Can Windscreens Be Recycled?

Glass is one of the easiest materials to recycle. In the UK, over 50% of container glass is recycled into new glass-based products. There are different grades of glass used in different industries, making it difficult to melt these products together, so windscreens must be recycled separately to everything else.

If your windscreen is beyond repair, then it’s worth enquiring about recycling your windscreen as it could otherwise end up in landfills – damaging our environment in the process.

What type of glass is a windscreen?

Windscreen glass is more sturdy and resistant to weathering than other glass and is built to last over many years. A windscreen is constructed of layers, as a layer of plastic is placed between two layers of tempered glass – a safety glass used for windows – to stop them from breaking into sharp pieces when broken.

Due to the use of various layers of different materials, windscreen recycling falls under both glass and plastic recycling. Windscreen replacement companies tend to work closely with recycling companies in order to safely dispose of broken windscreens.

How is windscreen glass recycled?

Windscreen glass is recycled through specialist companies, who recycle thousands of windscreens daily.

1. The Windscreens are placed in a tunnel where the glass is crushed into smaller pieces.
2. A sieve then catches the plastic from the windscreen whilst the glass shards fall through onto a moving conveyor belt, where they are taken away to be crushed further into ‘cullet’.
3. This cullet can then be repurposed in other processes, even reincorporated back into the windscreen production line. Cullet can also be recycled into fiberglass, carpets, and glass bottle production.

Environmental impact of not recycling windscreens

Glass does not decompose and with 9 million windscreens being replaced annually in Europe, it’s important that we start aiming to recycle as much of the materials we use as possible.

Only replace your windscreen when it’s absolutely vital, fixing any chips with our state-of-the-art technology.

Landfills are detrimental to the environment. Around two-thirds of landfill is made up of biodegradable materials, which release methane gas as they decompose.

Methane gas is classed as a greenhouse gas, which when released into the atmosphere traps more heat than carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

It also affects the biodiversity surrounding the landfill, as it destroys the natural habitat of the wildlife, completely changing the ecosystem that once was.

Vegetation changes also occur in the area, as the landfill affects the pH level of the soil, killing off certain plants and allowing other plants to grow which may have devastating effects on the ecosystem.

By adding windscreens to a landfill, the glass will not decompose for millions of years, posing a danger to the surrounding environment and wildlife that reside there.

Here at The Windscreen Company, we pay attention to the environmental impact we create and are always looking at ways to reduce our carbon footprint.

Recycling broken windscreens is becoming the most popular form of disposal and is helping to keep landfill use to a minimum.

If you’re looking for a fully comprehensive windscreen repair and replace service, then get in touch with a friendly member of our team today.

The Windscreen Company

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The Windscreen Company, has over 20 years of experience in windscreen repair and replacement. Since 1998, they have been at the forefront of industry innovation, leveraging the latest technology to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.

The Windscreen Company's, help-and-advice pages offer valuable tips and guidance on maintaining vehicle safety through quality windscreen care, while also featuring updated industry realted content.

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