Band 9: The diagram below shows how recycled glass bottles are processed and turned into new bottles. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The diagram illustrates the various stages involved in recycling used glass bottles and transforming them into new ones.

Overall, the process consists of three main phases: collecting and sorting waste bottles, cleaning and processing the glass, and finally producing new bottles. The cycle is fully closed, meaning old bottles are continuously reused to create new ones.

In the first stage, used glass bottles are gathered from public collection points and transported to a central facility. Here, they are sorted by colour, typically into clear, green, and brown categories. Once separated, the bottles undergo a thorough washing process, where they are cleaned using high-pressure water jets.

Next, the cleaned bottles enter the processing stage, where they are crushed into glass pieces and then melted in a furnace at extremely high temperatures. The resulting molten glass can be used alone or combined with new raw materials such as sand, soda ash, and limestone to improve quality.

In the final phase, the molten mixture is poured into moulds to form new bottles. After cooling, these new bottles are filled with beverages and sent to supermarkets. Once consumed, the bottles can be returned to the recycling points, completing the cycle.