In 2011, the Brookside Community Improvement District (CID) approached Ripple Glass for help in developing a glass recycling solution for the many glass-intensive businesses in their district. The CID had taken over responsibility for trash removal and had successfully introduced a cardboard recycling program. Glass recycling was the next logical step. Two-yard glass recycling bins were placed close to restaurants and each bin is emptied weekly by Deffenbaugh Industries, which then delivers the glass to Ripple’s processing facility. With this effort, Brookside CID has reduced its trash volume and expense, and as a result, has freed up parking spaces once taken up by dumpsters.
At Charlie Hooper’s Bar & Grille, 12 W. 63rd St., the staff has wholeheartedly embraced the glass recycling process. Each room has a clearly labeled 23-gallon container into which servers and patrons place the empty glass bottles. Custom made wooden lids with a round hole have been placed atop each container, minimizing trash. Similarly, holes have been cut into the counter tops behind the bar areas, allowing for a glass receptacle to hide neatly within a cabinet.
In addition to the businesses, the Brookside community sponsors two Ripple Glass drop-off locations, at Berbiglia Wine and Spirits, and a newer location, Brookside Wine and Spirits.
Brookside businesses recycle about 3,000 pounds of glass each week. In addition, Brookside residents recycle an average of 16,000 pounds per week. Since 2011, the Brookside community has recycled more than 800 tons of glass, or more than 1.6 million pounds, equivalent to 3 million glass containers! Thank you, Brookside, for giving glass a second chance!