Turning glass waste into value: How glass recycling can heal nature and give benefits

Nearly 40 tonnes of glass waste, once destined for landfill or discarded in nature, is now being recycled into pool filter material. At the RecycAl Circular Economy Park in Fushë-Krujë, a newly installed machine processes up to 300 kilograms of glass per hour, grinding it into a fine powder that serves as an efficient medium for swimming pool filtration.

Waste glass from windows, bottles and jars can now be transformed into pool filter media through an advanced process that cleans, crushes and conditions it into sharp yet safe grains. This engineered alternative to silica sand offers higher filtration efficiency, capturing particles as small as 5 microns, while its slight negative charge helps to inhibit bacterial growth.

EU Delegation to Albania

The "Albania Glass Recycling" project is supported by the European Union through EU4Circular Economy and Livable Cities, which aims to provide upstream solutions through prevention and reduction, as well as downstream solutions such as recovery and tracking of material flows.

"The Albania Glass Recycling initiative focuses on collecting glass waste from industrial companies and transforming it into two products: pool filter media and terrazzo, a decorative material," explains Bleona Zela, Project Manager. She notes that pool filter media is being produced in Albania for the very first time. Until now, companies had to import it from abroad.

"Local production not only reduces waste but also creates a valuable opportunity. It keeps glass out of landfill and the environment, while providing pool companies with a domestic product that outperforms silica sand, the current alternative," she explains.

Through the support of the EU-backed programme, special containers have been distributed to several companies, where they dispose of their glass waste. The collected material is then transported to the recycling park in Fushë-Krujë. There, the glass is inspected to determine whether it requires cleaning before being fed into a grinding machine using an excavator.

As Bleona Zela explains, the process produces particles in three sizes-1-2 mm, 2-3 mm, and 3-4 mm-ideal for use in swimming pool filters. The finished product is packaged on site in 20 kg bags, ready for distribution.

EU Delegation to Albania

The remaining glass, repurposed into terrazzo for decorative use, finds new life in a wide range of applications. It can be incorporated into benches and chairs, restaurant and bar counters, kitchen surfaces, sinks and bathrooms-or virtually any space where a durable and visually striking material is desired.

As part of the project, support has been provided to establish both the infrastructure and organisational framework, including the purchase of glass-processing equipment, training in recycling practices, expert guidance, and the promotion of ongoing work. Albania Glass Recycling has now become the first licensed company in the country dedicated to the recycling and processing of glass.

Companies in the window industry now have access to an environmentally friendly solution for managing their glass waste. Instead of paying high fees for landfill disposal or risking improper dumping, they can channel this material into a recycling process that transforms it into valuable products.

This approach not only reduces operational costs but also contributes to a cleaner environment, supports the circular economy, and enhances companies' reputations as sustainable businesses. By adopting this ecological alternative, window companies benefit financially while actively contributing to reducing pollution and conserving resources.

Glass waste poses a serious threat to the environment, particularly when mixed with plastics or other hazardous substances.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The EU for Circular Economy and Livable Cities project is cofinanced by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ Albania in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment. It supports Albania in achieving the transition towards a circular economy and empower Municipalities to build sustainable cities of tomorrow, contributing to improved citizens' health, green job creation, and improved energy efficiency. The project focus is on creating synergies among different stakeholders, leading to more efficient waste management services, with particular attention on data management and key performance indicators, allowing to set clear objectives, track progress, and ensure accountability.