Discover Great Ideas for Glass Landscaping & Other Outdoor Uses

Reducing energy consumption and minimizing single-use items are major steps for preserving the planet and protecting our health. Still, there’s more we can do to reduce landfill waste. Oftentimes, glass bottles, jars, drinkware, mirrors, and more, are dumped into landfills despite homeowners’ best recycling efforts. Many would be surprised to know that although glass bottles and jars are 100% recyclable, an estimated 28 billion are buried in landfills annually. Even worse, once glass reaches the landfill, it can take up to 1 million years to decompose! That’s why we build glass-crushing and pulverizing systems for communities like yours!

 

 

Here are 5 great landscaping glass ideas for your home:

1. Rock Garden: If your property has an existing rock garden you can quickly add color and texture to it with glass mulch. Or use it to help suppress weeds and retain moisture in garden beds.
2. Potted Plants: Bulk landscape glass comes in many shapes, sizes, and colors, great for drainage and adding additional beauty to your potted plants.
3. Borders: Extend your landscaping ideas to garden beds, driveways, lawns, and more by adding glass mulch around the edges.
4. Fire Pits: There is nothing quite like the colors produced from glass cullet as they reflect the flames from your fire pit.
5. Water Enhancements: By carefully using color when selecting your landscaping glass you can mimic the look and motion of flowing water in fountains or ponds.

 

 

Here are 5 additional ways to use recycled glass outdoors:

1. Rain Garden: Rain gardens are specifically designed to collect and absorb rainwater runoff from roofs, driveways, and other surfaces. Typically, rain gardens do not include recycled glass, but studies have found that incorporating a mix of pulverized recycled glass sand and compost, for a 60% compost to 40% glass sand mix, amplifies a rain garden’s ability to filter pollutants and recharge groundwater. Compost supplies the organics, and glass sand is a highly stable filtration medium that perks better than regular sand, does not break down, and holds moisture during drier times.
2. Mulch Substitute: Crushed recycled glass, also known as glass aggregate, is a great mulch substitute. Add it to garden beds or landscaping areas for a unique and visually appealing look. Glass is long-lasting; it never rots or breaks down. An efficient insulator, it helps protect a plant’s roots from extreme temperatures. Glass mulch landscaping holds moisture below the surface, improving root growth. And it deters insects, slugs, and other pests.
3. Pavers: Another popular landscaping glass idea is for pathways and patios. Landscapers and architects often add decorative pavers to their designs. Recycled glass pavers are manufactured by either combining recycled glass sand with a concrete mix or combining recycled glass sand with a recycled plastic composite. Spread glass sand and glass aggregate under and around recycled pavers to create beautiful well-drained beds for long-lasting, durable installations.
4. Play Sand: An often overlooked idea for recycled glass bottles is in playgrounds. Post-consumer glass processed through our Andela Products glass pulverizing systems can safely be used as sand for many outdoor recreational activities, including sandboxes, playgrounds, arts and crafts, landscaping, and decorative pathways. Let’s have fun and reduce landfill waste!
5. Hydroponic Gardening: Did you know that recycled pulverized glass can be used as a hydroponic growing medium? It keeps roots supported while allowing water and nutrients to circulate. Recycled glass sand is made of amorphous silica which provides a ready and available supply of Silicic Acid (SiOH combinations) that the plant needs for structure and growth. Reusable, too! When the glass media gets saturated with organics from the roots, it can be washed and repurposed, avoiding the need to dispose of any rooting media.

 

 

Encourage post-consumer glass recycling in your local community!

Don’t underestimate the power of small changes – even little things make a big difference! Contribute to a healthier planet by encouraging post-consumer glass recycling in your local community. Every little bit counts when it comes to reducing waste and creating a more sustainable future!

 

Check out this photo gallery to learn more new and novel ways to reuse recycled glass!