How to Dispose of Glass Bottles and Jars in Ireland

If you've got a pile of empty wine bottles, beer bottles or jam jars and you're wondering what to do with them, you're not alone. Glass recycling in Ireland can be confusing — glass doesn't go in your green recycling bin, and it shouldn't go in general waste either. So what are your options?

Option 1: The Bottle Bank

Ireland has over 1,800 bottle banks across the country. You can find your nearest one at mywaste.ie. Bottle banks accept glass bottles and jars — just separate them by colour (green, brown, clear) where possible. The downside? You need to drive there, carry heavy bags, and deal with queues.

Option 2: Doorstep Glass Collection

Services like GlassBag collect glass bottles and jars directly from your doorstep. You fill a reusable bag, leave it out on your collection day, and it gets picked up and recycled. It's the most convenient option if you're in Dublin, Wicklow, Kildare or Meath, with plans from just €8/month.

Option 3: Your Bin Collection

Most household bin companies in Ireland do not collect glass as part of their regular service. Glass cannot go in the green recycling bin — it breaks during collection and contaminates other recyclables like paper and cardboard. Always check with your bin provider, but in most cases you'll need to use a bottle bank or a dedicated glass collection service.

What Glass Can Be Recycled?

You can recycle:

• Glass bottles (wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks)
• Glass jars (jam, sauces, baby food, candle jars with wax removed)
• Glass containers (coffee jars, pickle jars, etc.)

What Glass Cannot Be Recycled?

The following should not go in a bottle bank or glass collection bag:

• Broken glass (wrap in newspaper and put in general waste)
• Drinking glasses and tumblers (different type of glass)
• Window glass, mirrors, and windscreens
• Pyrex and oven-proof glass
• Ceramics, porcelain and crockery
• Light bulbs

Tips for Recycling Glass at Home

• Give bottles and jars a quick rinse — they don't need to be spotless
• Remove metal lids and caps (these can go in your recycling bin)
• You don't need to remove labels — they burn off during recycling
• Store glass in a sturdy bag or container to avoid breakage

The Easy Way: Let GlassBag Collect It

If you're tired of trips to the bottle bank, GlassBag makes glass recycling effortless. We collect from your doorstep once a month across Dublin, Wicklow, Kildare and Meath. See our plans and sign up today.