Strengthening Partnerships to Increase Glass Recycling Across Strategic Regions in the U.S.

15 Nov 2024 North AmericaESGVodkaTequilaScotch WhiskyRumOther WhiskeyNo/low alcoholLiqueurGinBeerSustainability

According to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) statistics, the overall glass recycling rate in America is 31.3%. Recent analysis indicates that Illinois and Kentucky fall below this national average. Through recent investments in two cross-sectoral partnerships, the ‘Don’t Trash Glass’ program and the RecycWell initiative, Diageo North America is committed to improving local and regional recycling rates, job creation and supply chain resiliency.

In partnership with the Glass Packaging Institute and GlassKing Recovery & Recycling, ‘Don’t Trash Glass’ aims to encourage more bars, restaurants, and local businesses to collect used glass bottles and improve regional recycling rates.

Since 2023, the program has collected over 3.2 million pounds of glass in Illinois alone. These glass bottles are sorted and converted into cullet (furnace-ready recycled glass) for use at Ardagh Glass Packaging-North America's production facility to manufacture new glass bottles.

In 2024, through the company’s brand Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, the program expanded to Kentucky to empower local businesses to help increase the region’s volume of recycled glass.

Additionally, Diageo North America has partnered with industry peers to support local glass processing facilities that create jobs in West Louisville as part of Workwell Industries' ‘RecycWell’ initiative. In its first year, RecycWell is expected to process over 1,200 tons of end-of-life glass into high-quality cullet. This effort will strengthen Kentucky’s recycling infrastructure and create approximately 10 new jobs in West Louisville, providing valuable employment opportunities for community members facing barriers to work.

Local businesses interested in enrolling in 'Don't Trash Glass' can find more information here.