Glass Half Full Expands Glass Recycling Efforts with New High-Capacity Facility

In a significant step toward advancing sustainable waste management, Glass Half Full, a New Orleans-based glass recycling company, has opened its latest new recycling facility in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana. This expansion marks a crucial milestone in the company’s mission to enhance glass recycling infrastructure and reduce environmental waste across the Gulf South region.

According to Glass Half Full, the new facility, spanning three acres in Chalmette, features a 10,000-square-foot warehouse equipped with cutting-edge technology to handle an impressive 300,000 pounds of glass per day—a thirtyfold increase from the company’s previous site in the Upper Ninth Ward. This enhanced capacity allows Glass Half Full to expand its collection radius beyond Louisiana, reaching several neighboring states.

Innovative Technology Driving Sustainability

A key highlight of the new facility is the integration of advanced optical sorting machinery, enabling Glass Half Full to produce high-quality cullet, the essential raw material used in the manufacturing of new glass products. Additionally, the facility continues the company’s initiative of transforming recycled glass into sand for coastal restoration projects, supporting Louisiana’s ongoing battle against land erosion. 

This commitment to sustainability is further reflected in the facility’s efficient and eco-friendly design, developed by RNGD Building and Steel. The structure, a pre-engineered metal building (PEMB), was constructed using prefabricated steel components supplied by NUCOR Building Systems. The interior design features custom terrazzo flooring, supplied by Terrazzo Masters, which incorporates polished recycled material produced by Glass Half Full, showcasing the company’s commitment to repurposing waste materials into both functional and aesthetic solutions.

Economic Growth and Community Impact

In addition to its environmental benefits, Glass Half Full’s expansion will foster economic growth by creating new job opportunities. The company currently employs 20 workers and aims to double its workforce within the next two years.

According to Glass Half Full, the location of the new facility was carefully selected after extensive research and visits to multiple recycling plants across the U.S. The Paris Road site in Chalmette was chosen not only for its accessibility but also for its potential future expansion as Glass Half Full continues to scale operations.

The Meraux Foundation donated $3.7 million to the nonprofit Glassroots and the St. Bernard Parish Government to help make the facility possible. Rita Gue, President of the Meraux Foundation, emphasized the facility’s transformative potential, “Turning a former landfill into a hub for innovation shows what’s possible when we invest in smart solutions. This facility will create jobs, reduce waste, and strengthen coastal protection—demonstrating that economic growth and environmental progress go hand in hand.”

This expansion has also attracted strong support from investors, including Benson Capital Partners, whose founder, Gayle Benson praised the company’s forward-thinking approach, stating, “This new facility is a testament to Glass Half Full’s vision and hard work, and it will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the Gulf South region. We believe in the power of visionary businesses like Glass Half Full to lead the way toward a greener future, and we are thrilled to be part of this important milestone.”

As the company looks forward, it aims to broaden its sustainability efforts, enhance partnerships with environmental organizations, and further establish itself as a leader in the green economy.

With its new high-capacity facility, cutting-edge recycling technology, and commitment to coastal restoration, Glass Half Full is setting an inspiring precedent for sustainable business models—demonstrating that environmental responsibility and economic growth can thrive together.