95% glass recycling possible

Belgium already does it, reaching 98.65% in 2011.

Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland have all achieved rates above 90%.

The European Union average has topped 70% for the first time.

This is really good news from the European Glass Container Federation and the benefits are substantial:

• More than 7 million tonnes of CO₂ saved, equal to taking 4 million cars off the road.
• Over 11 million tonnes collected across Europe in 2011.
• 80% of glass collected goes back into new glass bottles.

Unfortunately, some countries’ recycling figures are still rubbish. Cyprus has yet to beat 35%, Romania and Turkey are below 30% and Malta is reportedly under 10%.

Glass half full or glass half empty?