An Economically Sustainable Glass Recycling Business Model in Puerto Rico: A Conceptual Solution for Regions Without Government Recycling Programs

John-Michael Davis (), José Bauza-Mora, Douglas Cain, Leah Harnisch-Weidauer, Claire Matthews and Priyankha Sunil
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John-Michael Davis: Department of Integrative and Global Studies, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, USA
José Bauza-Mora: Proyecto ENLACE del Caño Martín Peña, Community Economic Development, San Juan 00917, Puerto Rico
Douglas Cain: Department of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, USA
Leah Harnisch-Weidauer: Department of Chemical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, USA
Claire Matthews: Department of Aerospace Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, USA
Priyankha Sunil: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, USA

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 22, 1-13

Abstract: In Puerto Rico, less than 5% of glass waste is recycled annually compared to a US national average of 25%. In regions like Puerto Rico, where government glass recycling programs are absent, glass presents a challenging waste stream to profitably recycle due to high transportation costs and low market prices, with few scalable models identified in the literature. This study emerged from a multi-year shared action learning partnership between Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Puerto Rico Project Center and the Corporación del Proyecto ENLACE, a community development NGO serving the Caño Martín Peña communities in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Based on online research and interviews with 16 key stakeholders, we describe an economically sustainable glass recycling business model designed for the Caño Martín Peña communities that offers broader applicability for similar contexts. The business model achieves three goals: (1) it offers a free and convenient glass-collection service for the Caño Martín Peña communities; (2) it generates local employment opportunities in a low-income region; and (3) it operates in an economically sustainable manner. The viability of the glass-recycling business model is premised on strategic partnerships with government agencies, recycling companies, glass-sand markets, and local businesses.

Keywords: glass; recycle; business model; economic sustainability; waste management; strategic partnerships; Puerto Rico (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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