Glass Recycling in the Czech Republic

Glass packaging that is not intended for repeated use – such as many beverage bottles outside deposit-return systems – should always be disposed of in dedicated recycling containers rather than in mixed waste. Recycled glass represents the most important raw material for the production of new glass products. Glass collection and processing have a long-standing tradition in the Czech Republic, dating back several decades. The establishment of the nationwide organisation EKO‑KOM in the 1990s further strengthened the importance of glass recycling. 

EKO‑KOM is a non-profit organisation representing approximately 21,000 packaging producers. In cooperation with municipalities, it has installed more than 100,000 recycling containers across the Czech Republic since 1997, giving over 96% of the population access to glass recycling. 

According to the Ministry of the Environment, nearly 189,000 tonnes of recycled glass were processed in 2022. The recycling rate for glass packaging reached 81% in 2021. Alongside this system, a deposit-return scheme operates for reusable glass packaging, primarily beer bottles. 

In recent years, both public authorities and companies – including Vetropack – have introduced various measures aimed at increasing the rate of glass recycling. These include modernising production facilities, building new recycling plants and participating in European initiatives. 

Collection points for glass packaging in the Czech Republic typically consist of space-efficient dual‑compartment containers. Consumers are encouraged to sort glass by colour, particularly into clear and green categories, to ensure its effective reuse during the manufacturing process. 

Glass Recycling at Vetropack

Glass waste delivered to the Vetropack plant in Kyjov undergoes several processing steps. First, metal and bulky impurities are removed. The material is then dried and stripped of labels. Optical sorting follows, removing smaller contaminants and separating the glass into three basic colour categories. The finest particles are ground into glass powder, which, together with colour‑sorted cullet, forms a key raw material for melting new glass. 

Vetropack continuously strives to increase the proportion of recycled material used in production. Depending on availability, the share of purchased recycled cullet ranges between 45–60% for clear glass, 55–70% for brown glass and over 70% for olive glass. These quantities are complemented by the company's own production waste and subsequently melted together with other raw materials required for producing new glass packaging. As part of its 2030 strategy, Vetropack aims to reduce its environmental footprint, increase the share of recycled glass across the entire value chain and secure a stable supply of cullet. 

FAQ's

Glass bottles (e.g., wine, juice, vinegar or oil bottles), food jars, perfume and deodorant bottles, medicine vials, single‑use glass spice grinders and glass bottle caps all belong in glass containers. However, returnable bottles must be taken back to the retailer.

Glass items that are not packaging – such as flat glass, ovenware, glass tableware, candle holders, light bulbs, screens or borosilicate glass – do not belong in recycling containers and should be taken to a collection yard. Stoneware, porcelain and ceramics are not glass and must not be disposed of in glass containers. 

Your local authority, the Ministry of the Environment or EKO‑KOM can provide up‑to‑date information.

Glass containers do not need to be rinsed, but they must be empty. Lids must be removed and discarded separately. Sorting glass by colour helps streamline the recycling process. Insert glass carefully to avoid excessive breakage – very small fragments are more difficult to sort. Out of consideration for neighbours, it is advisable to dispose of glass during the day and on weekdays.

Further information

More information about glass recycling in the Czech Republic can be found on the websites of: