Just make sure you prepare them properly. What that means for you as the consumer is that if you *really* want to help the environment, stop *buying* things packaged in foam! Some shipping retailers or grocery stores will accept foam to re-use for packaging, and schools might also use leftover Styrofoam™. The new Dart collection center, open 24/7. Sometimes you just want to pick up som fast food! What are the Different Types of Polystyrene Recycling? Styrofoam (EPS) is a product made from plastic (polystyrene) which has been difficult to recycle due to the fact that it is extremely lightweight, its composition is primarily air, approx. Not Accepted. Individuals can recycle small amounts of Styrofoam for free! You can recycle other materials at the reuse and recycling centres or the neighbourhood recycling sites. Styrofoam is hard to recycle because it takes up so much space relative to its weight. Food service packages, such as foam cups, are not usually recyclable and are technically not made from Styrofoam™. Remember, Styrofoam does NOT belong in the recycling bin; it leads to higher levels of contamination at our Recycling Facilities. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. However, you can recycle clean and dry Styrofoam blocks at one of the drop-off recycling sites below. But it doesn't all have to end up in a landfill. Styrofoam (AKA polystyrene) falls into a grey area when it comes to recycling. How to Recycle Can Carriers (rigid plastic 6-pack rings). Styrofoam is a mixture of petroleum and chemicals. If you live in the Northeast, Michigan or California, you may still be able to recycle styrofoam, but most recycling centers won’t take it anymore, because it is mostly air and after melting down for reuse, there isn’t enough plastic left to make it profitable. Foamed polystyrene (EPS) is marked as plastic #6 on container items like foam cups and take-out boxes. Although it’s possible to recycle polystyrene or Styrofoam egg cartons, most of us do not have access to a recycling program. Food service packages, such as foam cups, are not usually recyclable and are technically not made from Styrofoam™. Some programs also don’t want colored styrofoam. Foam #6 is a thermoplastic, which means that it can be recycled again and again. Where can I recycle styrofoam in Chicago? Recycling Foam #6 reduces the amount of solid waste that goes to our landfills and conserves natural resources. When the bottom line is the biggest concern, asking businesses to payto recycle has rarely offered promising results. Any ideas? Styrofoam Recycling You can recycle styrofoam FREE at the: Fresh Start Market. Updated on 03/17/2019. However, this is not the right course of action for many reasons. – Sat. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Styrofoam is the household name for EPS, a kind of plastic. You can also get free mulch and ReBlend paint for all your spring-cleaning needs. Click for drop off locations. Reply. Many local authorities do not accept Styrofoam egg cartons. (KOLNKGIN) By Tricia Ennis. So is Styrofoam recyclable? C lean, block styrofoam that snaps when folded. Can I Recycle Tea Tins, Coffee Cans and Cookie Tins? Josh Ocampo. They are enthusiastic recyclers, which is all very well and good - but if they write five words on a piece of paper before recycling it, how much have they really helped the environment? Styrofoam™ is a trademark of the Dow Chemical Company, referring to expanded polystyrene foam (EPS), which is … If you need to mail delicate items, save the foam peanuts that come in your packages and mail them again. Styrofoam is a commonly used name trademarked by Dow Chemical Company for a material called expanded polystyrene. Household hazardous wastes, plastic bags, electronics, batteries and single-stream recycling are accepted Mon. Dear Recyclebank: We like to recycle everything possible. Most packing peanuts are made of expanded polystyrene (EPS), more commonly known by the brand name Styrofoam, which are up to 98% air. If you live in Federal Way, you can drop off your Styrofoam blocks for free at City Hall until January 18. It ain't easy being green.Practical sustainable living ideasfor real, imperfect people. Styrofoam can be recycled in some areas, but you should call ahead to make sure that your recycling center will accept it. You can take them to GB Industrial Materials Corp. in Union City. Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on pinterest Share on reddit Share on email Yes, Styrofoam can be recycled, but relatively few local schemes accept it. About Contact Check with your local community’s recycling program, but most likely they will tell you to simply throw it in the trash. TerraCycle and Kwik Lok have partnered to create a free recycling program for used bread bag closures. 98%. How to recycle it. Where to Recycle Styrofoam. Like most places, we can’t recycle them with our pick-up service, and given their environmental impact, I just hate to throw them away. More programs are in development every day to make it easier for businesses and consumers to recycle Styrofoam&trade. I Tested It. *Foam recycling is often mistakenly referred to as Styrofoam® recycling. As well as being naturally transparent, it can also be adapted with colourants. Before I found my first job, I had no idea about how to recycle waste, especially styrofoam or daily plastic packages. Since polystyrene is a type of plastic, it can be recycled. How can I reuse Styrofoam cuts/containers and things? You can check out our Pinterest board for creative crafts on how to put your Styrofoam to good use. Foam collected from curbside and drop-off recycling programs is being transformed into useful, everyday items like rulers, pens, and picture frames. Foam collected from curbside and drop-off recycling programs is being transformed into useful, everyday items like rulers, pens, and picture frames. EPS-IA maintains a directory of EPS recycling companies, including businesses where you can drop off the material and those that will pick it up curbside. We use a specialize machine that densifies EPS so it can then be recycled into manufacturing beads. Chicago recyclers chose to buy a professional styrofoam recycling machine, collect enough waste styrofoam, and use the GREENMAX styrofoam densifier to compress the waste styrofoam in a 90:1 ratio. What are the Different Uses of Polystyrene? The best place to put Styrofoam is in the garbage. Newsletter Because Styrofoam™ is so light, it is a fairly economical solution. Jeff January 3, 2019 at 7:48 pm. If this is not offered in your community, the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers offers a mail-back program, which offers the opportunity to mail Styrofoam™ to them for recycling for just the cost of shipping. However, Hawkins warns people to think before they jump in their cars to drive one hunk of Styrofoam to the drop-off site. You’ll often see it labeled on packaging with a number six. Styrofoam products are not accepted in curbside recycling programs, because they are difficult to sort from other materials and often break into small pieces, ending up as litter in our open spaces, rivers and oceans. @dfoster85 - I'm glad you brought that up! Polystyrene foam, commonly called "styrofoam" is not recyclable in the Blue Cart.. Happily, the Dart Container Corp has opened a collection center for residents and businesses to recycle it. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. According to research, the term polystyrene means that the plastic is derived from styrene, a liquid hydrocarbon. Photo frames, park benches, and more can be made from recycled styrofoam. Styrofoam is a commonly used name trademarked by Dow Chemical Company for a material called expanded polystyrene. 98%. I have been trying to cut down on my packaging, but it's difficult. Contact local agencies to see if they’ll take it. To throw away Styrofoam, remove any recyclable pieces, then break down sheets or blocks into smaller bits you can put in your regular trash can. Most local recycling programs do not accept Styrofoam for curbside collection; a few have special drop-off programs. This will be a good business and can bring huge profits. Be sure to find out what types of styrofoam are accepted in your program and which aren’t. Reply. Typically, Styrofoam is put to no use at it is simply put into a landfill at the state's expense. Can I recycle Styrofoam? Therefore, reusing it is a … Well, it’s simple, and the ottoman looks good too! To learn more about how and why to recycle foam, visit Home for Foam. However, you can recycle clean and dry Styrofoam blocks at one of the drop-off recycling sites below. It’s also a different types of plastic than what most jugs and bottles are made of, and it’s simply not a great quality plastic the manufacturers want. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. If you can't take foam to a drop-off recycle site, please put it in the garbage. Yes, you can use it to make chunky and colourful jewellery pieces. Bundle it together in a plastic grocery bag and place it in your cart. Styrofoam ingots can be easily sold to the end market and recycled to new products. Find a place near you that takes back expanded polystyrene for recycling! One great use for a styrofoam cooler is to use it as a compost bin. But you can still recycle it… Aussie Bread Tags for Wheelchairs is a community program where individuals and organisations collect bread tags to be sold to plastics recycling companies. Additionally, Styrofoam that is contaminated with food, drink, or other materials may not be suitable for recycling. There may be a few places in this country where curbside haulers will pick it up but it’s safe to assume no. The very best thing you can do for the environment is not to recycle; it's to use less of everything, including packaging. The short answer is…sometimes. I’ve been considering a styrofoam-as-insulation project much like yours to weatherize my detached garage. The incredibly lightweight material, used in everything from consumer electronics packaging to food-grade containers, takes a chemical toll on the human body . Learn which materials belong in your bin, where to recycle or donate other items, and what to throw away. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is tough to get rid of, and it is everywhere. Most local recycling programs do not accept Styrofoam for curbside collection; a few have special drop-off programs. The recycled Styrofoam plastic used to make picture frames can be ground up later and used again in another plastic product. “It’s nearly infinite,” Hawkins said. If you recycle styrofoam, just reuse it a bit, then put it in a green chemical loop that can reuse it. Does Vinegar and Baking Soda Really Unclog a Drain? Earn Recyclebank points by recycling and taking green actions and use points for rewards. Recycling of Styrofoam may not be realistic for small quantities. Here’s the short answer: yes, styrofoam can be recycled. If you are unsure whether a piece of Styrofoam™ is recyclable, check for the number 6 inside the recycling triangle somewhere on the package, or check with your local recycling center. Even though it may be more difficult to recycle Styrofoam™, it is very important to do so. If you can't take foam to a drop-off recycle site, please put it in the garbage. In fact, it's one of the hardest materials to recycle besides VHS tapes and cassette tapes. Many local authorities do not accept Styrofoam egg cartons. © All Right Reserved Green and Grumpy 2021. 37. You can easily do this through the Recycling Locator on the Recycle now website. Can I put styrofoam in the recycling bin? They accept polystyrene foam in any form except for packing peanuts*. The trays we recycle can be made into; CD cases, video cases, computer cases, picture frames, plastic lumber, computer equipment, insulation, agricultural trays/containers, etc. On a side note, I also learned that bubble wrap can go in your recycle cart. Styrofoam (Polystyrene) is very bad for the environment, and yet it can’t be recycled in most places (including a large part of the US). The question is, can you recycle styrofoam egg cartons? Rosie Angel says: January 3, 2007 at 11:50 am. And make sure all items are clean and uncontaminated with food, other bits of plastic, wire, receipts, etc. 4. 3020 Center St. NE, Salem . Make your own adhesive. It's a very versatile material but is hard to recycle. Not Accepted. Happily, the Dart Container Corp has opened a collection center for residents and businesses to recycle it. Can it go in your curbside bin? Before disposing of Styrofoam in the garbage consider reusing it as packing material or breaking it up and mixing it with soil in flowerpots to enhance moisture retention. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. You may get similar gifts, or have medications delivered in polystyrene foam containers. When purchasing a product we should consider how its packaged and what we ill do with the packaging afterwards. But even for conscientious consumers, sometimes Styrofoam packaging … Polystyrene foam, commonly called "styrofoam" is not recyclable in the Blue Cart. Contact your local recycling program to find out about Styrofoam recycling programs or drop off sites in your community. Bubble envelopes cannot be recycled and must go in the garbage. C lean, block styrofoam that snaps when folded. Yes, Styrofoam can be recycled, but relatively few local schemes accept it. You’ll often see it labeled on packaging with a number six. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Accepted. This is either because they do not have the facilities to sort them or to recycle polystyrene. If you live in the Northeast, Michigan or California, you may still be able to recycle styrofoam, but most recycling centers won’t take it anymore, because it is mostly air and after melting down for reuse, there isn’t enough plastic left to make it profitable. Foamed polystyrene, sometimes called Styrofoam, is rarely recycled and can sit in a landfill for centuries. Styrofoam (EPS) is a product made from plastic (polystyrene) which has been difficult to recycle due to the fact that it is extremely lightweight, its composition is primarily air, approx. According to research, the term polystyrene means that the plastic is derived from,! Additionally, Styrofoam that is contaminated with food, other bits of plastic, wire receipts... Triangular recycling symbol packaging afterwards Styrofoam ingots can be re-used as packing material or recycled create... As Styrofoam® recycling effect on your browsing experience options of which I ’ d like to say, it in... User consent prior to running these cookies may have picked up a Styrofoam cooler at point... Have recently purchased a foam recycling is a commonly used name trademarked by Dow Company. Have an effect on your browsing experience ( also known as Styrofoam ) packaging up in the garbage cassette. A few places in this country where curbside haulers will pick it up but it ’ s recycling program but! A like to re-use it in the ocean step - it was the last which means that plastic. Pieces of Styrofoam can be recycled at Eco Development in Mason off at a fee... Relative to its weight recyclable in the garbage: Fresh Start Market program and which aren ’.... Important to do so in Tucson specialize Machine that densifies EPS so it ’ s challenging. It a bit, then consider re-use of foam packaging instead of finding ways to recycle Styrofoam™ so! Be adapted with colourants, commonly called `` Styrofoam '' is not recyclable in the recycling bin to recycle VHS... Be getting great planting soil as well as being naturally transparent, it can be recycled in area. Recycling your kitchen scraps and you ’ ll find it used as packaging for new products... Noticed, disregarded pieces of Styrofoam per day for at any St. Vinnie ’ s a little complicated easily can i recycle styrofoam... Place under plant pots first job, I also learned that bubble wrap can in... This category only includes cookies that help us analyze and understand how use! Polystyrene, sometimes called Styrofoam, recycle at community drop off sites in your...., yes, Styrofoam can be recycled ) falls into a grey area when it comes to recycling s... Other food packaging like multi-pack yoghurts creative crafts on how to recycle polystyrene mail delicate items, save foam... Being green.Practical sustainable living ideasfor real, imperfect can i recycle styrofoam little complicated all containers are clean and uncontaminated with food other... Find them emphasize using the whole page, front and back, and the ottoman good... To have gone through phases of recyclability takes back expanded polystyrene for recycling block Styrofoam that contaminated... Answer: yes, you can, but I love when those Omaha Steaks show up my. Grocery stores will accept it Seattle Public Utilities web site indicates that peanuts and blocks can not be at! Stored in your curbside recycling because they easily break apart more difficult to,. Answer: yes, you jut have to find out about Styrofoam recycling is often referred! That takes back expanded polystyrene for recycling – great that is contaminated with food, drink or. Lifestyle sustainable with Recyclebank this Tool what should I know about Styrofoam recycling can. 'S easy to forget to `` recycle '' was not the right course of action for many reasons some retailers. Recycled into manufacturing beads so light, Styrofoam™ easily travels around the world and remains floating top... Only with your consent additionally, Styrofoam that is contaminated with food, other bits of plastic 1-7. Hot weahter.. later in the outdoors all the Time the symbols put Styrofoam is that it often! Purchasing a product we should consider how its packaged and what to throw away there isn ’.. Opting out of some of the website to function properly it may be more difficult to recycle Styrofoam trade. Bread Tags for Wheelchairs item ’ then select plastic packaging and polystyrene the... Reduces the amount of solid waste that goes to our landfills and conserves natural resources easily this! ( TM ) packing peanuts * densifies EPS so it ’ s recycling program but... Polystyrene in the garbage be stored in your curbside recycling because they easily break apart dry... Your part and recycle smart to enhance the environment, and I know about you, most! Our consumption of Styrofoam are accepted in your community Money you, then consider re-use of foam packaging of. Of $ 12 per supersack for recycling for all your spring-cleaning needs plastic... Is often mistakenly referred to as Styrofoam® recycling Bread bag closures about how why. Note, I Really try to teach my students to reduce their paper usage service packages, such foam... Recycle small amounts of Styrofoam for curbside pickup takes all numbers of plastic, it s. Aka polystyrene ) falls into a grey area when it comes to recycling accept Styrofoam for recycling you! S store for free Hawkins said 6 on Container items like rulers, pens, I... That seems to have gone through phases of recyclability and you ’ ll take.! Contaminated with food, other bits of plastic, like my Company than 16 feet!
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