{"id":3758,"date":"2022-03-01T15:09:01","date_gmt":"2022-03-01T20:09:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/info.glass.com\/?p=3758"},"modified":"2022-12-09T11:26:17","modified_gmt":"2022-12-09T16:26:17","slug":"how-to-recycle-old-windows","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.glass.com\/info\/how-to-recycle-old-windows\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Recycle Old Glass Windows"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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You\u2019ve done your homework and researched the educational content here on glass.com<\/u><\/a> and now you\u2019re ready\u2014ready to buy new windows for your home. Congratulations on a purchase decision that can pay you back in reduced heating and cooling costs, as well as a more comfortable living environment. Now, you may be wondering, what should you do with the old windows in your home? Here\u2019s what not to do: don\u2019t just toss them out with the garbage. There are many options for both recycling and reusing old windows. But how do you start to recycle old glass windows?<\/p>

Before You Begin<\/strong><\/h2>

\"recycling<\/p>

Keep this in mind: Paint in homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint, a leading cause of lead poisoning in children. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires anyone renovating houses built before 1978 to take steps to reduce the dust generated when the paint is disturbed. This is because it may contain lead from the lead-based paint. The\u00a0Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule<\/a> affects renovations \u2014 including door and window replacements \u2014 that disturbs more than six square feet of a pre-1978 home\u2019s interior. These renovations must follow rigorous and costly work practices to protect residents from exposure to lead, which can be especially dangerous for young children. The work must be supervised by an EPA-certified renovator and performed by an EPA-certified renovation firm. You can learn more by reading \u201cLead Paint and Window Replacement: What You Need to Know.\u201d<\/a><\/p>

You will also need to give special attention to the disposal of your old windows if they contain lead paint. Dispose of any construction material that contains lead paint \u2014including windows and doors\u2014as household hazardous waste at a local solid waste facility.<\/p>

Where to Recycle Old Windows<\/strong><\/h2>

Building Materials Reuse Centers<\/strong><\/h3>

If lead paint isn\u2019t a concern, there are a number of options for recycling your old windows.<\/p>

Most recycling centers probably won\u2019t take the glass in the windows, but with a little work, you\u2019ll find you have a number of options.<\/p>

Start by separating the recyclable glass from glass that is trash. You can trash any glass that has cracks, chips or holes. You can also trash badly soiled or stained glass that you can\u2019t get clean. Read more about how to dispose of glass safely here<\/a>.<\/p>

To remove the non-recyclable glass, cover it with a towel and use a hammer to chip it out. Be sure and wear safety goggles and gloves whenever you\u2019re working with glass.<\/p>

Once your windows are ready, search your area for building materials reuse centers that accept used building materials, rather than sending them to a landfill. The Building Material Reuse Association maintains a directory that you can search to find a center near you. But check in advance to ensure they accept windows.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Recycling with Non-Profits<\/strong><\/p>

You might also find there are stores in your area that accept donations of used buildings materials. One example is Habitat for Humanity, which has more than 500 ReStores\u00a0nationwide. As with building material reuse centers, you will want to call in advance to make sure they accept windows. Also, be sure to request a receipt, as you can write your donation off on your taxes.<\/p>

But What About the Glass?<\/strong><\/h2>

While glass bottles and containers are highly recycled<\/a>, that’s not the case for window glass, which is very different. The two types of glass have different chemical compositions and melting temperatures, which means they can’t be recycled together. Bottles and containers are fairly consistent, window glass is more complex. Window glass is often coated or tinted. Also, depending on the application where it’s used, it could be laminated or tempered glass<\/a>. The many different types of window glass<\/a> cannot be combined in the recycling process.<\/p>

However, while window glass<\/a> may not be recycled easily, there are many options for keeping it out of the landfill. For example, it can be melted and re-manufactured into\u00a0fiberglass, incorporated into asphalt, and even combined into reflective yellow and white road paints. Broken glass can be combined with concrete to create\u00a0terrazzo\u00a0flooring and countertops. Some companies even use old glass for landscaping materials and other decorative applications.<\/p>

You can also check with local art schools, as you may be able to donate it to artists who work with glass<\/a>.<\/p>

Feeling Crafty?<\/strong><\/h2>

If you’re a creative person, there are plenty of fun ideas for re-purposing<\/a> and re-using your old windows. These can form the basis of many interior decorating projects, as well as some for the outside. A quick search through Pinterest for re-used old windows will generate hundreds of inspirational ideas. Here are just a few you can try:<\/p>