Anheuser-Busch and O-I Glass Kick Off First Local Recycling Challenge in Denver

ST. LOUIS, MO – November 29, 2023 – Anheuser-Busch is bringing a one-of-a-kind local recycling challenge to the Mile High City, launching its first ever Denver Series. Starting today, Denver residents are encouraged to recycle glass bottles and jars in new, colorfully branded neighborhood recycling bins for a chance to enjoy a free beer* for every 21+ resident of Colorado, courtesy of Anheuser-Busch.

The Denver Series comes as Colorado’s recycling rate remains below the national average of 32%[1], despite progress in recent years. Given the difficulties in recycling glass and the unique benefits in doing so – glass is infinitely reusable and able to be repurposed into new glass packaging in as little as 30 days – the Series aims to help inspire Denver area residents to increase Colorado’s rate by bringing their bottles to the bins. Anheuser-Busch has assembled a coalition of partners to support the effort locally, including the Denver Broncos, Keep America Beautiful, Recycle Colorado, and O-I Glass, a leading glass packaging manufacturer.

“At Anheuser-Busch, we are passionate about creating innovative solutions that bring industry and community partners together. This recycling program is the latest example of an industry-led initiative aimed at creating positive impact in the communities where we live and work,” said Cesar Vargas, Chief External Affairs Officer of Anheuser-Busch. “We’re committed to creating a future with more cheers and less waste. That’s who we are.”  

Anheuser-Busch and O-I have placed branded glass recycling bins in select Colorado neighborhoods and are encouraging residents to fill the bins with glass bottles. Select bins will also accept aluminum, as marked. To participate in the challenge, 21+ residents can drop their bottles in the bins through Christmas Day, December 25^th, for a chance to enjoy a free beer on Anheuser-Busch. To learn more about the Denver Series, please visit  http://www.anheuser-busch.com/DenverSeries.

“At O-I, we see tremendous opportunity to positively impact the planet and communities where we operate,” said Randy Burns Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer for O-I Glass. “Glass is never trash and as we are taking a tailored approach to increase our recycled content, we are working closely with our partners to achieve the full sustainable potential of glass packaging.”

Glass recycling bins can be found in the Pueblo, Castle Rock, and Fort Collins neighborhoods, with more locations to be announced in the coming weeks. Following the Denver Series challenge, bins will reopen indefinitely to allow residents to continue contributing to improved recycling rates throughout the Denver area.

"By rewarding recycling, the Denver Series challenge has the potential to help Colorado increase its recycling rate above the current 16%. Glass is a crucial part of the circular economy within Colorado, and we hope this program will inspire people to keep glass in circulation and out of the landfill," said Liz Chapman, Executive Director of Recycle Colorado.

The Denver Series builds on Anheuser-Busch’s iconic National Recycling League, which was created in 2022 with the intent of reducing waste on game day across multiple professional sports leagues and revolutionizing how the beverage industry encourages recycling. The National Recycling League is currently made up of over 25 teams from the NFL, MLB, NBA and MLS, with more professional sports leagues to come. Each team involved in the National Recycling League commits to implementing a range of activations aimed at reducing waste and improving recycling rates at stadiums.

"Football fans are enthusiastic supporters of their teams and their towns, so it makes sense that they would want to participate in making their stadiums and communities cleaner and greener. Aluminum and glass are materials far too precious to waste,” said Jennifer Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful. “Crafting a beverage container from recycled aluminum uses 95% less energy than using raw materials and can return to the shelf in as little as 60 days after recycling. Glass can be recycled indefinitely. By ensuring these valuable resources stay out of landfills and remain in circulation, everyone gets in on the sustainability game."

Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, Anheuser-Busch will continue to engage teams, fans and communities nationwide in creative and competitive recycling initiatives as part of our commitment to reducing waste and leaving communities better than we found them.

ABOUT ANHEUSER-BUSCH
At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. We are always looking to serve up new ways to meet life's moments, dream big to move our industry forward, and make a meaningful impact in the world. We hope to build a future that everyone can celebrate, and everyone can share. For more than 165 years, Anheuser-Busch has carried on a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. Today, we own and operate more than 120 facilities, including breweries, wholesaler distribution centers, agricultural facilities and packaging plants, and have more than 18,000 colleagues across the United States. We are home to several of America's most loved beer and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA, Cutwater Spirits, Stella Artois, Budweiser and Bud Light as well as a number of regional brands that provide beer drinkers with a choice of the best-tasting craft beers in the industry. From responsible drinking programs and emergency drinking water donations to industry-leading sustainability efforts, we are guided by our unwavering commitment to supporting the communities we call home. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

ABOUT O-I
At O-I Glass, Inc. (NYSE: OI), we love glass and we’re proud to be one of the leading producers of glass bottles and jars around the globe. Glass is not only beautiful, it’s also pure, healthy and completely recyclable, making it the most sustainable rigid packaging material. Headquartered in Perrysburg, Ohio (USA), O-I is the preferred partner for many of the world’s leading food and beverage brands. We innovate in line with customers’ needs to create iconic packaging that builds brands around the world. Led by our diverse team of approximately 24,000 people across 69 plants in 19 countries, O-I achieved revenues of $6.9 billion in 2022. Learn more about us: o-i.com / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn

**Via rebate. Offer valid for CO residents 21+. Four specially-marked recycling bins will be located throughout the Denver Metropolitan Area from 11/15/23 through 12/25/23. If all four bins are completely full by 12/25/23, Anheuser-Busch will offer a rebate up to $5 on your purchase of one Anheuser-Busch product (can, bottle, or draught) made 12/26/23 through 2/28/24. The rebate amount will be equivalent to the purchase price of one Anheuser-Busch product (can, bottle, or draught), excluding sales tax, up to $5.00. Rebate will be paid via an Anheuser-Busch prepaid Mastercard or an Anheuser-Busch prepaid virtual Mastercard. Card/Virtual Account is issued by MetaBank®, Member FDIC. No cash access or recurring payments. Valid for up to 6 months; unused funds will forfeit after the valid thru date. Terms and conditions apply. Offer ends on 2/28/24, or once rebate submissions reach $50,000. Visit https://www.anheuser-busch.com/NRLDenverSeries for complete details. Void where prohibited.

Press Contacts
Anheuser-Busch Media Relations | media@anheuser-busch.com
O-I Glass | James.Woods@O-I.com

[1] Setzke, R., Call, R..; Katz, D. (2023). (rep.). The State of Recycling and Composting in Colorado 2023 (Vol. 7, pp. 4). Eco-cycle.