City recycles 75% of glass after bin change

Glass recycling in green bins was introduced in Leeds a year ago

Households in Leeds have recycled 12,000 tonnes of glass since a new collection service began a year ago.

Residents have been able to put glass in their green bins since 1 August 2024, as part of Leeds City Council's plan to cut carbon emissions.

The authority said the glass recycling levels in the city had increased from 48% to 75% in the first 12 months of the programme, saving 464 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Glass is then sorted at a Leeds plant and re-melted at Yorkshire facilities to produce new bottles and jars, ready for reuse within a month.

However, the council has urged residents to recycle even more glass in their green bins, as 25% of all glass is still being put in black bins, according to a spokesperson for the authority.

There are also 700 glass recycling banks around the city, which can hold up to 3,000 bottles and jars.

Executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space Mohammed Rafique said: "The first year of household glass collections has been a big success so we'd like to say a big thank you to everyone in Leeds for their efforts.

"Let's all work together to make the second year of glass collections even more successful than the first, to help the environment and the Yorkshire economy so that everyone wins."

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