Windshield Repair Forum

Greetings fellow WRS techs,

One thing I have noticed here in Vermont, is that most of the major glass shops, have special "glass dumpsters" so that the glass gets recycled & stays out fo the landfill. I'm not sure if these dumpsters were mandated, or if is voluntary. Personally, I think this is a good idea, as glass is one commodity that can be used over again.
Back in the 1980's when we were doing about 10 to 15 windshield replacements a day, the shop I was working for, just threw the "old/broken" windshields in the regular trash dumpster.

Just curious but in what ways can windshield glass be recycled ? I have often seen WSR web sites make statements that windshields cannot be recycled and are filling waste dumps.

I haven't researched the subject, but I have read the same statements... laminated glass is not typically recycled. But I did see something recently about a (new?) recycling technique used for laminated glass. So it's possible that such statements are questionable now.

I would like to know also...

There was a thread awhile back in which I was corretced when I said windshields cannot be recycled. There is a machine that can strip the glass from the laminate then pulverize it for uses in walkways, parking lots, etc... .
I assume this is not very cost effective as it's not widely used. If you do a search on the internet for laminated glass recycling you should find the same info I did.

bob,
I didnt know you had repaired a fire truck. how did that go? was the glass any different? was it a rock chip or crack? how did you land that one? I have never even thought of hitting up the fire stations here in my town and I even have a friend at one of them! Man im slow!

Mafsu is correct in the statement that it is not very cost effective. This is due primarily to the transportation costs,storage,processing, and the labor costs or sorting ect. Most places that do this are based in areas of large population. My understanding is that the places that pick up these broken windshields charge the shop around $25.00 ton for disposal fee. Easier for the shop to use a dumpster. Bob

Hi dgarza- Actually, I have been a sworn paid professional firefighter with the City of Omaha Nebraska for the past 14 years. I work ten 24 hour days a month, and run my business on the other days.

If you want to see high glass prices, you should see what a fire truck replacement costs. To land any city or county account, you first need to get ahold of someone in city or county purchasing. If the municipality has its own repair facility, you need to see the shop foreman to offer your services.

Police cars and especially highway patrol cars suffer alot of chips. Also offer discounts for employees private cars. These places are public buildings, and the people that work in them are public servants, don't be afraid to walk in and offer your services. YOU ARE ENTITLED by the rights of being a taxpayer.

Be polite and respectful as they are also conducting day to day business. If you got a fireman buddy ask him if you can drop his name and visit each station. Working on fire trucks are very similar to motor homes....except when you do it you'll have an audience of bored firefighters in attendance....which will lead to more jobs. Just don't hit any Omaha Fire Stations ...lol ... Good Luck, Bob

Bob,

Did you land the City account? I am also a career firefighter/paramedic with East Fork Fire in Douglas County, NV.

My wife and I are just getting our business started. We had one of our rescues that had a bullseye. I casually mentioned it to our operations chief and his initial thought was it might be a conflict of interest. I did not pursue it any further. At a later date I would like to official present a proposal to him for our department as well as other county vehicles such as the sheriff and the school district.

Any suggestions?

Thank you,
Rick

Hi Rick - Good to see a fellow FF in the biz. you are exactly right, I have no accounts with the City of Omaha, but when I was putting my website together, I needed a photographer and some "eye-candy" So...... I dropped by the station and posed for this pic. to use on my website.

I think that Omaha has a similiar conflict of interest policy. If you decide its worth the effort you could always form a Nevada corp. or LLC and then the corporation would be doing business with them....( you are a just an employee) might work but I'm not an attorney.

I doubt that your county or department would commit to a proposal or contract, but when they need a repair done, I wouldn't think that they could discriminate against you as a private vendor on your off time. I'd find out who does the purchasing for the municipality and go through them.

I work on a 650 + man department and spent 7 years as a paramedic on one of the citys busiest squads. (avg. 10 to 20 runs in 24hrs.) I'm the no. 1 pipeman now on a slow Engine company ( 1-4 runs a day)

This is an excellent FF compatible business. You just need someone to cover for you on the days when you're at the fire station. You'll get alot of referrals from fellow FFs. I'll be happy to share any info and guidance that I can offer. Just P.M. or email any questions....Best of wishes Bob