Glass Recycling Foundation releases 2025 Impact Report

The Ann Arbor, Michigan-based Glass Recycling Foundation (GRF) has released its 2025 Impact Report, highlighting progress in glass recycling systems across the U.S. The report also found that only one-third of glass is currently recovered for recycling, and 9.2 million tons of glass still go to landfills annually.

In 2025, the GRF says it awarded $76,000 in grants that supported five projects, diverting 4,459 total tons of glass—or over 8.9 million pounds of glass—from landfills. These efforts, the organization says, were made possible by donations from beverage brands, glass manufacturers, community foundations and trade associations.

“Our impact has grown more than sevenfold since 2022—from 600 tons diverted to 4,459 tons this year,” Scott DeFife, GRF board president, says. “That progress is a direct result of the donors, partners and communities who believe stronger glass recycling systems are possible.”

Notable 2025 projects supported by a GRF grant include:

• Baldwin County, Alabama: $21K awarded. Grant funding supported the purchase of collection containers, a glass crusher and resident education to launch a new rural recycling program. In its first year, the GRF says the program collected 24.4 tons of glass and served more than 3,000 residents.
• Macomb, Illinois: $15K awarded. According to the GRF, funding supported the purchase of a glass dumpster from Kansas City, Missouri-based Ripple Glass to expand recycling access in McDonough County. In its first year, the program collected 5.4 tons of glass.
• Omaha, Nebraska: $13K awarded. Grant funds enabled the purchase of a 20-yard roll-off container and 3,000 residential totes to improve operational efficiency and expand participation. In 2025, the GRF says glass collection increased by 4 percent, reaching 1,692 tons and serving approximately 140,000 households.

Building on the momentum of 2025, GRF will open its next grant cycle on May 11, 2026, with applications due on July 10. The upcoming grant cycle aims to support projects that strengthen glass collection infrastructure and improve the quality and quantity of recycled glass through public education. Eligible applicants include nonprofit entities, municipalities, state and county governments, public waste management districts and private industries with a public partner.

GRF will host a virtual grant workshop on April 15, 2026, at 1 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, to cover eligibility, funding priorities and key deadlines for the upcoming grant cycle.