Ripple Glass is expanding its glass-recycling efforts to include folks who produce a lot of empty bottles: local bars and restaurants.

The company – a spinoff from Boulevard Brewing – has kept nearly 200,000 tons of glass from being pitched in the region’s landfills. Until now, though, it hasn’t offered a collection program for businesses, though “commercial glass consumers have been asking for direct service since our founding in 2009,” said Mike Utz, Ripple Glass’ president and co-founder.

VIDEO: The story of Ripple Glass

The program should launch by April. Ripple Glass is taking applications from businesses interested in participating in the new service. Pickup routes will start in River Market, the Crossroads, Westport and Downtown, and will expand as Ripple’s capacity grows.

“This program has been a long time coming,” said Michelle Goth, Ripple’s general manager for Kansas City. “Every day, we receive phone calls from local businesses asking if we can pick up their glass, and we’re thrilled to finally have a solution for them. We hope to have this service available throughout the entire metro within a year’s time.”

Ripple recycles glass into new beer bottles and fiberglass insulation.

Interested in participating? Visit www.rippleglass.com/business-signup or call (816) 221-4527.