Early 1980's
  • A Bottle Bill is introduced in the Alaska State legislature. Liquor industry
    opposes it, works out agreement to manage the glass waste: Alaskans
    for Litter Prevention and Recycling (ALPAR) is formed.

1980's - 1990's
  • Recycling grows in the community on a volunteer basis

Late 1990's
  • 1997- Anchorage Refuse announces closure of Anchorage Recycling
    Center. Community responds with Anchorage wide meetings which are
    sponsored by no single entity.

  • 1999- Environmental Recycling Inc. develops a sustainable glass
    recycling program in response to community desires.

2000's
  • Anchorage assembly develops the Waste Reduction and Recycling
    Management Plan, finalized in March of 2000, specifically to foster
    recycling in Anchorage. Includes a provision to set aside $1 per
    revenue ton dedicated to establishing new sustainable recycling
    activities.

  • Early 2000's- $1 per revenue ton grant program funds various
    proposals from several entities in the community. Includes proposals
    from ALPAR

  • Early 2000's- Environmental Recycling transfers glass plant ownership
    to Polar Supply. There is an agreement to move the processing plant
    away from the Anchorage Regional Composting Facility at Pt. Woronzof.

  • 2003- the $1/ton grant program draws criticism for failure to follow both
    internal process and for violating the spirit of overall program intent.

  • Polar Supply develops a 'relationship' with ALPAR where ALPAR
    provides glass from the liquor industry around town and dollars from the
    municipal grant program.

  • 2007- Polar Supply sells the glass processing plant, still located at the
    Anchorage Regional Composting Facility, to EK Industries

  • 2008- EK Industries follows tradition of allowing build up of glass beyond
    what they can process. Agreement is reached between EK, ALPAR and
    MOA to "clean up" old glass and replace with "new" glass from
    community drop off bins. "Old " glass is sent to landfill.
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Glass Recycling In
Anchorage: A Brief History