Glass Recycling Plant Setup

Introduction

Glass is an incredible material that can easily be recycled and is very versatile and used in modern packaging, construction and industrial manufacturing. It is completely recyclable with no depreciation of quality or purity and thus one of the most sustainable material in use. The amount of glass wastes has also augmented in India as the country is experiencing heightening demand of glass in the packaging (in form of bottles and jars), vehicles and in buildings.

Establishing a Glass Recycling Plant will also be a good business, which improves the sphere of the circular economy. Recycling the glass results in a much-reduced amount of energy being used relative to the amount of energy needed to create new products out of the raw material of glass. In addition, it helps relieve burdened landfills and contributes to environmental protection.

CERTILIZE offers complete consulting and implementation services on establishing a full-fledged and financially high-profit glass recycling facility in any part of India. We provide the full package of services such as legal licensing, the design of technical layout, the purchase of machines, compliance with the laws of EPR, and post-installation services.

Licenses and Certifications Needed

The following regulatory approvals and registrations are required to set up and run a glass recycling plant:

• Company Registration – Register with MCA or Udyam Portal
• Pollution Control Approvals (CTE and CTO) – State Pollution Control Board
• Factory License – Local Labour Department
• Fire NOC – Local Fire Department / Municipal Fire Office
• Trade License – Panchayat/Local Municipality
• Electricity Load Authority – State Electricity Board
• GST Registration – GST Department (online portal)
• EPR Registration – Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
• Groundwater NOC – Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA)
• Infrastructure Compliance & Safety – Fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, emergency signs, etc.

Standard Machinery and Estimated Cost

Total Estimated Cost: ₹15–25 Lakhs (without melting) / ₹40–60 Lakhs (with melting furnace)
Optional: Melting furnace (for sheet/form production) – ₹20–30 Lakhs extra

Glass Recycling Process

• Collection and Transportation – Used glass bottles, jars, windows collected from hotels, scrap dealers, municipal bodies.
• Sorting – Manual or automated segregation based on color and type.
• De-labeling and Washing – Removal of dirt, adhesives, labels using solvents and washers.
• Crushing – Glass crushed into cullets using shredders and crushers.
• Magnetic Separation and Screening – Size grading and metallic particle removal.
• Optical Sorting (Optional) – Camera-based sorting by color and transparency.
• Melting (Optional) – Melting in furnaces for sheets, bottles, or tiles.
• Package and Dispatch – Clean cullets or finished products weighed, bagged, and sold.

Market Overview

• India generates 3 million tonnes of glass waste annually.
• Major industries producing glass waste: drinks, construction, medicine, automobiles.
• Recycled cullets are in increasing demand by bottle makers and fiberglass manufacturers.
• Recycled glass uses up to 30% less energy than virgin production.
• Brands insist on glass packaging with at least 30% recycled content.

EPR Benefits (Extended Producer Responsibility)

• Eligible to generate and trade EPR credits
• Obtain long-term supply contracts with producers/importers
• Gain ESG value and recognition in government procurements
• Contribute to formal circular economy goals
• Get listed as an authorized recycler on CPCB database

CERTILIZE helps with CPCB EPR registration, filing returns, declarations, and managing credit sales to producers.

What Makes CERTILIZE a Good Choice?

• Business entity registration (MSME/Udyam)
• Pollution board approvals (CTE/CTO)
• Factory license, Trade license, Fire NOC
• Design of layout and flow per CPCB/SPCB standards
• Machinery selection, procurement, installation oversight
• DPR preparation and funding assistance
• EPR registration and compliance management
• Return filing and post-setup monitoring

We have assisted more than 100 waste processing units to establish and run successfully in India.

Ready to Begin?

A properly established glass recycling business ensures lasting profits while conserving natural resources. CERTILIZE simplifies and accelerates the process of establishing your recycling industry in a compliant manner.