet- handling procedure; it also shows a clear allocation of responsibility for cullet quality control.

8 4.2.2 Transfer facilities The need In some circumstances it may be necessary to store the collected cullet before transferring it to a bulk haulage vehicle for onward transportation to the processor. This is particularly common in the case of local authority schemes where each of the three cullet colours is collected separately. The quantity of a particular colour collected at any one time is usually insufficient to fill a 25 - 40 tonne vehicle, and some form of bulking up is therefore needed before long-distance transportation.

The main advantage of using a well-designed and well-operated transfer facility is that it provides a valuable opportunity for inspecting the cullet before sending it on to the processor. Although financial pressures on recycling can limit the manpower and resources available for this activity, inspection at the transfer stage offers the following advantages:

■ No excessively-contaminated loads are sent on to the processor. Processors generally inspect all incoming loads and levy a charge on suppliers if the quality falls below the minimum level set. Inspection at a transfer facility can therefore save the collector - usually the local authority - money. ■ Information on how collection facilities are performing - ie the level of contamination from

certain sites or areas - is provided by cullet processors. section ■ Problem collection sites, vehicles or methods can be identified and remedial action taken. 4 ■ Information about typical contaminants in the area is available. There may, for example, be an excess of ceramics.

Inspection can provide data that are useful in planning awareness-raising campaigns (see Section 8.3) or in reducing contamination through site improvements.

However, every time cullet is deposited on the ground or transferred from one container to another, the risk of contamination and the rate of glass breakage is increased. This applies particularly where a transfer facility is poorly designed and operated. Under these circumstances, collectors may avoid the facility altogether and transport the cullet directly from the collection point to the processor. This is now the situation in The Netherlands where cullet is not allowed to pass through a transfer facility on its way to the glass processor.

The need for a cullet transfer facility depends, ultimately, on local circumstances - on the scale and design of the collection scheme, on the distance of the collection area from the processing plant, and on access to major road networks. For small schemes located well away from the nearest cullet processor, economics may necessitate the use of a bulking-up facility. In other instances, by altering collection routes or the number and location of glass banks, collectors may be able to allow direct transfer to the cullet processor. The key point is, if a transfer facility is used, it should be well designed and operated to minimise any possible contamination.

Design A well-designed transfer facility can make quality control both easier and more effective. The key design considerations are summarised below:

■ Sufficient space for large, 25 - 40 tonne vehicles to deposit/collect loads. ■ Concrete hard standings for cullet storage and access that are stable, are not liable to break up and are free from dirt and grit. ■ Adequate lighting to permit inspection of the cullet when the facility is operated outside the hours of daylight (often the case in winter). ■ Security from vandals or intruders.

9 Element Description

Type of glass Post-consumer Principally container glass cullet, either from households or food and drink outlets.

Post-industrial Flat glass cullet from industry.

Source of cullet Public glass banks Facilities placed in public areas for people to deposit bottles and jars. Major sites, such as civic amenity sites, use glass bank igloos and divisionalised containers. Mini recycling centres tend to use smaller 1 100-litre bins.

Kerbside Collection services provided to households. collection

Commercial Collection services provided to commercial premises - public houses, clubs, section 4 premises restaurants etc.

Bin type Roll-on, roll-off Large, multi-compartment steel containers used in main public sites. (10 - 13 m3) Now outdated and being replaced by more recent modular-type designs.

Modular bins Specially shaped individual containers used at main public sites. One (0.7 - 1.3 m3) container generally provided for each colour of cullet.

Wheeled bins Small wheeled bins of plastic construction used in mini recycling centres or (240 - 1 100 litres) for trade premises.

Type of Rear-loading Vehicle used for collecting household waste. collection refuse-collection vehicle vehicle

Side-loading Bins lifted over the side. Alternatively, operator sorts glass into side vehicle compartments.

Bulk-haulage 25 - 40 tonne (gross vehicle weight) vehicle used for transporting large vehicle loads of cullet.

Colour separation Separation of cullet into clear, green and amber. Mainly carried out at source in the UK.

Transfer facility Facility for transferring small collection loads to large transport vehicles.

Table 3 Main elements of cullet recycling schemes 10 Advantages Disadvantages

Large quantities available. Difficult to control contamination at source. High collection densities. Problems financing collection schemes. Large market available. No specialist processing required. Generally high-quality cullet. Requires specialist processing, eg delamination. Close control of contamination possible. Low collection densities, due to limited sources of supply. Low cost. The individual transports the glass to the glass Limited availability of suitable sites. bank. Limited control over contamination. High collection densities. Risk of vandalism. Large collection volumes - can eliminate the need for Potential local opposition due to environmental problems bulking-up stations. (eg noise, litter and the dangers of broken glass). Can incorporate three-colour separation. High public participation rates. High cost relative to ‘bring’ schemes. Low level of contamination from inclusions. Not always possible to separate into three colours Provides opportunity for collecting other recyclable because of the lack of more complex vehicles. materials. Provides opportunity to pre-sort by colour at the kerbside. Large, untapped source of cullet. Risk of ceramic contamination from hotels and section Increasing willingness of outlets to participate, due to the restaurants. packaging waste regulations and rising costs of waste Not always possible to get three-colour separation from 4 disposal. some outlets. Good quality cullet available from drinking establishments. Economics can be favourable. Easily transferred (by rolling) on to haulage vehicles for Risk of contamination from rusting steel container. transport. Risk of colour contamination from public using wrong No tipping into haulage vehicle, thus reducing glass compartments when overfilled and internal doors not breakage. being secured. More noisy than modular bins. Vehicle manoeuvring space required. Can be attractively designed - increases participation rate. Glass suffers breakage when tipped into transport vehicle. Plastic construction reduces noise from breaking glass. Large enough volume to enable use of large transport truck - this reduces need for an intermediate bulking-up station.

Compact design permits use in small spaces. When full, some bins can buckle under the weight of Use in mini recycling centres has expanded glass collection glass. in areas where larger facilities would be inappropriate. Glass breakage during transfer to transport vehicle. No additional expenditure required for new vehicle. No colour separation possible. Can take large loads due to on-board crushing. Although on-board crushing allows larger loads to be carried, this makes downstream colour separation more difficult.

Allows colour separation and hand sorting by the High cost. operator.

Efficient for transporting large loads. Risk of contamination if haulage vehicle is not regularly cleaned out.

Produces higher value cullet. Higher cost than where cullet is mixed, because of need to Necessary if cullet supply to be matched to future provide more containers/bins, specially designed vehicles demand. for kerbside schemes, lower trip densities for collection vehicles.

Reduces cost of transporting cullet to processor. Risk of contamination from ground surface of storage area. Allows cullet to be checked before dispatch to processor. Higher levels of glass breakage compared with transport directly from pick-up point to processor.

11 ■ Storage bays that are structurally sound, with walls constructed of a material that is not likely to break up as a result of erosion or impact from a loading vehicle. Suitable materials include railway sleepers supported by metal posts (the preferred option) and thick, reinforced- concrete walls with the open ends protected by metal or timber posts to prevent chipping as a result of accidental contact with a loading vehicle. ■ Metal guides on the floor of each bay to ensure that the mechanical scoop used for picking up the cullet remains a few inches off the ground. This prevents the bottom layer of cullet, which is likely to contain a higher proportion of grit, dirt and ceramic, being transferred onwards to the cullet processor. ■ Storage bays that are large enough to hold at least 25 tonnes of one colour or that can hold approximately twice their normal capacity (to cater for peak periods). ■ A storage bay alignment that minimises any possible contamination of clear glass by green glass (Fig 4).

1 Clear 2 Amber 3 Green section 4

Fig 4 Suitable glass bay alignment

■ A storage bay location that avoids contaminating materials such as aggregates or soil. ■ A storage bay design that allows surface water to drain out of the bay. If water can run into the bay it may carry with it unwanted grit and dirt.

Operation Every transfer facility, however well designed, needs to be well operated to minimise any risk of contamination. Best practice in this respect comprises the following:

■ Inspecting all incoming loads by a nominated member of site staff (not the incoming driver). The most effective method is to spread the load in front of the bay and to inspect the whole of it. In any case, at least 10% of the load should be examined. ■ Removing any contamination found in a load. This can be achieved readily by keeping a 50-gallon (or larger) drum at the end of the dividing walls between bays so that operators have somewhere to place unwanted debris. ■ Keeping route records for each vehicle to allow any contamination identified on arrival to be traced back to its source. ■ Regular site cleaning, with storage bays being swept frequently to remove the accumulation of fine material between the metal floor guides, and with the whole site being swept at the end of each working day. Keeping a site clean and tidy not only avoids direct contamination, it also encourages staff to take more care over their work and to ensure that the cullet remains clean. ■ Cleaning all cullet-handling equipment prior to use. This helps to prevent debris being carried into the cullet area on the bucket, wheels or chassis of any mechanical shovel.

12 ■ Checking compatibility between receipt and dispatch to ensure that storage bays do not become overfull. ■ Minimising glass breakage. This can be achieved by unloading the cullet from the haulage vehicle using as low an angle as possible and by educating drivers not to drive over any spilt cullet.

4.2.3 Transportation Cullet can become contaminated during transportation. This can be minimised by adopting various best practice procedures:

■ Limiting the number of haulage contractors used. A regular haulier will be more familiar with handling cullet and will take greater care to avoid contamination. ■ Transporting cullet in vehicles retained only for that purpose. As this may not be feasible for some hauliers, contamination can be minimised by: - properly cleaning - washing or brushing out - any vehicles used beforehand for other loads; - restricting vehicle return loads, wherever possible, to materials that are unlikely to cause contamination, eg sand. ■ Cleaning and inspecting any shovels used for loading cullet. section ■ Nominating a properly trained member of staff at the transfer facility to: 4 - inspect the vehicle for cleanliness; - supervise loading operations, thereby ensuring correct cullet handling and minimum contamination; - check the quality of the cullet being loaded into the vehicle during the loading procedure; - complete a transfer form and make sure that each bulk haulage delivery to the processor is accompanied by a completed form. ■ Making sure that haulage vehicles are covered during transit. This is particularly important for the higher quality cullet used in flat glass production, as grit picked up from the road can be a significant source of contamination. ■ Documenting all haulage movements properly.

13 5 REDUCING CULLET CONTAMINATION: PUBLIC RECYCLING SCHEMES

About three-quarters of all cullet collected in the UK currently comes from glass banks, and much of the contamination in the cullet is generated at source by the users of these facilities. It is possible to maintain control of cullet quality, even during a period of expansion, if sufficient care is paid to setting up and operating a cullet recycling scheme. This Section examines the relevant issues.

5.1 TYPES OF COLLECTION SCHEME

Contamination from inclusions can be minimised by paying attention to the design of the collection scheme. Although best practice is to achieve as much control as possible over the materials put into collection bins, some types of collection scheme are more controllable than others. All schemes should encourage the separation of cullet, as far as possible, into the three main colours.

5.1.1 Kerbside schemes Generally, kerbside schemes offer the highest quality cullet and are of two main types:

■ Kerbside collection with three-colour sorting by the vehicle driver. The driver is trained in separating materials and can therefore control exactly what goes into each compartment of the vehicle. However, because the driver has to do the sorting, these schemes tend to be section 5 more expensive to operate than the alternatives. ■ Kerbside collection with sorting by the householder. Householders are provided with bins and are able to sort materials in their own time at home, generally achieving good separation and low levels of contamination. However, the provision of up to three bins per household is more costly than a bring scheme (see Section 5.1.2).

An advantage common to both types of kerbside scheme is that collectors can leave contaminant items behind in the receptacles, thereby indicating to householders those materials that cannot be accepted with the glass.

5.1.2 Bring schemes Bring schemes are also of two types:

■ Mini recycling centres (MRCs). These consist of a group of 1 100-litre bins for recycling various materials, including glass. Participants tend to be local residents who generally take greater care when using these facilities than those who use the larger public bring facilities. MRCs are particularly useful within cities and large towns where there is often insufficient space to install larger facilities. ■ Large public recycling facilities. These consist of larger containers placed in multiple-use locations, such as supermarket car parks. They attract a wide range of participants, but the awareness of contamination issues and the care with which these facilities are used is not as great as with the other types of scheme described above.

14 5.2 THE COLLECTION SITE

Contamination can be minimised by using an appropriately designed collection site. Key features include:

■ Placing bins of the bottom-loading type, for example igloos, on a clean, hard surface. This reduces the possibility of mud and stones sticking to the bottom of the bin and dropping into the vehicle or storage bay during discharge. ■ Ensuring that the glass banks are well secured and the area well lit. Well-lit sites, with bins secured to the ground, can reduce vandalism and help to minimise contamination. ■ Making sufficiently frequent collections to meet the peaks in cullet supply. Allowing one or more bins to overflow can present a serious problem. Users may respond by putting containers into bins designed for cullet of a different colour. Furthermore, if bottles and jars are left lying around, the site soon starts to look untidy. This, in turn, discourages participants from using the facility with any level of care and can result in further contamination. Careful monitoring will quickly identify any changes in collection frequency that are necessary. ■ Investigating sites that have ongoing contamination problems and taking measures to reduce this contamination. ■ Displaying clearly the instructions for glass bank use, checking them regularly and replacing them whenever they become damaged or worn. Further advice on communication is given in Section 8.3.

section 5.3 COLLECTION BINS 5 The variety of bins available is considerable, and collectors can influence cullet quality by making their choice carefully and, more particularly, by:

■ Selecting a bin shape that is distinctive and appealing. Making sure that bins are appropriate to the local surroundings is particularly important for schemes that depend on local community participation. ■ Ensuring that bins are kept clean and in good condition. Clean bins will help to encourage responsible glass recycling. ■ Avoiding roll-on, roll-off bins at large public recycling sites. Problems have been experienced with the internal partitions in these containers, and this has resulted in cross-colour contamination. Furthermore, instructions for colour separation are not as clear as they are for separate modular bins and, if one colour compartment becomes full, users are likely to use an adjacent one, irrespective of colour-labelling. ■ Providing clear information on the bins about what can be recycled and what is not acceptable. ■ Taking steps to minimise glass breakage during collection and handling. This will allow the cullet to be sorted manually by the cullet processor. Various features can be incorporated into the bins to minimise breakage, for example rubber coatings on the bin floor or cross-wires inside the bin. The practicability and cost implications of such features can be taken into account when new bins are purchased.

5.4 COLOUR SEPARATION

More than 95% of post-consumer cullet collected in the UK is sorted at source into the three main colours: clear, amber and green. Colour contamination occurs when these colours are mixed at the collection point. Levels of contamination vary.

15 There are several reasons why colour mixing occurs:

■ the bin containing one particular colour may be full; ■ depositors may not understand the consequences of mixing colours; ■ depositors may believe that further extensive sorting will take place later in the recycling process.

Collection site operators can minimise colour mixing by:

■ providing separate bins for each colour; ■ ensuring that bin colour is the same as the colour of the cullet to be collected in that bin; ■ providing information about the colour of glass to be deposited in each bin (if bins of an appropriate colour are not available), and using large, bright letters that can be read easily, even at night.

Collection site operators have several options with regard to blue glass. The preferred option is to discourage the recycling of this glass as it is a colour contaminant, although an alternative is to provide special bins for blue glass collection. Where neither discouragement nor segregation is practicable, collectors can minimise contamination by asking depositors to place blue glass in the green-glass bins. However, concentrations may then exceed 5%, in which case collectors will need to contact the cullet processor so that arrangements can be made for the green/blue cullet to be correctly handled. section 5 5.5 COLLECTION ROUTES

One of the main decisions to be taken by those operating glass collection sites is the scheduling of collection and the choice of routes. There are several influencing factors:

■ the number and density of sites from which collections must be made, ie public collection sites; ■ the frequency of collection that is required for different colours or popular sites; ■ the level of collections from commercial premises, if these are included in routes to and from public recycling centres.

Economic factors play a large part in the decisions made, but contamination can be minimised by:

■ calculating routes and collection frequencies that will: - achieve the most effective colour separation; - eliminate the need for transfer facilities and allow delivery directly to the cullet processor; - allow service of popular sites to avoid overfilling and extra clear-up costs being incurred.

5.6 COLLECTION VEHICLES

5.6.1 Vehicle design Vehicle technology is changing and improving all the time, and cullet collection vehicles are now available in a range of designs. Some of these vehicles are custom-built, and many incorporate features that can help to improve cullet quality:

■ Various devices, for example, wires strung across the collection compartment, are used to minimise glass breakage. Devices of this type must be able to operate efficiently within the collection scheme being used.

16 ■ Side-loading, multi-compartment vehicles help to minimise the height from which cullet is dropped into the vehicle, again reducing breakage. ■ The inclusion of a separate bin for general wastes is an important consideration. Vehicle operators are often required to clean collection areas after loading the cullet. If no separate bin is available for the waste sweepings, these often end up in the most convenient place - the vehicle’s cullet bay.

Rear-loading waste collection vehicles that incorporate a compactor are not appropriate for cullet collection. They generally have only one compartment and therefore cannot be used on routes where cullet of more than one colour is collected on each journey. The compactors also crush the bottles and jars, causing problems for hand sorting at the processing stage.

5.6.2 Vehicle operation Various vehicle operational procedures can minimise cullet contamination:

■ inspecting all vehicles for dirt prior to use and, if necessary, cleaning them; ■ checking any partitions designed to separate colours and making sure they are properly secured; ■ checking before each collection trip that the space available in each colour compartment is suitable for the route; ■ releasing the cullet from the bin into the vehicle from as low a height as possible to minimise noise and glass breakage.

section 5

17 6 REDUCING CULLET CONTAMINATION: COMMERCIAL AND TRADE COLLECTION

Licensed public houses, clubs, hotels and restaurants in the UK generate substantial quantities of cullet, but less than 10% is currently recycled. Glass manufacturers, glass recyclers and the drinks industry now recognise that this sector needs to be tapped if future recycling targets are to be met.

While commercial premises represent a potentially good source of consistent cullet, they also pose a considerable risk of contamination from ceramics. Good quality cullet will be available from these establishments only if both cullet producers and cullet collectors agree on the issues involved.

6.1 ESTABLISHING RESPONSIBILITIES

Whether the collection of cullet from commercial premises is undertaken on a commercial basis or is carried out free of charge, it is the collector’s responsibility to work in partnership with the cullet producer to ensure that the cullet is of suitable quality to be passed on to the processor.

Acceptable cullet quality is best achieved by a combination of co-operation and contractual agreement between the cullet collector and cullet producer. A contractual agreement would normally establish the responsibilities of each party, typically as follows:

■ responsibility for the quality of the cullet to be collected to rest with the cullet producer, with acceptable levels of contamination (inclusions and colour-mixing) specified in the agreement; ■ loads only to be collected if, after visual inspection by the vehicle driver, the cullet is deemed to be acceptable; section ■ the cullet producer to be responsible either for the disposal/further treatment of a load that 6 is thought to be contaminated or for paying a suitable fee to the collector for its disposal; ■ the cullet producer to inform the collector if, for any reason, quality specifications cannot be met; ■ the cullet collector to guarantee, within reasonable limits, to collect from the premises at regular times.

6.2 THE ROLE OF THE CULLET COLLECTOR IN MINIMISING CONTAMINATION

The cullet collector can minimise contamination by:

■ Completing a record of collection routes each working day. This will allow any contaminated loads to be traced to a particular route. ■ Minimising the number of drivers employed to collect the cullet. This not only makes training and communication easier and more effective, it can also create more of a team spirit between drivers. This is important in maintaining an enthusiastic approach to quality. ■ Making sure that drivers are fully trained in cullet quality issues. ■ Making sure that drivers: - do not collect cullet from any bin found to be contaminated; - place a notice on the contaminated bin stating that the quality of the contents is below standard and explaining why this conclusion has been reached.

This feeds back to those responsible at the cullet production premises and highlights the importance of quality control. 18 ■ Charging an appropriate fee for the removal of contaminated cullet. ■ Carrying out random checks on premises to ensure that correct procedures are being followed. ■ Stopping collections from premises where cullet quality is often below the agreed standard. ■ Making sure that high-quality, colour-separated cullet from one source is not mixed with colour-contaminated cullet from another source, even if total contamination remains at an acceptably low level.

Since part of the collector’s role is to inform cullet producers of their obligations and to help them achieve as high a standard of cullet as possible, collectors might also consider:

■ Providing training information for the producer’s staff. This would explain the problems caused by contamination, and the need to reduce it. ■ Providing regular feedback on the quantities and quality of cullet collected from each producer. This can be presented in terms that reinforce the environmental benefits of glass recycling, for example showing how much waste has been diverted from landfill. This also allows staff to see the fruits of their efforts. ■ Awarding certificates for good practice to producers with good track records. Incentives, such as discounts for a period of good quality cullet, may also be an option.

6.3 THE ROLE OF THE CULLET PRODUCER IN MINIMISING CONTAMINATION

The cullet producer is responsible for ensuring that the cullet from his/her premises is of acceptable quality. To ensure consistency in this respect, various good practice measures can be adopted. These include: section ■ Allocating responsibilities so that only nominated staff (ideally only one per shift) place waste glass in the collection bins. The greater the number of people involved in this activity, the 6 higher the risk of contamination. ■ Training all nominated staff in cullet quality issues and in the importance of keeping the cullet free from contamination (for example, by placing stickers and posters at collection sites, see Fig 5). ■ Ensuring that all bins are secured with a lock and that only nominated members of staff hold the key. This will prevent unauthorised people using the bins. At the end of each shift, the key can be transferred to the next nominated staff member.

19 PUB, CLUB, HOTEL & RESTAURANT COMMERCIAL GLASS COLLECTION The recycling of glass reduces your waste disposal costs and saves valuable energy and natural resources. To ensure success please observe the following:

ensure that the bins are easily DO accessible for collection. ensure that only glass bottles DO and jars are included. separate the glass into CLEAR, AMBER and GREEN colours and put DO BLUE bottles in the GREEN bin. section 6 contact your local collector if you DO have any questions. DO NOT mix glass colours. include flat glass, ceramics, DO NOT crockery, glass ovenware. contaminate the bin with refuse, DO NOT drinks cans or plastic bottles. Your local collector is:

Fig 5 An example of recycling advice to staff on commercial premises

20 7 REDUCING CULLET CONTAMINATION: POST-INDUSTRIAL COLLECTION

Post-industrial (flat glass) cullet is collected by specialist firms which have the processing techniques for turning it into the required form. This processed cullet is then re-used in the container and flat glass sectors. Very little of this type of cullet goes through local authorities, except for that associated with abandoned vehicles and demolition waste.

7.1 THE ROLE OF THE CULLET COLLECTOR IN MINIMISING CONTAMINATION

Those involved in post-industrial cullet collection can maximise the quality of the glass collected by:

■ Drawing up a clear statement of the cullet specification required and incorporating this into a formal agreement that also specifies the responsibilities of each party. At present, most collectors use rules of thumb to decide whether or not a load is severely contaminated. ■ Imposing financial penalties on the cullet producer if a load is found to be sub-standard. ■ Helping to train and educate producers so that they maintain a proper vigilance in relation to the quality of cullet supplied. ■ Ensuring that drivers inspect all cullet before loading it on to the vehicle, notifying the producer of any contamination as soon as possible and keeping a record of the occurrence.

7.2 THE ROLE OF THE CULLET PRODUCER IN MINIMISING CONTAMINATION

The post-industrial cullet producer is in the best position to control the quality of post-industrial cullet and can achieve this by:

■ Making one member of staff responsible for controlling cullet quality. The responsible person section can then ensure that anyone else using the cullet bin acts in accordance with the quality 7 procedures laid down. ■ Training employees and contractors in waste-glass management. Contractors sometimes carry out work at weekends or during the night, without site supervision, and workers have been known to use cullet bins as general waste skips. ■ Making sure that all waste-glass bins carry notices that clearly state which materials are acceptable and which are unacceptable. ■ Placing a smaller container close to the waste-glass bin for the disposal of unacceptable items. This encourages the person disposing of the glass to separate out unwanted items.

21 8 GOOD MANAGEMENT TO IMPROVE CULLET QUALITY

Good management is an essential component of improving cullet quality and it applies to all aspects of the cullet recycling process. This Section examines briefly three aspects of good management.

8.1 EMPLOYEE MANAGEMENT AND TRAINING

Effective management and training of employees help to ensure that the relatively simple procedures for quality control are followed at every stage of cullet recycling - collection, handling, storage and transportation. Good management and proper training also encourage the continued commitment of employees. Managers can achieve their objectives in this respect by:

■ Allocating responsibility for cullet quality to a single member of staff. One approach is to include the term ‘Cullet Inspector’ in the nominated staff member’s job description. This raises the profile of cullet quality for the people involved. It also makes training and any communication of information about cullet quality more effective. ■ Providing clear, written procedures for the staff involved, whatever their job. ■ Clearly defining the responsibilities of, and quality control procedures to be followed by, commercial cullet collection companies and other contractors. ■ Holding regular training and awareness sessions for all staff and contractors involved. Anyone coming into contact with cullet could cause contamination and benefits accrue if staff are made aware of the potential problems. ■ Sending responsible members of staff on training courses for cullet management. ■ Awarding certificates of competence in maintaining cullet quality.

8.2 EFFECTIVE CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

The contracts that control the flow of cullet from its point of collection to the glass industry have a particularly important role to play in ensuring that good quality cullet is delivered to the cullet processor. Such contracts may be for: section ■ managing and operating kerbside collection schemes; 8 ■ managing glass bank sites, recycling centres, civic amenity sites and material recovery facilities; ■ collecting cullet from glass banks or from commercial or industrial premises; ■ managing transfer stations (where applicable); ■ managing bulk transfer to cullet processors; ■ making arrangements between the cullet processor and cullet supplier.

These contracts take many forms and may involve many different parties. Whenever a contract that involves glass recycling is being negotiated, it is good practice to look closely at the technical aspects of the contract, particularly to:

■ clarify who is responsible for quality control; ■ identify quality control procedures; ■ make provision for staff training and management.

22 8.3 PROMOTION AND AWARENESS RAISING

Without doubt the most important aspect of quality control in cullet collection schemes, particularly those that involve the public, is communicating the importance of avoiding contamination. This message can be communicated either at the collection site itself (short-term and medium-to-long- term) or through more general awareness-raising campaigns, eg visits to local schools.

8.3.1 Collection site communication Short-term To date, the approach adopted for informing the public about how to use glass banks has been the KISS - Keep It Stupidly Simple - approach. This has successfully made clear what should and should not be put into glass banks, and has avoided giving too many discouraging instructions. Fig 6 is a good example of a poster that can be used at glass banks. Posters can often be obtained from cullet processors.

plates NO or cups glass GLASS saucepans, or similar NO cookware BOTTLES plate glass or glass NO tableware

ceramics section & JARS NO 8 NO metals please colour separate your glass

Fig 6 A typical glass bank poster

TheONLY demand today is for a higher-quality cullet, and it is now important to modify the KISS messages so that people understand why it is important to avoid contamination. Glass recycling has been in existence in the UK for more than 15 years, and most members of the public are familiar with the basic requirements. They are, therefore, more likely to be receptive to a more informative approach.

23 Local authorities and other cullet collectors can maintain the quality of information provided to the public via on-site posters by emphasising the following points:

■ By using a glass bank the public are not only preventing their waste from going to landfill, they are also providing a raw material for the UK glass industry. ■ The glass industry cannot use this recycled material if it is contaminated. ■ While most metal contamination can be removed during processing, the contamination caused by crockery, glass ceramics and colour mixing cannot be removed. These items must not enter the chain at all.

Information along the following lines would be particularly useful:

The entire load of cullet will be contaminated and will require further processing or even disposal to landfill if the following are included: ■ one small item of crockery or glass ceramic, for example a cup, saucer, stopper or item of cooking glass; ■ two or more green bottles in every 100 clear bottles.

The messages should also explain what to do with unwanted materials (ceramics, blue glass, etc). Wherever possible, new posters should explain that these materials should be either taken home or put in the general waste bin - if one has been provided.

Medium-to-long-term As bins wear out and are replaced, they may be upgraded and at the same time can incorporate improved means of displaying these essential messages. Well-designed bins can themselves provide strong messages. Words or symbols (symbols tend to have a greater impact) can, for example, be moulded or imprinted on to the bins. Specifications for improvements of this type can be written into purchase agreements.

8.3.2 Awareness-raising campaigns The glass industry and most local authorities are already actively involved in promoting glass recycling throughout the community. Local authority recycling officers and representatives from the glass industry, for example, often make visits to schools and to a range of public events. section 8 Good practice in these awareness-raising campaigns involves using the most effective promotional channels. Television has the widest impact and should be used where possible. Video programmes showing the glass-making process and the role of cullet in that process would also have a strong impact. The message should not only encourage people to participate in glass recycling, it should also emphasise the significance of contamination and the effect that it can have on the recycling process.

24 9 MEETING MARKET SPECIFICATIONS

9.1 CONTAINER GLASS

Increasing competition for supermarket shelf space is driving food and drink producers to demand bottles and jars that are unique, lighter in weight and of higher quality. Every beer bottle, for example, has to conform to more than ten very exacting specifications before it is filled. These specifications include height, width, colour, inclusions and appropriate results from various other glass defect tests.

To meet these more exacting demands, container manufacturers need access to higher-quality raw materials. Since cullet is now a major raw material in container manufacture, it too must meet the strict quality requirements imposed on all the raw materials used for glass production.

Table 4 summarises:

■ the current quality standards required by the largest UK glass recycling processor for glass delivered from cullet collectors; ■ the current quality standards required by two of the major UK container glass producers for glass delivered from cullet processors; ■ typical levels of contamination in cullet currently supplied to the two major UK container glass producers.

Although other glass manufacturers and recyclers may apply slightly different quality standards, the figures in Table 4 are indicative of current general trends in the industry. Furthermore, as cullet use increases in the future, quality standards are likely to be tightened, particularly in relation to colour and organic contamination.

9.2 FLAT GLASS

As in the container glass sector, the quality of flat glass demanded by customers is continuing to increase. Quality standards for plate glass (float) and rolled glass are around 20 times more stringent than those for container glass, and suppliers of cullet to the flat glass sector have to meet exacting quality standards. Sources of cullet include architectural and automotive window manufacturers.

9.3 DOMESTIC GLASS section Domestic glass must be free from any off-white coloration. All bottle and jar glass, even clear glass, 9 contains small amounts of iron and chromium which give the glass a greenish tinge. Although this green colour can be moderated by adding other minerals, such as selenium and cobalt, this approach is not desirable for economic and technical reasons. Therefore, container glass cullet is not used in the production of domestic glass.

25 Contaminant Cullet delivered to Cullet delivered to the glass processor the glass producer Quality standards Quality standards Typical levels (grams/tonne) (grams/tonne) (grams/tonne) Inclusions Ferrous metals n/a1 50 Clear 20 - 40 Amber 30 - 35 Green 20 - 35 Non-ferrous metals n/a 20 All colours 0 - 1 Ceramics and stones 150 20 Clear 8 - 9 Amber 8 - 10 Green 5 - 8 Organic n/a 3 000 Clear 1 050 - 1 560 (paper, card etc) Amber 1 070 - 1 800 Green 1 200 - 1 800 Moisture n/a Shows no drainage No drainage (2% max) Particle size As little breakage 50 mm diameter <50 mm diameter as possible (no excessive fines)

Quality standards Quality standards Typical levels % % % Colour contamination Clear by amber 2 2 negligible by green 2 1.5 0.42 - 0.54 Amber by green 5 10 0 - 10 by white 5 12 2 - 8 Green by amber 5 10 0 - 10 by white 5 12 0 - 10

1 n/a - not applicable Table 4 Current quality standards for container cullet

9.4 FIBREGLASS

The process specification of glass wool and other fibreglass products allows the use of both plate glass and container glass cullet in its manufacture.

9.5 SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL GLASSES section 9 The unique properties of speciality scientific and technical glasses are derived from their very specific chemical compositions, and most external cullet has the wrong chemical constituents for use in products of this type. Furthermore, for most applications, speciality glasses must be made of very pure materials with very low levels of contamination that are typically below the levels found in cullet.

26 10 WHAT NEXT?

This Guide has examined the ways in which local authorities and private organisations can improve the quality of the cullet they collect, whether through a public recycling scheme, via commercial and trade collections or from industry. If your organisation collects cullet in one or more of these ways, you may benefit from answering the following questions:

■ Is kerbside collection from the public an economic option? ■ Are glass bank sites secure and managed in a way that encourages responsible use? ■ Are the instructions for glass bank use adequate? ■ Are collections from glass bank sites sufficiently frequent? ■ Do the types of bin used encourage effective colour separation and minimise breakage? ■ Has collection from licensed premises been maximised? ■ Are any checks made on cullet quality at the collection stage? ■ Is it necessary to use a transfer facility, or could collections be rescheduled or re-routed so that deliveries are made directly to the cullet processor? ■ If a transfer facility is necessary, is it designed and managed to minimise cullet contamination? Could any improvements be made? ■ Is proper attention paid to the design and operation of vehicles used for collecting and transporting cullet? ■ Are vehicles cleaned before each journey? ■ Are haulage vehicles covered during transit? ■ Are specific members of staff made responsible for cullet quality? ■ Are employees, including drivers, properly trained in cullet handling at every stage of the collection, storage and transportation process? ■ Are the relevant contracts designed to maximise cullet quality? ■ What steps have been taken to improve public awareness of the need for cullet quality?

If, after reading this Good Practice Guide, you would like help with specific queries on improving cullet quality, or with any environmental problem, please contact the Environmental Helpline on 0800 585794.

section 10

27 Appendix CONTACTS FOR CULLET COLLECTORS

A list of useful contacts is given below. This listing is not exhaustive and has been compiled from information currently available to the Environmental Technology Best Practice Programme. The listing of an organisation should not be regarded as an endorsement of its services or products by the Programme. Similarly, the Programme makes no claim for the competence or otherwise of any organisation not listed.

Further advice may be obtained from the Environmental Helpline on 0800 585794.

Main products Company Location Telephone Bottles and jars British Glass Recycling Company Sheffield 0114 268 4067 T Berryman and Sons South Kirkby 01977 608020 Richardsons Birmingham 0121 522 2345 UK Waste Management High Wycombe 01494 449944 GST Recycling Ashfield 01159 519009 Northern Cullet Barnsley 01226 246541 Glass Recycling UK Barnsley 01226 727298 Container glass producers Rockware Knottingley 01977 674111 United Glass Harlow 01279 422222 PLM Redfearn Barnsley 01226 710211 Gregg & Co Knottingley 01977 672661 Flat glass producers Pilkington Glass St Helens 01744 28882 Tableware Ravenhead Glass St Helens 01744 26411 Dema Glass Chesterfield 01246 277288 Fibre/mineral/wool Owens Corning Fibreglass St Helens 01744 693404 Rockwool South Wales 01656 868284 British Gypsum-Isover Runcorn 01928 719197 Scientific, tubes and lamps EC Recycling Belfast 01232 745241 Independent Services Waste Manchester 0161 877 0977 Management Electronic goods Mayer Cohen South Wales 01495 272777

OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS

Company Location Telephone Trade Associations (UK) Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee Cheshire 01244 603584 Glasmo Sheffield 0114 268 6201 Environmental Services Association London 0171 824 8882 British Glass Manufacturers Confederation Sheffield 0114 268 6201 Trade Associations (overseas) European Recycling and Recovery Association Brussels 00 32 2772 5252 FEVE (European Glass Industry Association) Brussels 00 32 2539 3434 appx Vereen Glasfabrieken Holland 00 31 10 426 0200 Glashutte Budenheim GmbH Germany 00 49 6139 88101 A1 Federation des Chambres Syndicales de l’Industrie du Verre France 00 33 1 4265 6002 Glass Packaging Institute USA 00 1 317 283 1603

28 The Environmental Technology Best Practice Programme is a joint Department of Trade and Industry and Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions programme. It is managed by AEA Technology plc through ETSU and the National Environmental Technology Centre.

The Programme offers free advice and information for UK businesses and promotes environmental practices that:

■ increase profits for UK industry and commerce;

■ reduce waste and pollution at source.

To find out more about the Programme please call the Environmental Helpline on freephone 0800 585794. As well as giving information about the Programme, the Helpline has access to a wide range of environmental information. It offers free advice to UK businesses on technical matters, environmental legislation, conferences and promotional seminars. For smaller companies, a free counselling service may be offered at the discretion of the Helpline Manager.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE ENVIRONMENTAL HELPLINE 0800 585794 e-mail address: [email protected] World wide web: http://www.etsu.com/ETBPP/