Bacardi launches glass recycling program near Cataño distillery
Spirits maker Bacardi has launched a glass recycling program in Puerto Rico to reduce landfill waste from the hospitality industry, focusing on bars and restaurants near its rum distillery in the Cataño Bay area.
The program, which began in May, is a partnership with Reciclaje del Norte and the Municipality of Cataño. It includes weekly collection of empty spirits bottles, which are crushed and repurposed into building blocks. More than 1.3 tons of glass have been collected so far.
“As a family-owned business, we believe strongly in doing the right thing by giving back to our local community and helping protect the environment in Cataño,” said Magaly Feliciano, Bacardi’s global sustainability director, who is based in Puerto Rico.
“We’re so proud of this project as it’s a perfect example of how we can work together to make a meaningful difference,” she said.
Cataño Mayor Julio Alicea-Vasallo said the program transforms waste into opportunity.
“Every bottle we recycle today contributes to building a stronger Cataño tomorrow,” he said.
The recycling effort is part of Bacardi’s broader environmental strategy on the island. Other steps include converting its distillery from oil to natural gas, reusing water for cooling stills, and maintaining Wildlife Habitat Council certification to protect Puerto Rico’s bat population.
