When a window or storefront panel breaks, many people wonder if the glass can simply be recycled like bottles or jars. It’s a good question — and the answer is a bit more complex than most realize.
Why Window Glass Isn’t Recycled Like Regular Glass
While household glass bottles are easily recyclable, window glass, tempered glass, and laminated safety glass are made with special coatings and treatments. These materials have higher melting points and often include multiple layers — sometimes even plastic interlayers, as in laminated or Low-E glass.
Because of this, recycling facilities can’t process window glass in the same way as standard container glass, and mixing them can actually contaminate an entire batch of recyclable material.
What Happens to Broken Glass at Crown Glass Vancouver
At Crown Glass Vancouver, environmental responsibility is part of our process. Whenever we replace a residential, commercial, or strata glass unit, our team:
Safely removes and contains all broken shards to prevent injury or debris.
Sorts the material by type — float, tempered, laminated, or mirror glass — since each must be handled differently.
Works with an approved recycling and recovery facility in the Lower Mainland that specializes in glass aggregate repurposing or environmentally safe disposal.
Some types of architectural glass can be crushed and reused in construction aggregate or insulation products, helping reduce landfill waste and support a more sustainable building cycle.
A Safer, Greener Approach to Glass Replacement
So while broken window glass usually can’t go into your blue bin, it doesn’t have to go to waste. At Crown Glass Ltd., we ensure every piece of removed glass is handled, transported, and disposed of safely and responsibly — protecting both our clients and the environment.
If your window, storefront, or balcony glass needs replacement, contact our Vancouver team for fast service and eco-conscious glass handling.