Did you know that glass collected at CLE is recycled separately from other materials? Through our partnership with Cullet LLC, glass bottles and containers from participating airport concessionaires are collected as their own recycling stream, making it easier to transform them into new products.
When glass is separated from other recyclables at the source, it can be processed into cullet, a finely crushed, sand-like material used to manufacture new glass bottles, jars and packaging. Because glass can be recycled infinitely without losing its quality, keeping it clean and uncontaminated helps maximize its value. According to the Glass Packaging Institute, a recycled glass bottle can become a new bottle in as little as 30 days.
Every ton of glass recycled through Cullet LLC reduces environmental harm caused by resource extraction and helps protect natural resources by taking the place of newly mined sand and silica.
Cullet is also expanding beyond traditional recycling by developing a glass reuse program where collected containers are professionally cleaned and returned directly to the supply chain. This innovative approach builds on the classic "milkman" model and helps strengthen a truly circular economy right here in Northeast Ohio.
The next time you sit down for a pre-flight beverage at Great Lakes Brewing Company, Sammy’s Beach Bar, Vino Volo, Quaker Steak & Lube or The Club CLE, make a toast to sustainability. The bottle you leave behind could be just the beginning of its next journey.
Get Involved
You can help extend the life of glass beyond the airport by using one of Cullet’s community drop-off locations throughout the Cleveland area, shown on the map below. Learn more about Cullet and find a drop-off location near you at www.cullet.com.
