Much of the glass that metro Atlanta residents try to recycle is increasingly ending up in the trash.

Recycling companies often don't want glass because it can damage more valuable items, like cardboard and paper.

And as local governments have encouraged residents to pile all their recyclables in one bin, the cost of sorting materials has gone up.

Every county in the core Atlanta area works with companies that reject glass, though residents can still recycle glass at several locations.

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The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

Credit: Reed Williams/AJC