KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Jamie Arnold says his clients used to cringe throwing glass in the trash when they knew they should be recycling instead.
Arnold’s company, GlassBandit, makes it easier to give a glass bottle or jar a second life. Instead of having to drop off glass at a collection site, GlassBandit collects glass from the curb twice a month for a fee.
“[Customers] don't want to be responsible for the deterioration of our planet. They want to contribute in a positive way,” Arnold explained.
Now, cities are taking notice.
This week, Prairie Village agreed to a pilot program where the city will cover the cost of GlassBandit collecting glass at the curbside. Mission Woods already offers a similar program.
Arnold hopes other cities get on board. He said the companies which contract with cities to collect recycling curbside stopped collecting glass about 10 years ago because it contaminated other materials and caused a hazard when it broke.
Boulevard Brewing introduced Ripple Glass collection sites around Kansas City in 2009.
Arnold brings his glass to Ripple Glass’ facility, where he says about 90 percent of it become fiberglass insulation for Owens Corning and another company uses the rest to make beer bottles.
“I have had customers tell me they were cringing and feeling guilty about throwing it in their trash. So in some cases, we're making recycling available to them,” Arnold pointed out.
He continually has new clients sign up for individual plans and just this summer added North Kansas City to his footprint.
GlassBandit isn’t the only curbside recycler in town. Atlas Glass, KC Curbside Glass and Wright Bros. all offer similar programs. Most cost less than $10 per month.
