how to recycle styrofoam

Posted on | January 22, 2009 |

after doing some follow-up research on my last post about being jealous of japan’s styrofoam recycling, i found some important information that reinforces the idea that america still rules (sort of).

up until now, i thought that there was really no way to recycle styrofoam (a.k.a. polystyrene) waste in the u.s. but check it out: we currently recycle expanded polystyrene foam packaging at a rate of approximately 10-12% each year. so there must be a way, even if your city’s curbside program doesn’t do it.

here are 3 ways you can bypass the system:

1. you can always save your polystyrene for the next time you need to package something fragile, or use it to make something else - sculptures, crafts, organizational trays

2. mail it back to be recycled: the alliance of foam packaging recyclers shows you how.

3. carry it back: here is a pdf of places in your neighborhood that will take your styrofoam off of your hands.

4. sell it back: the recycled plastic markets database hooks you up with buyers who will pay you for your old styrofoam.

Comments

3 Responses to “how to recycle styrofoam”

Geekykhan
January 23rd, 2009 @ 10:30 am

This is really interesting! Thanks! I never really knew before this.
Green because it's the right thing to do!
August 16th, 2009 @ 12:28 am

There’s actually another way to recycle those sheets of styrofoam…take them to any construction recycle business…like Habitat for Humanity has a Habitat Restore Store! They use the sheets to insulate walls, floors, etc in buildings!
RecycleTech Corp
June 25th, 2010 @ 5:59 pm

RecycleTech is the largest EPS recycling equipment manufacturers in the US and serving more than 160 customer locations, including municipalities, corporations and etc.

Our processing locations (Elmwood Park, NJ & Lakeland, FL) are open to public. For more information, please visit our website http://www.recycletechno.com

why is this a site?

swyyne has always been an experiment for me. with all of the other super eco sites out there, i've been feeling like i want to contribute something just a bit different. so for now, here are my random musings.