Why is Pulverized Glass the Sustainable Choice for Landscaping?
Variety of uses
from bioswales to playgrounds
Environmentally Friendly Substitute
to other landscaping options
longevity
glass lasts a lifetime
THE PROBLEM
Glass is Piling Up In Landfills
There is a growing concern about the amount of glass piling up in landfills. This glass can take over a million years to decompose! Diverting waste glass through recycling is one solution. Andela's glass pulverizers reduce waste glass to useful aggregates. These products are great for landscaping.
THE PROBLEM
Breaking down of natural aggregates and environmental problem
Natural aggregate, such as mulch, gravel, and sand have something in common – they all easily decompose. This leads to the need of replenishing and substituting natural aggregates over and over again. Dirt, gravel, and mulch all dissolve into earth after breaking down process.
THE SOLUTION
Recycled Glass for Landscaping is Durable, Cost-Effective and Environmentally Friendly
Glass aggregate offers a durable and eco-friendly solution for landscaping. Unlike natural aggregates, glass doesn't decompose easily and provides excellent water filtration by retaining moisture on its surface.
Using recycled glass helps reduce landfill waste, addressing environmental concerns. Glass takes centuries to break down in landfills, and recycling it helps combat the over-mining of sand, which is already one of the most used natural resources after water.
Pulverized glass is becoming popular for landscaping due to its long-term cost-effectiveness and durability. It’s used for mulch, pathways, bioswales, fire pits, and mixed with compost to make a better soil.
Pulverizing systems like Andela's produce smooth, safe glass with no sharp edges, ideal for these applications.
A SUCCESS STORY
Olin's Growth Experiment
The University of Pennsylvania Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, in conjunction with OLIN Labs Landscape Architects, used Andela pulverized glass sand as a natural sand substitute in a soil study.
The study determined the effectiveness of glass based soil. Specifically, testing for water flow and quality, and overall planting effectiveness.
Among other positive attributes, the study found that glass based soil noticeably slows down water movement. This is a solution to the issue of having rainless periods.
The lifecycle analysis on glass sand-based soil, made with Andela glass sand, revealed that glass sand-based soil performs as well as, and in some cases better than, natural sand in terms of plant growth, leachate quality, and water flow.
Credit: OLIN
2X
2X infiltration rate
INCREASED
moisture retention
INCREASED
plant growth
2X
2X infiltration rate
INCREASED
moisture retention
INCREASED
plant growth
Why and how can I use glass sand in landscaping?
- Add uniqueness and artistic side to your garden
- Rain garden to collect and absorb rainwater
- Glass aggregate as mulch substitute
- Great bedding material for pavers
Additional Information
- Using glass sand for landscaping
- Glass landscaping benefits
- Glass sand and amendment information
- Here you can find 5 creative ways to use glass for landscaping
The Future of Sand is Glass Aggregate. Get In On The Action.
Andela’s innovative glass recycling systems create end-use products that can help with landscaping. We will help you find the perfect system for your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Crushed Glass and Glass Aggregate Serve A Variety of Other Applications in Construction, Gardening, Community Projects and More.
Wondering about the other uses for glass sand aggregate?
Glass sand aggregate has many uses for individuals and businesses. With no sharp edges, it is easily handled and appropriate for even the most delicate applications such as play sand for children. Glass aggregate can be produced in different sizes and gradations as needed.
• Coastal Restoration • Mulch • Glass Based Soil • Hydroponics • Play Sand • Glass and Plastic Pavers |
• Rain Gardens • Pipe Bedding • Polished Concrete • Formed Polymer Concrete • Pavement Concrete Blocks |
• Coastal Restoration
• Mulch
• Glass Based Soil
• Hydroponics
• Play Sand
• Glass and Plastic Pavers
• Rain Gardens
• Pipe Bedding
• Polished Concrete
• Formed Polymer Concrete
• Pavement Concrete Blocks