Five U.S. Recycling Facilities Retain Gold Certification for Glass Recovery Quality

The Glass Recycling Foundation (GRF) has recertified five materials recovery facilities (MRFs) at the Gold level under its MRF Certification Program, recognizing operations in Ohio and Texas for producing high-quality recycled glass suitable for new bottles and other applications.

The certified facilities include three operated by Rumpke Waste & Recycling in Columbus, Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio, along with two facilities run by FCC Environmental in Houston and Dallas, Texas.

The certification program evaluates how effectively facilities capture, separate and clean glass recovered from municipal recycling streams. Gold status is awarded to facilities that meet the program’s highest standards for glass quality and end-market usability.

Glass recycling rates in the United States remain relatively low, with contamination and sorting inefficiencies continuing to limit recovery volumes. GRF said the certification initiative was created to encourage stronger operational standards and improve the quality of cullet entering manufacturing supply chains.

“These facilities prove that better glass recycling is possible today,” said Scott DeFife, president of the GRF board. “With the right systems, more glass stays in the recycling loop, and our goal is to scale that success across the country.”

The program relies on independent facility reviews that assess recovery performance and material quality. GRF said both Rumpke and FCC Environmental have maintained consistent operating standards across multiple sites, demonstrating repeatable recovery performance in different municipal markets.

Jeff Snyder, senior vice president of recycling and sustainability at Rumpke, said the company has continued investing in glass recovery technology and processing systems to improve material quality for downstream buyers. FCC Environmental vice president of engineering and post-collections Andrea Rodriquez-Pinero said the company integrates glass recovery systems into facility designs to increase landfill diversion and support circular use of glass packaging.

Beyond recognition, the certification program is intended to help facilities strengthen commercial positioning in a recycling market increasingly shaped by performance metrics and contamination standards. Certified MRFs can use the designation when competing for municipal contracts and negotiating with end markets.

GRF also provides grants to support equipment upgrades and operational improvements aimed at increasing glass recovery rates. The organization said the next funding cycle for MRF upgrades will open on May 11, 2026.

The foundation focuses on projects addressing gaps in the U.S. glass recycling supply chain, where uneven collection systems and contamination continue to constrain recycled glass availability despite strong demand from container manufacturers.

Source: Glass Recycling Foundation

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