PRESS RELEASE: Five Facilities Earn Top ‘Gold’ Status for Turning More Glass into New Bottles
Glass Recycling Foundation recognizes facilities in Ohio and Texas for meeting the industry’s highest standards
ANN ARBOR, MI (May 5, 2026)—The Glass Recycling Foundation (GRF) announced today that it has recertified five materials recovery facilities (MRFs) at the Gold level, the highest designation within its MRF Certification Program. Gold level certification recognizes facilities that successfully capture, clean, and produce high-quality glass that can be used to make new bottles and products.
Across the U.S., only about one-third of glass is recycled, largely due to contamination and processing challenges. GRF’s MRF Certification Program was created to address that gap by recognizing and elevating recycling facilities that are getting glass recycling right.
FCC Houstin, TX. Pictured: David Fiest (Maintenance Manager), Cesar Garcia (GM), and Anabel Martinez (Ops Manager).
The following facilities have achieved Gold-level recertification:
Rumpke Waste and Recycling — Columbus, OH
Rumpke Waste and Recycling — Cincinnati, OH
Rumpke Waste and Recycling — Dayton, OH
FCC Environmental — Houston, TX
FCC Environmental — Dallas, TX
“These facilities prove that better glass recycling is possible today,” said Scott DeFife, GRF Board President. “With the right systems, more glass stays in the recycling loop, and our goal is to scale that success across the country.”
Through an independent review, facilities are evaluated on how effectively they capture and clean glass and whether the material is suitable for use in new products. Those that meet the highest standards earn Gold-level certification. Both Rumpke Waste and Recycling and FCC Environmental have demonstrated leadership by maintaining high standards across multiple locations.
“Achieving Gold certification across multiple facilities reflects the consistency and focus that Rumpke has built into our operations,” said Jeff Snyder, senior vice president of recycling and sustainability, Rumpke Waste & Recycling.“ As a national recycling leader, and one of the first waste haulers to develop a glass recycling process, we remain committed to investing in processes and technology that allow us to recover more glass and deliver a cleaner product to end markets.”
FCC Dallas, TX. Pictured: Richard Garcia (Maintenance Manager), Ralph Davis (Ops Manager), and Bruce Magnuson (GM).
“FCC is honored to have renewed our Gold Certification, recognizing the high quality of glass produced at our facilities,” said Andrea Rodriquez-Pinero, vice president of engineering and post-collections at FCC. “We incorporate glass recovery systems into our MRF designs to maximize landfill diversion, and glass remains a highly valuable material that can be recycled infinitely without compromising quality.”
Beyond recognition, the free certification program is designed to help facilities strengthen operations and stand out in an increasingly performance-driven recycling system. Certified MRFs gain industry visibility, credibility with end markets, and added value when competing for municipal contracts.
In addition to certification, the foundation provides grants to help facilities upgrade equipment and improve glass recovery. The next grant cycle opens May 11, 2026, offering funding to MRFs looking to strengthen their operations and move toward certification.
MRFs interested in learning more about certification or applying for upcoming grants can visit: www.glassrecycles.org/industry-tools-1/mrf-glass-certification.
ABOUT THE GRF: The Glass Recycling Foundation (GRF) is a non-profit foundation dedicated to raising funds for and distributing funds to intervention, demonstration, and pilot projects that address gaps in the glass recycling supply chain across the United States. These efforts are made possible through the generous support of sponsors and partners committed to advancing glass recycling solutions. For more information, visit www.glassrecycles.org or contact info@glassrecycles.org.