UTRGV Part of a Groundbreaking Research Project That Repurposes Glass Waste, Potentially Fortify Coastlines, and Revolutionize Ag Practices

Credit: Glass Half Full Company in New Orleans, LA

The research will not only transform recycled glass into a shield against the forces of nature, but also evaluates its potential as a novel agricultural medium – proving that your glass bottle’s next life might just be its most impactful yet. Pictured are recycled glass bottles sorted into barrels.

« UTRGV Part of a Groundbreaking Research Project That Repurposes Glass Waste, Potentially Fortify Coastlines, and Revolutionize Ag Practices

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A beach environment was replicated in a wave tank at South Padre Island (SPI) using recycled glass to simulate effects of glass sand in erosion. The hope is to help mitigate erosion at South Padre Island in the future. Glass sand is not currently being used on the SPI shores. (Courtesy photo)

« UTRGV Part of a Groundbreaking Research Project That Repurposes Glass Waste, Potentially Fortify Coastlines, and Revolutionize Ag Practices

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Andrea Quezada, a chemistry graduate student, transplants jalapeño, bell pepper and cilantro seedlings grown in a recycled glass mixture to pots for full growth at the UTRGV greenhouse on the Edinburg Campus. A pilot study was conducted showing that these plants can be successfully cultivated using recycled glass from pulverized bottles as a partial soil substitute. (Courtesy photo)

« UTRGV Part of a Groundbreaking Research Project That Repurposes Glass Waste, Potentially Fortify Coastlines, and Revolutionize Ag Practices

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A jalapeño seedling grown in 100 percent recycled glass at the UTRGV greenhouse on the Edinburg campus. (Courtesy photo)

« UTRGV Part of a Groundbreaking Research Project That Repurposes Glass Waste, Potentially Fortify Coastlines, and Revolutionize Ag Practices

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