My parents with a group of neighbours in the late 60's started glass recycling in their small new Jersey town.
People would gather on Saturday morning behind the police station with 44 gallon drums and asphalt compactors to smash the glass with. Locals would come by with bags of empty glass containers. The volunteers would sort it and smash it.
A few years later that town built cinder block bays that a front end loader could fit into to load the trucks, no more manual handling. No volunteers needed. A decade later the town started curbside pick up of recycling and now participating is mandatory and people can be fined for having recyclables in their trash bins.
arrrbam on February 7th, 2026 at 14:13 UTC »
Are your neighbors alcoholics, glass blowers or both?
Do_itsch on February 7th, 2026 at 14:15 UTC »
Can you live from it or is it more sort of a do something for the environment, maybe a hobby or a i have to much spare time thing? Honestly curious..
Thank you either way!
arkofjoy on February 7th, 2026 at 14:43 UTC »
My parents with a group of neighbours in the late 60's started glass recycling in their small new Jersey town.
People would gather on Saturday morning behind the police station with 44 gallon drums and asphalt compactors to smash the glass with. Locals would come by with bags of empty glass containers. The volunteers would sort it and smash it.
A few years later that town built cinder block bays that a front end loader could fit into to load the trucks, no more manual handling. No volunteers needed. A decade later the town started curbside pick up of recycling and now participating is mandatory and people can be fined for having recyclables in their trash bins.
From little things, big things grow.