Decorative Glass Products

Decorative glass stepping stones, coasters, trivets and more

Glass containers are commonly recycled in Minnesota. Most of this glass — brown, green and flint (clear) — is recycled back into new containers to package food and beverages. However, many companies and counties are exploring non-container alternatives for recycling post-consumer glass.

Decorative products like stepping stones, coasters and trivets are new recycled products. Winona ORC Industries is one of a few companies in the U.S. making such products from recycled container glass. They were looking for better end-uses for the volumes of glass collected in the region, which was expensive to ship to the Twin Cities for recycling.

Winona ORC Industries (WORC)

	Recycled glass stepping stones are a durable and attractive alternative for outdoor walkways and paths. They are 12" across and weigh 15 pounds each.

WORC (Winona, Minnesota) developed decorative garden stepping stones, trivets, coasters, plant stands and plant caddies made from recycled container glass (95% post-consumer content). Clear, green and amber bottle glass collected from residential and business recycling programs are crushed, cleaned, mixed and placed into molds, then fused in a kiln. Each stone is uniquely designed with flowers, vines, fruit and animals.

WORC formed a partnership was formed with the Southeast Minnesota Recyclers Exchange (SEMREX), an alliance of local public and private recyclers that operates a program to assist the region in marketing its recyclables to end-users. In 1994, WORC received a grant from the OEA to demonstrate that they could locally manufacture garden pavers made from recycled glass.

Their manufacturing method is an internationally recognized ground-glass/fire-kiln process — the only one like it in the world. Much like works of art, the products made with this process are unique; background hues vary with the mixing of colored glass. The non-porous glass is strong and durable, does not absorb water, and can withstand extreme heat and cold. Independent testing has proven them to be virtually chip- and crack-free under hundreds, or even thousands of pounds of stress.

Stepping stones

• 95% recycled glass
• Many original designs and color combinations to choose from, or custom design options
• Weight: 15 lbs. (Stones seat solidly into the ground.)
• 12 inches in diameter, 1-3/4" thick
• Thermal shock- and water-resistant
• Impervious to temperature extremes and heavy use
• Withstand up to 3,000 pounds of pressure

Trivets or garden tiles
From cooking pot rests to decorative garden tiles...there are many uses for these recycled glass trivets.

• 95% recycled glass
• Many original designs and color combinations to choose from, or custom design options
• Sizes: 7" round (1.9 lbs.) or 6" square (1.5 lbs.)
• Has protective "feet" to protect tabletops and countertops
• Durable and resistant to extreme temperatures and heavy use

Coasters
Coasters protect tabletops from beverage glasses and containers. These are durable, complementary to your decor, and recycled.

• 90-95% recycled glass
• Size: 4" square, 1/2" thick (1/2 lb.)
• Available in four attractive background colors
• Has protective "feet" to protect tabletops and countertops
• Strong: Can withstand up to 500 lbs.
• Durable: Made to handle moisture, extreme temperatures and heavy use