ASTM E708-79(2017)

Standard Specification for Waste Glass as a Raw Material for the Manufacture of Glass Containers

ABSTRACT
This specification covers particulate glass (cullet material) recovered from waste destined for disposal, smaller than 6 mm intended for reuse as a raw material in the manufacture of glass containers. Flint glass cullet is a particulate glass material that contains no more than 0.1 weight % Fe2O3, or 0.0015 weight % Cr2O3, as determined by chemical analysis. The color mix for amber, flint, green and other color glass cullet shall conform to the prescribed mix.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers particulate glass (cullet material, recovered from waste destined for disposal, smaller than 6 mm intended for reuse as a raw material in the manufacture of glass containers.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.2.1 Exception—The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Aug-2017
• ICS: 81.040.10 - Raw materials and raw glass
• Technical Committee: D34 - Waste Management
• Drafting Committee: D34.03 - Treatment, Recovery and Reuse

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E708-79(2011) - Standard Specification for Waste Glass as a Raw Material for the Manufacture of Glass Containers
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2017
• Refers: ASTM C162-23 - Standard Terminology of Glass and Glass Products
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM C162-05(2015) - Standard Terminology of<brk type="line"/> Glass and Glass Products
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM C169-92(2011) - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Soda-Lime and Borosilicate Glass
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2011
• Refers: ASTM E688-94(2011) - Standard Test Methods for Waste Glass as a Raw Material for Glass Manufacturing (Withdrawn 2019)
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2011
• Refers: ASTM E688-94(2006) - Standard Test Methods for Waste Glass as a Raw Material for Glass Manufacturing
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2006
• Refers: ASTM C162-05 - Standard Terminology of Glass and Glass Products
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2005
• Refers: ASTM C162-05(2010) - Standard Terminology of Glass and Glass Products
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2005
• Refers: ASTM C169-92(2005) - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Soda-Lime and Borosilicate Glass
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2005
• Refers: ASTM C162-04 - Standard Terminology of Glass and Glass Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2004
• Refers: ASTM C162-03 - Standard Terminology of Glass and Glass Products
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-2003
• Refers: ASTM C169-92(2000) - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Soda-Lime and Borosilicate Glass
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2000
• Refers: ASTM C169-92(1996) - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Soda-Lime and Borosilicate Glass
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2000
• Refers: ASTM E688-94(1999) - Standard Test Methods for Waste Glass as a Raw Material for Glass Manufacturing
• Effective Date: 10-Sep-1999
• Refers: ASTM C162-99 - Standard Terminology of Glass and Glass Products
• Effective Date: 10-May-1999

Overview

ASTM E708-79(2017) is the internationally recognized standard specification for waste glass, specifically cullet, intended for use as a raw material in the manufacture of glass containers. Developed by ASTM International, this standard defines requirements for waste glass that is particulate, smaller than 6 mm, and recovered from waste streams destined for disposal. The specification sets forth strict criteria for chemical composition, color mix, contaminant levels, and physical properties, ensuring the cullet's suitability and consistency as a feedstock in soda-lime glass container production.

Glass cullet compliant with this standard supports sustainability by promoting recycling, reducing landfill waste, and conserving raw materials in glass production. The guidelines also help manufacturers maintain consistent product quality and color while meeting regulatory requirements.

Key Topics

• Cullet Particle Size
  The standard applies to glass particles smaller than 6 mm, which are typically used in the manufacture of glass containers.

• Chemical Composition

  • Specifies requirements for flint, amber, and green glass cullet, including strict limits for iron (Fe₂O₃) and chromium (Cr₂O₃) content in flint glass to preserve color clarity.
  • General composition targets for soda-lime glass include:
    • SiO₂: 66 - 75%
    • Al₂O₃: 1 - 7%
    • CaO + MgO: 9 - 13%
    • Na₂O: 12 - 16%

• Physical and Contaminant Limits

  • Free-flowing, noncaking property required, with moisture content less than 0.5% by weight.
  • Strict limits on organic materials, magnetic materials, and other inorganic contaminants to ensure purity and safe use in manufacturing.
  • Color mix requirements for separated cullet to prevent off-color batches in production.
  • Strict screening to avoid oversized or undersized particles and unwanted refractory or metallic contaminants.

• Sampling and Testing

  • Refers to established ASTM test methods for verifying compliance, particularly Test Methods E688 and C169.

Applications

ASTM E708-79(2017) provides essential guidance for:

• Glass Container Manufacturing
  Producers of bottles, jars, and other glass packaging use compliant cullet to ensure quality and process efficiency.

• Recycling Operations
  Facilities engaged in glass recycling and cullet processing utilize this standard to qualify material for resale to glass manufacturers, ensuring a stable end-market.

• Sustainability Initiatives
  By enabling the return of post-consumer glass to the manufacturing cycle, the standard supports waste reduction and the circular economy in the packaging sector.

• Quality Control and Procurement
  Raw material purchasers rely on the specification to verify supply quality and maintain consistent production standards.

Related Standards

Users of ASTM E708-79(2017) may also refer to:

• ASTM C162 - Terminology of Glass and Glass Products
• ASTM C169 - Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Soda-Lime and Borosilicate Glass
• ASTM E688 - Test Methods for Waste Glass as a Raw Material for Glass Manufacturing

These referenced standards provide further detail on terminology, analytical methods, and laboratory procedures critical for ensuring the cullet meets the specification's requirements.

---

By adhering to ASTM E708-79(2017) in sourcing and processing waste glass cullet, organizations ensure high-quality raw materials for glass container production, drive environmental responsibility, and uphold industry standards.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:E708 −79 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Specification for
Waste Glass as a Raw Material for the Manufacture of Glass
Containers
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E708; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4. Representative Sample
1.1 This specification covers particulate glass (cullet 4.1 The following requirements qualify the glass lot to be
used for direct use in soda-lime glass container manufacturing.
material, recovered from waste destined for disposal, smaller
than 6 mm intended for reuse as a raw material in the Sample should be prepared and examined in accordance with
Test Methods E688.
manufacture of glass containers.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as NOTE 1—A preponderant proportion of glass cullet will be soda-lime
bottle glass, the glass cullet having a composition as follows, as
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
determined by Test Methods C169.
standard.
Oxide Composition, Weight %
1.2.1 Exception—The values given in parentheses are for
SiO 66 to 75
information only.
Al O 1to7
2 3
CaO + MgO 9 to 13
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
NaO 12to16
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
NOTE 2—All percents referred to in this specification are weight
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
percents.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5. General Requirements
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.1 The sample shall show no drainage of liquid and be
noncaking and free flowing.Amoisture content of less than 0.5
2. Referenced Documents
weight % is required to meet the free-flowing characteristics of
2.1 ASTM Standards:
a cullet that is predominantly of smaller particle size, 1.18-mm
C162 Terminology of Glass and Glass Products
(No. 16) sieve or smaller.
C169 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Soda-Lime
5.2 Screen Size—No material shall be retained on a 6-mm
and Borosilicate Glass
( ⁄4-in.) screen. Material not exceeding 15 weight % shall pass
E688 Test Methods for Waste Glass as a Raw Material for
through a 106-µm (No. 140) screen.
Glass Manufacturing
5.3 Organic Materials—The total content of organic
3. Terminology materials, as measured in accordance with Section 6, shall not
exceed 0.2 weight % of dry sample, except for color-mixed
3.1 Definitions:
glass where the content of organic material may exceed 0.2
3.1.1 flint glass cullet—a particulate glass material that
weight %. However, a content of organic material greater than
contains no more than 0.1 weight % Fe O , or 0.0015
2 3
0.2 weight % must be held within a tolerance of 60.05
weight % Cr O , as determined by chemical analysis.
2 3
weight %, with a maximum organic limit of 0.4 weight %.
3.1.2 For definitions of other terms used in this
5.4 Magnetic Materials—The total magnetic materials shall
specification, refer to Terminology C162.
not exceed 0.05 weight % of dry sample weight for flint glass
and 0.14 weight % for colored glass of dry sample weight in
This specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D34 on Waste
accordance with Section 6.
Management and is the direct responsibility of Subc
...