Ask Mr. Answer Person: "Why do we have to drive to Freeport to recycle glass?"

(Dave e-mails Mr. Answer Person: "Why is it that we can recycle paper, cardboard, plastic & metal at the recycling center by City Hall but we have to drive to Freeport to recycle glass?"):

Mr. Answer Person says, "According to the Winneshiek County Recycling website, 'Glass is only accepted at the recycling center because there are no viable markets for it and the probability of any developing in the future is somewhere between zero and none.'

Since glass used to be one of the first materials to be recycled, people are reluctant to take the advice that it now can be thrown into your garbage.  But the recycling website notes, 'Glass is a very small percentage of the overall waste stream. Glass that ends up in the landfill has an insignificant impact on the overall life of the landfill. It is inert and creates no methane gas. It compacts very well and is basically the equivalent of burying a rock.'

Glass recycling is restricted to clear, non-redeemable food container glass. Glass with an Iowa nickel deposit on it should be taken to a redemption center.

For more information about recycling in Winneshiek County visit http://www.winneshiekcounty.org/departments/recycling."