Smashing stuff

A London-based recycling company have developed a machine that dramatically reduces the volume of glass waste that is produced in the hospitality sector.

Smash and Grab Glass Recycling Limited have come up with The Little Smasher, a compact machine that smashes glass bottles down to 80 per cent of their original volume. The machine can hold up to the equivalent of 60 wine bottles before it needs emptying, which significantly reduces the need for regular glass recycling collection.

The idea was supported by Enhance, a team of experts from business and environmental sectors, who provide support for environmental enterprises in London.

''Since June last year, our Little Smashers processed over 200 metric tonnes of glass for recycling - equivalent to half a million average sized wine bottles.   We are currently processing waste glass at the rate of some 600 tonnes, or over 1.5 million bottles, per annum. All of it is recycled.''

Smash and Grab have also recently been awarded a grant for a specialist collection truck that will increase the volume of glass that the company can collect in the city.

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