Adams County’s glass recycling drop-off program is expanding with a move to Adams Rescue Mission (ARM) the county’s largest recycler – where glass will be accepted every Saturday.
In 2023 most trash haulers serving Adams County were not accepting glass for recycling and those that did were not recycling the glass. While some haulers allowed customers to place glass in recycling bins, the glass wasn’t turned into new bottles, but instead it was used as temporary road base in landfills – a missed opportunity since glass can be recycled again and again without losing quality. Using recycled glass to make new glass reduces the need for raw materials, lowers energy use, and keeps waste out of landfills.
Last fall, Adams County Community Foundation, Gettysburg Green Gathering, ARM, and the County of Adams teamed up to launch a glass recycling program. The county provided space at its 911 Center. The Community Foundation supported site preparation with a grant from its Fund for the Environment. Beginning November 2023, volunteers from ARM and Gettysburg Green Gathering accepted glass on the first Saturday of each month. The response from the community grew over time to more than 250 cars coming by to drop off bottles and jars on a typical Saturday morning. Many residents reported collecting glass from neighbors and friends.
Over the course of the program, residents recycled more than 140 tons of glass into new bottles.
The program’s success showed just how much the community cares about recycling. ARM took notice and stepped in to make the program more permanent and help it grow. For ARM, adding glass recycling also creates transitional job opportunities for its resident guests. Because it provides these jobs, ARM qualifies for and receives workforce development grants from the South Central Workforce Development Board (SCPa Works). So, by bringing your glass to ARM, you’re helping both the environment and our neighbors at ARM working toward a fresh start.
For now, ARM will be accepting bottles and jars for recycling every Saturday. Once ARM completes its new glass recycling enclosure and validates the process, its goal is to accept glass during all open hours. Updates will be posted on adamsrescuemission.org.
Please note that due to processing limitations, the following glass items cannot be accepted: plate glass, mirrors, auto glass, porcelain, crystal, china, and air freshener refill containers.
Make a difference. Bring your glass recycling to ARM at 2515 York Road, Gettysburg, on Saturday.
For more information contact:
Will Hudson, Executive Director, Adams Rescue Mission, 717-334-7502
Ralph Serpe, President & CEO, Adams County Community Foundation, 717-337-0060
Cynthia Salisbury, Board Chair, Adams County Community Foundation, 610-393-2881