CATTARAUGUS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS PRESENTS

Glass Recycling

April 2025 Edition | Refuse Division Fun Facts

DID YOU KNOW? 

There are many different types of glass, and not all types are able to be successfully recycled. As of April 2025, Cattaraugus County can take CLEAR CONTAINER GLASS as a recyclable. 

Other types of glass should be disposed of with regular garbage (AKA Municipal Solid Waste, or MSW). 

WHAT KIND OF GLASS IS IT?

"So, how do I know whether my glass is recyclable?" Time to find out! First, determine the category:

• MAJOR GLASS CATEGORIES

  • Clear

  • Color

  • Crystal

Then, determine the type:

• COMMON GLASS TYPES

  • Container
  • Pyrex
  • Table/cookware
  • Decorative
  • Window

LET'S TRY IT

Our example is an empty, clean GREEN bottle, which could have held wine or similar. 

Category: COLORED GLASS (it's a green bottle)

VERDICT: REGULAR GARBAGE

Why? Only CLEAR CONTAINER glass is accepted as a recyclable at Cattaraugus County Transfer Stations, so this bottle will need to be placed with MSW (regular garbage). 

SAFETY TIP

How to dispose of glass in your regular garbage: 

• Try not to break it!
• If already broken, put it in a cardboard box or other container (old grocery bag, oatmeal container, plastic coffee container - etc.!) or double bag your MSW to prevent your bag tearing. 

RECYCLING EXAMPLE

Our example this time is an empty, clean CLEAR bottle, which could have held wine or sparkling water, etc. The category is "clear" and the type is "container." VERDICT: RECYCLING!

• This clear bottle is considered "container glass" and can be recycled at no cost at any Cattaraugus County Transfer Station. 
• Other examples of clear container glass include: mason jars, milk bottles (from the old days!), pickle or jelly jars, clear bottles like the one in the example

ALTERNATIVES

Another example might be a set of pink crystal glassware for dining. This would be categorized as "crystal" and technically would be included with regular garbage. 

HOWEVER... 

• There are other sustainable alternatives you might consider when preparing to dispose of certain glass products!
• Gently used Pyrex, tableware and/or cookware, and decorative glass items can often be regifted, donated, or (item dependent) resold!

CATTARAUGUS COUNTY FEES

All transfer stations have a glass bin for CLEAR GLASS CONTAINERS. These items are accepted at no charge. 

Any glass disposed of with regular garbage (MSW) will be included as part of the bag waste fee. 

MSW/BAG WASTE FEES

• Garbage bag up to 16 gallon, or equivalent $1.50
• Garbage bag 17–35 gallon, or equivalent $3.00
• Garbage bag 36–48 gallon, or equivalent $4.50
• Garbage bag 49–64 gallon, or equivalent $6.00
• Scaled per ton of solid waste (Salamanca only) $75.00 ($70.00 for permitted waste haulers)

AVOID "WISH-CYCLING"

By throwing non-accepted items into the glass recycling, the recycling load becomes contaminated and can be rejected by the processor. When a load is rejected, the County incurs additional costs for disposal and hauling.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS... Speak with a transfer station operator! They are friendly, knowledgeable, and can help determine where items should be placed!

LOCATIONS & HOURS for Transfer Stations

ALLEGANY TRANSFER STATION - PUBLIC

(716) 372-7822 | 11 West Union Street, Allegany, NY 14706

Tuesday - Friday:  8:00 am - 4:30 pm | Saturday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm

CONEWANGO TRANSFER STATION - PUBLIC

(716) 358-5300 | 4640 Route 241, Conewango, NY 14726

Saturday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm

DAYTON TRANSFER STATION - PUBLIC

(716) 532-4490 | 9270 Cabic Road, Dayton, NY 14041

Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm | Saturday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm

FIVE POINTS TRANSFER STATION - PUBLIC

(716) 938-6450 | 6909 Toad Hollow Road, Mansfield, NY 14755

Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm | Saturday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm

MACHIAS TRANSFER STATION - PUBLIC

(716) 676-3730 | 8630 Route 16, Machias, NY 14101

Tuesday & Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm | Saturday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm

PORTVILLE TRANSFER STATION - PUBLIC

(716) 372- 6298 | 99 Critchlow Drive, Weston Mills, NY 14788

Tuesday - Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm | Saturday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm

SALAMANCA TRANSFER STATION

(716) 945-1212 | 289 Center Street, Salamanca, NY 14779

Public Hours

Monday - Friday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm | Saturday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm

Commercial Hours

Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm | Saturday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm

QUESTIONS?

Contact the Cattaraugus County Department of Public Works' Refuse Division! 

CALL 716-938-9121 or use our online contact form!