Glass Recycling in Tippecanoe County, Indiana
Quick Answer
Glass bottles and jars can be recycled in Tippecanoe County, but not all types of glass are accepted. Food and beverage containers made of clear, brown, or green glass are accepted through local recycling programs, while items such as windows, mirrors, drinking glasses, ceramics, and light bulbs must be disposed of differently.
What Glass Can Be Recycled?
The following glass items are accepted by local recycling programs:
✅ Clear glass bottles
✅ Brown (amber) glass bottles
✅ Green glass bottles
✅ Glass food jars
Before recycling:
- Empty all contents.
- Rinse containers clean.
- Labels may remain on the container.
- Lids should be removed if they are not recyclable with the container.
What Glass Cannot Be Recycled?
These items should NOT be placed in curbside or drop-off recycling bins:
❌ Window glass
❌ Mirrors
❌ Drinking glasses
❌ Ceramics
❌ Pyrex or baking dishes
❌ Crystal glass
❌ Light bulbs
These materials are manufactured differently than food and beverage containers and can contaminate the recycling process.
Where Can I Recycle Glass?
Residents have several options depending on where they live.
Tippecanoe County Recycling & Solid Waste District
Address
2770 N 9th Street
Lafayette, IN 47904
Phone
765-423-2858
This location also serves as the county transfer station and accepts many other recyclable materials.
Rural Recycling Drop-Off Locations
Free recycling bins are available for Tippecanoe County residents at:
- Hershey Elementary School Recycling Bin (East Tipp area)
- Stockwell Recycling Bins
- Southwestern Middle School Recycling Bins
These locations accept the same mixed recyclables, including glass food and beverage containers.
Curbside Recycling
Residents living within Lafayette and West Lafayette city limits may recycle accepted glass containers through their curbside recycling programs.
Accepted materials are generally the same as the county program:
- Clear, brown, and green food or beverage containers
- Clean and empty bottles and jars only
Tips for Recycling Glass
- Rinse containers before placing them in the recycling bin.
- Leave labels on—they do not need to be removed.
- Do not place recyclables inside plastic bags.
- Never include broken mirrors, window glass, ceramics, or Pyrex with recyclable glass containers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can broken glass bottles be recycled?
Small amounts of broken food and beverage container glass are generally accepted if they are the same type of recyclable container glass, but use caution when handling broken glass. When in doubt, contact the recycling provider first.
Can I recycle wine bottles?
Yes. Wine bottles are accepted if they are empty, rinsed, and made from standard container glass.
Can I recycle Mason jars?
Yes. Standard glass food jars, including Mason jars, are generally accepted with other glass containers.
Why can’t mirrors and windows be recycled?
They are manufactured differently than food and beverage containers and melt at different temperatures, which can contaminate recycled glass products.
Do I need to remove labels?
No. Labels can remain on glass bottles and jars before recycling.