A proposal to introduce dedicated glass recycling streams across Bahrain is now before the kingdom’s municipal councils, as MPs and local leaders push to turn one of the world’s most recyclable materials into a stronger pillar of the circular economy.
The motion, submitted by five MPs led by Parliament’s public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman MP Mohammed Al Bulooshi, seeks to establish specialised systems for collecting, sorting and reusing glass waste instead of sending it to landfills.
The proposal has been referred to Bahrain’s three municipal councils and the Capital Trustees Board for review.
Globally, glass is 100 per cent recyclable and can be reused endlessly without losing quality.
Yet only about 21pc of glass produced worldwide is recycled each year, with vast quantities dumped or incinerated.
Container glass such as bottles and jars achieves around a 32pc recycling rate, while flat glass used in windows and vehicles lags at roughly 11pc due to contamination and complex processing.
Mr Al Bulooshi said Bahrain has an opportunity to act early and avoid repeating the mistakes seen elsewhere.
“Glass is one of the most valuable recyclable materials, yet it is often treated as ordinary waste,” he said.
“By creating dedicated recycling streams, we can ensure that glass is collected cleanly, sorted properly and returned to industry as a useful raw material rather than buried in landfill.”
He added that every 10pc increase in recycled glass, known as cullet, used in manufacturing can reduce furnace energy consumption by around 2.5pc.
“That translates into lower costs, fewer emissions and less extraction of natural resources such as sand and limestone,” Mr Al Bulooshi said.
“It’s a win for the environment and the economy.”
Mr Al Bulooshi said Bahrain can draw lessons from these experiences.
“We should aim for a model that prioritises quality over quantity,” he said.
“Clean, well-sorted glass is what industry needs. That is how we turn waste into value.”
If approved, the proposal could mark a significant step towards embedding glass recycling within Bahrain’s national sustainability agenda.
“This is about future generations,” Mr Al Bulooshi added.
“Glass is too valuable to throw away. With the right systems, we can keep it in continuous use and reduce our environmental footprint.”
Northern Municipal Council chairman Dr Sayed Shubbar Al Wedaie said the proposal aligns with growing public awareness about sustainability.
“Residents are increasingly willing to separate waste at source, but they need the right infrastructure,” he said.
“If we provide clearly marked glass recycling bins and a reliable collection system, people will respond positively.”
Dr Al Wedaie stressed that dedicated glass recycling would also improve the overall quality of recyclable materials.
“In single-stream recycling, glass often breaks and contaminates paper and plastics,” he said.
“Separating glass from the beginning protects other recyclables and increases overall recovery rates.”
Southern Municipal Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif said local councils are keen to explore practical implementation models.
“We need to look at collection points, transport logistics and partnerships with the private sector,” he said.
“There may be opportunities to work with regional recyclers or attract investment in local processing facilities.”
He added that dedicated glass recycling could eventually create new jobs and business opportunities.
“This is not just an environmental project,” Mr Abdullatif said. “It can become part of a green economy that supports sustainable growth.”
Muharraq Municipal Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar highlighted the potential role of modern technology in making the system efficient.
“Globally, artificial intelligence is transforming waste sorting through computer vision and robotics,” he said.
“These systems can identify glass by colour, shape and texture, remove contaminants and produce high-purity cullet suitable for manufacturing.”
Mr Al Naar noted that such technology could help Bahrain leapfrog older, less efficient methods.
“If we plan properly, we can adopt smart solutions from the start rather than relying solely on manual sorting,” he said.
Capital Trustees Board chairman Saleh Tarradah said the proposal fits within broader efforts to improve waste management in urban areas.
“Cities generate large volumes of glass waste from households, restaurants, hotels and commercial outlets,” he said.
“Targeting these sources with dedicated collection can make an immediate impact.”
Mr Tarradah added that public education would be crucial.
“People must understand what can and cannot go into glass recycling,” he said. “Ceramics, mirrors and mixed materials can ruin entire batches, so awareness campaigns will be essential.”
Globally, Europe leads in glass recycling, with average rates around 75pc and some countries exceeding 90pc, driven by deposit-return schemes, advanced infrastructure and high public participation.
In contrast, recycling rates in North America and parts of Asia often hover below 35pc, largely due to reliance on single-stream systems that reduce material quality.
The councils and Capital Trustees Board are expected to submit their recommendations by the end of this month.
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