Timber - PVC - Aluminium - Windows, Doors & Conservatories in Dorset
Window Scrappage & Recycling: How We’re Closing the Loop
Window Scrappage & Recycling: How We’re Closing the Loop
The days of ripping out old windows and tossing them into a skip destined for landfill are over. Welcome to the era of the “Circular Economy” in glazing.
For decades, the construction industry operated on a linear model: Take, Make, Waste. We took raw materials, made windows, and when they were replaced 20 years later, they were wasted. But in 2025, that model is being completely dismantled.
As responsible installers, we are proud to be part of a massive industry shift that ensures your old windows aren’t just “rubbish”—they are valuable resources for the future.
The Scoop: What is the Circular Economy?
The “Circular Economy” is a system designed to eliminate waste. Instead of the traditional “end-of-life” for a product, we now look at “end-of-use.”
When we remove your old uPVC windows, they don’t die. They are essentially “harvested.”
- uPVC Frames: High-quality uPVC can be recycled up to 10 times without losing structural integrity. Since a standard window lasts about 30-35 years, one batch of plastic has a potential lifespan of 300+ years.
- The Glass: Old glass units (glazing) are crushed into “cullet.” This cullet is melted down to make new glass, which actually melts at a lower temperature than raw sand, saving huge amounts of energy in the manufacturing furnace.
Why This Matters to You (and the Planet)
You might think, “I just want new windows, why do I care about the old ones?”
Choosing an installer who recycles gives you peace of mind that your home improvement isn’t damaging the environment. Plus, it drives down the carbon footprint of your renovation significantly.
Here is the difference between the Old Way and the New Way:
♻️ Linear vs. Circular: The Impact
| Feature | The Old Way (Landfill) | The New Way (Circular) |
|---|---|---|
| Destination | Landfill site (takes centuries to degrade) | Specialist recycling facility |
| Material Life | Single use (20-30 years) | Up to 350 years (recycled 10x) |
| Energy Used | High (Mining new materials) | Low (Recycling uses 90% less energy) |
| Your Role | Creating waste | Closing the loop |
How We Handle Your Old Windows
We don’t just smash them out and throw them in a heap. We follow a strict Scrappage Protocol:
- Careful Removal: We de-glaze the window first (remove the glass) to separate materials at the source.
- Separation: Aluminium handles, steel hinges, rubber gaskets, and plastic frames are sorted.
- Collection: We work with certified recycling partners (such as those accredited by Recovinyl).
- Rebirth: Your old white frames are often granulated and turned into the hidden “core” of new frames, ensuring the visible surface is pristine new plastic while the inside is recycled strength.
Common Questions About Window Recycling
Yes, almost every part of a modern window can be recycled. uPVC frames are the easiest to recycle and have the highest demand. Aluminium frames are infinitely recyclable. Timber frames can be chipped for biomass fuel or animal bedding. The glass itself is crushed into cullet and melted down for new glass production.
Generally, no. While the materials have value, the cost of labour to remove them carefully, transport them, and the fees charged by recycling plants to process them usually balance out. However, the real value is that you often avoid the high “landfill tax” costs that would be added to your quote if we simply dumped them.
Absolutely not. Scientific studies have shown that uPVC retains its structural strength for at least 10 recycling loops. In fact, many premium window systems now use “co-extrusion” technology—where the inner core of the profile is made from strong recycled material, and the outer skin is virgin vinyl for a perfect finish. It is just as strong, if not stronger, than 100% virgin plastic.
Recovinyl is an industry-wide certification scheme that tracks and verifies the recycling of PVC. If your installer mentions they work with Recovinyl-certified waste collectors, it guarantees your old windows are actually being recycled and not just “greenwashed” (claimed to be recycled but dumped).
Mark Pearce is a highly experienced specialist in the double glazing industry, having built his knowledge from the ground up through hands-on experience in installation, manufacturing, sales, and business management. Beyond his role at KJM, Mark is a keen blogger, writer, and traveller, often sharing insights on the latest innovations in the home improvement industry.
- Window Scrappage & Recycling: How We’re Closing the Loop - 19 November 2025
- KJM Group MD Attends House of Commons Event to Champion UK Glass Industry - 14 November 2025
- Industry News Alert: Pilkington Discontinues Classic Flemish Glass - 14 November 2025
