Recycling Styrofoam

 

Recycling Styrofoam: How to Do it Right

 

Styrofoam, also known as expanded polystyrene foam (EPS), is a popular material used in packaging, insulation, and even disposable cups. While it is lightweight and provides excellent cushioning, it is also notoriously difficult to recycle. In this article, we will discuss the challenges of recycling Styrofoam and provide actionable steps on how to recycle it correctly.

 

The Challenge of Recycling Styrofoam

Styrofoam is a type of plastic that is made of petroleum, which means it is not biodegradable. This material is not accepted in most municipal recycling programs, as it is bulky and takes up a lot of space in landfills. Additionally, Styrofoam is often contaminated with food or other materials, making it difficult to recycle. As a result, most Styrofoam ends up in landfills or incinerators.

 

How to Recycle Styrofoam

Fortunately, there are ways to recycle Styrofoam. Here are some steps you can take to ensure that your Styrofoam is recycled correctly:

  1. Check with your local recycling center to see if they accept Styrofoam. While most municipalities do not accept it in their curbside programs, some have drop-off locations or special events where they accept Styrofoam for recycling.

  2. If your local recycling center does not accept Styrofoam, look for a mail-back program. There are several companies that offer mail-back programs for Styrofoam recycling, including the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers and the EPS Industry Alliance.

  3. If you have a large amount of Styrofoam, consider donating it to a local packaging or shipping store. Many of these stores accept clean Styrofoam for reuse or recycling.

  4. If you cannot find a recycling option for your Styrofoam, consider reusing it instead of throwing it away. Styrofoam can be used as packing material or as insulation in your home.

 

Why It's Important to Recycle Styrofoam

Recycling Styrofoam is important for several reasons. First, it helps to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Since Styrofoam is not biodegradable, it will take hundreds of years to decompose in a landfill. By recycling it, we can reduce the amount of space needed for landfills.

Second, recycling Styrofoam helps to conserve natural resources. Since Styrofoam is made of petroleum, recycling it reduces our dependence on oil. It also saves energy, as it takes less energy to recycle Styrofoam than it does to produce new Styrofoam.

Finally, recycling Styrofoam helps to reduce air and water pollution. When Styrofoam is burned in incinerators, it releases toxic chemicals into the air. By recycling it, we can prevent these chemicals from entering the environment.

 

Recycling Styrofoam is an important step we can take to reduce waste and conserve natural resources. While it can be challenging to recycle, there are several options available, including drop-off locations, mail-back programs, and donation centers. By taking the time to recycle our Styrofoam, we can make a positive impact on the environment and help to create a more sustainable future.

 

 

recycling styrofoam

By Raied Muheisen 0 comment

Share:

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

Just added to your wishlist:
My Wishlist
You've just added this product to the cart:
Go to cart page