Disney Glass Recycling: Turning Bottles into Magic
The last time you dropped a glass bottle into a recycling bin, did you imagine it could be used for roads, trails, or even golf courses? At Walt Disney World, that possibility is becoming reality through an innovative Disney Glass Recycling pilot program.
Pulverizing Glass into Sand and Gravel
At Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, glass from recycling bins is collected and fed into a glass pulverizer. This machine crushes bottles and jars into smooth, sand-like and gravel-sized pieces. The pulverizer can process up to 2,000 pounds of glass per hour, turning waste into useful material instead of sending it to a landfill.
Sustainable Uses Around Walt Disney World
Disney uses this recycled glass to fill potholes on gravel roads and horseback riding trails at Fort Wilderness. Since the pulverized glass has no sharp edges, it’s safe for animals and reduces trail dust for a smoother experience. Looking ahead, Disney plans to expand its use for roadbeds, golf course bunkers, drainage systems, sandbags, and even sidewalks.
A Step Toward Disney’s 2030 Environmental Goals
This project is one example of Disney’s broader commitment to sustainability. Through Disney Glass Recycling and other initiatives, the company is working toward ambitious 2030 goals: reducing greenhouse gas emissions, achieving zero waste to landfills, conserving water, reducing single-use plastics, and expanding renewable energy.
Reimagining Recycling for the Future
What starts as a simple glass jar can transform into a sustainable solution, helping Disney build a world in balance. Whether filling trails or imagining future uses like coastal restoration, Disney continues to find creative ways to protect the planet. Learn more about Disney’s environmental efforts at DisneyPlanetPossible.com.
