Want to know how to dispose of broken window glass?
Broken windows are not good. Not only are they dangerous and a risk harming somebody, but they also look terrible.
A number of different external factors or incidents can cause a broken window, such as an accident or adverse weather conditions. These factors leave a pile of smashed glass over the floor.
While this may not seem like a big deal, a surprising number of people do not know how to correctly dispose of broken or shattered window glass. The type of glass used in modern windows does not break in the same way as regular glass, and should not be treated in the same way. Incorrect treatment could lead to injury or another accident.
Read on to find out more about correctly handling and disposing of this type of glass! If you’re unfortunate enough to have a window broken, then you will know what to do, and how to handle it!
Do Not Throw It In The Recycling Bin
Most types of broken glass can be thrown into your standard recycling bin. With broken window glass, however, it requires a more specialist recycling method.
In order to be sufficiently and effectively recycled, window pane glass must be subjected to different temperatures than normal glass.
Putting broken window glass in with the regular recycling is very dangerous. Due to its structure, it almost always smashes into large, pointy shards when shattered. These shards a large enough, and sharp enough, to slice right through the bag and into your hand. Putting window glass into the recycling also makes the other items invalid. This ruins the whole load of recycling – which is not very environmentally friendly.
Do Not Throw It Directly In The Bin
As mentioned earlier, window glass breaks into dangerously large shards. These shards can rip through any bin liners or bags and into your hands.
Instead, when you dispose of broken window glass correctly, you must crush each large shard into small pieces – making it less of a threat. The correct way to do this is:
- Wrap each piece in either a towel or some other heavy-duty cloth – ensuring it doesn’t rip.
- Take a hammer (or similar) and carefully hit the wrapped shards to break them up.
- Make sure that you wear goggles or safety glasses to avoid any eye injury.
- Carefully place into a small box – like a shoebox.
- Tape the box shut, and label it with ‘Caution: Broken Glass’.
- Place it in the outdoor bin the night before collection day.
You should also make sure that you keep the glass and the box away from children!
Do not wrap the broken glass in newspaper – this will rip just like any other bag.
Summary – How To Dispose Of Your Broken Window Glass Correctly
Now that you know how to safely and correctly dispose of your broken window glass, you can handle any breaks or window accidents without worrying!
One final point is, if you’re getting new windows, you can see if your new suppliers and installers will take the window and glass to properly recycle it!
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If you’re interested in new windows or doors for your home, then don’t be afraid to get in touch!
