Is Glass Sand Like Natural Sand?

Yes! Recycled glass sand is mostly silica, like natural sand.

The main difference is that calcium and sodium oxides are added to the silica during glass processing; however, these compounds are found in nature and are not a concern for the environment.

To the touch, it feels like regular sand. And like natural sand, less than 1% of the sand grains from our pulverizers are sub-angular, and none are angular or very angular.

Can plants grow in glass sand?

Absolutely! Mix glass sand with soil or compost for an excellent growing medium. The percentage of glass sand you use will depend on the plants you are considering.

Why use glass sand over mined or dredged sand?

Sand is our planet’s most exploited resource after water. Solving this crisis requires all types of ideas, and glass sand is one part of that solution.

Why not make glass bottles instead?

Recycling glass into bottles requires capital and energy. Most communities do not have a glass manufacturer nearby. So, instead of allowing glass to crowd landfills, we suggest diverting it and crushing it into sand and aggregate/cullet.

Here are some pulverized sand and cullet/aggregate end uses.

 

GRAPHIC BY RECOAST.COM, Recycling glass into sand for coastal restoration

Andela Products is an industry leader in the designing and manufacturing of glass recycling machines and equipment. Our specialized equipment repurposes waste glass into user friendly glass sand and glass cullet. Andela Products is an innovative company that is committed to staying on the cutting edge.