To recycle Styrofoam (expanded polystyrene foam, EPS) near you, here are some practical steps and options:
- Use Online Recycling Maps and Locators:
Websites like Earth911.com and specialized foam recycling maps (e.g., styrofoamworld.com or dartcontainer.com) allow you to enter your zip code or address to find nearby drop-off locations or curbside pick-up options for Styrofoam recycling
- Check Local Recycling Centers:
Some municipal recycling centers accept Styrofoam, but policies vary widely. For example, in Switzerland, Styrofoam is generally not recycled and should be disposed of as bulky waste or regular trash
. In Germany, lightweight Styrofoam packaging can go into yellow recycling bags or bins, but contaminated or non-packaging Styrofoam should go to residual waste
- Dedicated Styrofoam Recycling Facilities:
Certain regions have dedicated centers that accept Styrofoam for recycling into new products. For instance, in Portland, Oregon, Green Century Recycling accepts clean Styrofoam at a drop-off location for a fee, processing it into usable materials
. In Washington State, DTG Recycle operates multiple Styrofoam recycling centers where you can drop off EPS
. Australia also has several EPS recycling centers listed by Styrocycle
- Mail-Back Programs and Donations:
If local options are limited, some organizations offer mail-in recycling programs for Styrofoam. You can also sell or donate clean EPS to companies that recycle it into office supplies or insulation
- Important Notes:
- Styrofoam must be clean and free of food residue or tape to be accepted for recycling
* Packing peanuts and some forms of foam may have separate recycling rules and may not be accepted at all centers
* Always confirm with your local recycling facility before dropping off Styrofoam to ensure they accept it and to learn about any fees or preparation requirements
In summary, to recycle Styrofoam near you, start by searching online recycling locators with your postal code, check local recycling centers for acceptance policies, consider dedicated EPS recycling facilities if available, and explore mail-back or donation options if local recycling is not accessible
