Reusing or Recycling Windshields?

I throw away thousands of broken windshields into the local dump every year. I have estimated that in my city alone more than 20,000 windshields are disposed of each year.

The problem is that windshields are different than most other glass products, in that they contain 2 layers of glass with a vinyl layer in between. Many also have non-removeable plastic mouldings attached to them, as well as adhesives like butyl and urethane. As a result, there are no facilities that accept them for recycling.

I think there is a possibility of a big-money industry here, to deal with the tens of millions of scrap windshields that hit landfills every year. Many businesses already recycle other products like paper and cardboard, and that generates huge money.

Is there a way to separate the materials that windshields are made of in order to make them recyclable? Maybe there are better materials to use in the production of windshields?

Answer:
Agree. Look at this;
http://www.google.ca/search?sourceid=nav...

Good thinking, it sure seems like something could be done, but I have not heard of this topic before.

Great idea; I don't know if it is feasible or not, but I will get back to you later on it, after I ask my friend who works with cars for a living.

I looked at the website in the first answer. Lo and behold a place called Glassco has found a way to separate the parts of a windshield. They are looking for recycling companies across the US to buy into this. Pure genius. Want to go into business?

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Reusing or Recycling Windshields?

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