Goodwill Industries of West Michigan, American Glass Mosaics partner to divert glass from landfill

Goodwill Industries of West Michigan and American Glass Mosaics launched a partnership in mid-2024 that transforms unsold glass donations into premium tile backsplashes and decorative surfaces.

Founded in 1950, Goodwill Industries of West Michigan, based in Muskegon, Michigan, funds critical job training and placement services through its retail operations. While many donated items find new homes via Goodwill stores, others remain unsold. The new partnership provides a responsible second life for these materials, with the organizations aiming to divert and repurpose approximately 100,000 pounds of glass annually.

Goodwill will send its excess clear glass—previously destined for landfills—to American Glass Mosaics for use in producing tile products used in kitchens, bathrooms and pools. The initiative supports Goodwill’s commitment to sustainability and job creation while providing American Glass Mosaics with 100 percent local recovered raw material for its handcrafted designs.

“It’s hard to find sustainable outlets for many items that don’t sell through traditional resale,” says Nick Carlson, business development director at Goodwill Industries of West Michigan. “This collaboration is a win-win—diverting waste while creating beautiful, high-end products that resonate with today’s environmentally conscious consumers.”

“We couldn’t be more excited to incorporate Goodwill’s unsold glass into our production process,” says Marcus Lee, president and CEO of American Glass Mosaics, based in Spring Lake, Michigan. “Our customers love knowing our tiles are made from 100 percent-recycled materials—and now, they’re also helping keep unsold, community donations out of landfills.”