Jars Other Recycling Recycle Only Your Empties Dump out any leftover food or drink before recycling empty glass jars. Sticky food or liquid can contaminate other recyclables. Wrap Up Broken Glass Broken glass can physically injure sanitation workers and trash haulers. Wrap up the broken glass before disposing of it. Learn how to properly dispose of broken glass. Recycle Jar Lids Separately Separate jar lids from glass jars when you recycle them. Sort and recycle them separately because they are made from different materials. Did You Know? Glass Is Infinitely Recyclable Glass is one of the most recyclable items on the planet. It can be broken down and upcycled infinitely without losing strength, purity, or quality. The glass containers used to hold food and beverages, in particular, are usually 100 percent recyclable. Recovered glass is often upcycled into tiles, concrete pavements, and parking lots.