Diageo extends its ‘Don’t Trash Glass’ recycling program to Kentucky

USA – Diageo North America, a leading beverage company, is extending its ‘Don’t Trash Glass’ program to the state of Kentucky in the US, expanding its reach and impact in sustainable glass recycling efforts.

This expansion aims to bolster glass recycling efforts in regions where recycling rates fall below the national average, as indicated by recent statistics from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

In its inaugural year, the ‘Don’t Trash Glass’ program showcased substantial environmental impact by collecting over 2.2 million pounds of glass for recycling from more than 50 businesses across Illinois.

This initiative underscores Diageo North America’s commitment to advancing circularity within its customer value chain and supporting sustainable community solutions.

The program’s adaptability and seamless integration have garnered praise from local businesses, such as Bub City in Rosemont, IL, highlighting its positive environmental footprint.

Building on the success in Illinois, the program is now expanding into Kentucky, a state with iconic Diageo brands but a glass recycling rate of only 15%. This move signifies a strategic effort to elevate local recycling rates and advance Diageo’s sustainable objectives.

Through collaboration with bars, restaurants, and local businesses, Diageo aims to establish enduring solutions that not only benefit the environment but also uplift the communities in which the company operates.

As ‘Don’t Trash Glass’ gears up for its Kentucky launch, the initiative’s potential to revolutionize glass recycling in America becomes increasingly evident.

With the backing of Diageo’s Smirnoff brand, the program is set to grow further, welcoming additional cities and businesses into its fold.

This ongoing expansion underscores the importance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges and nurturing a more sustainable future.

The expansion of the ‘Don’t Trash Glass’ program into Kentucky represents a significant milestone in Diageo North America’s sustainability journey.

By leveraging partnerships and innovative strategies, the initiative is poised to leave a lasting impact on glass recycling rates and the circular economy in the U.S.

As more communities rally behind this cause, the path toward environmental stewardship and sustainability becomes clearer, setting a precedent for others to emulate.

Last July, Diageo Philippines initiated its groundbreaking post-consumer glass recovery and recycling program, known as Diageo Harmony, in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, marking a significant step towards sustainability and a circular economy.

Part of Diageo’s Society 2030: Spirit of Progress initiative, this program aims to curb solid waste accumulation in landfills.

Enabled by a collaboration with waste collection company, Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies, Inc. (BEST), and recycling partner San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corporation (SMYPC), Diageo Harmony facilitates the collection of empty and clean used glass containers, including Diageo product bottles, through various collection points across BGC.

Subsequently, BEST sorts and consolidates these containers, which are then returned to SMYPC’s Manila Glass Plant for recycling into cullets, essential inputs for manufacturing new glass containers as part of a circular economy initiative.

Rajesh Joshi, General Manager of Diageo Philippines, emphasizes the significance of this endeavor, noting the handover of 2 Metric tons of collected used glass containers as a milestone achievement for Diageo Harmony.

He underscores the proactive engagement of consumers in environmental conservation, evident in the substantial collection achieved over a 14-week period.

Joshi acknowledges the pivotal role played by the leadership teams of BEST and SMYPC in realizing this program’s success, emphasizing the potential for further expansion and collaboration to amplify its impact.

Diageo Philippines harbors ambitions to extend the reach of Diageo Harmony beyond its current boundaries, envisioning partnerships with additional companies, customers, and stakeholders to replicate and scale this sustainability effort in other cities and regions across the country.

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