How do I get started?

FLX CBEC's glass recycling program is pretty straightforward, anyone interested in upcycling their wine bottles, can simply contact Andrew Holloway at Casella Waste 315-277-0025 or andrew.holloway@casella.com to set up an account and schedule a dumpster drop off.

What can we put in the dumpster?

Wine bottles! Labels, capsules and neck collars

are all acceptable.

What does it cost?

The only charge is for the hauling once the unit (30-yard roll off) is full, there are no rental fees, so it doesn't matter how long it takes to fill.  Wineries can work together to defray the expense and will actually save money by reducing the frequency of their 'zero sort recycling' pickups by eliminating wine glass from their dumpster.  

Is there funding available?

The hauling fee is calculated based on the distance from the winery to the TOMRA processing facility in Farmington NY.  FLX Craft Beverage Environmental Coalition has received a grant from Waterloo Container to help defray the expense of the hauling so as to eliminate any barrier from signing on.  Please reach out to Vinny Aliperti at vinny@billsborowinery.com to inquire about funding.

What becomes of the recycled glass?

Whether the glass is processed at TOMRA or KLAW, the 'cullet' is used in construction materials and concrete manufacturing.

Are there other glass recycling programs underway?

FLX CBEC is also working with KLAW Industries out of Binghamton, NY, who use recycled glass as a supplement in their concrete manufacturing.  They recently  dropped off a 30-yard rolloff to Buttonwood Grove Winery in Ovid, NY to use as a collection point for area wineries.   This is a great first step into expanding the program. Working directly with the end user is more efficient and could potentially lower the hauling rates since Klaw has its own rolloff and trucks.  If all goes well, Klaw intends to add more rolloffs at other locations, we'll keep you posted!