Styrofoam, also known as expanded polystyrene foam or EPS, is a commonly used material for packaging and insulation due to its lightweight and insulating properties. You might recognize it as the material that last night’s takeaway was delivered in, or what was protecting the new TV you recently ordered. Despite its widespread use, Styrofoam is not biodegradable, which means it can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills. This raises the question of whether Styrofoam can be recycled.
The short answer is yes, Styrofoam can be recycled, but the process is not as straightforward as recycling other materials like paper, glass, or plastic. The recycling process for Styrofoam involves specialized (and expensive) techniques, which is why many recycling facilities won’t accept it. In this article, we’ll take a look at what exactly Styrofoam is and how this pesky plastic can be recycled or repurposed to save it from landfill.
How Do You Recycle Styrofoam?
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Styrofoam is not generally accepted in curbside recycling programs because it’s difficult to process and transport due to its lightweight and bulky nature. It’s also an expensive material to recycle as it requires specialized equipment to process it. However, some cities and municipalities have specialized Styrofoam recycling programs or offer drop-off locations where residents can bring their Styrofoam waste for recycling.
These programs often require Styrofoam to be separated from other recyclables and may have specific guidelines for the condition of acceptable Styrofoam, such as clean and dry blocks or unspoiled packaging materials. Preparing your Styrofoam before attempting to recycle it will increase the chances that it will be accepted.
Many plastics are marked with a recycling code to inform consumers and recycling centers what it’s made of. Styrofoam is marked with a recycling code PS 06.
It is important to check with your local recycling center or waste management company to see if they have Styrofoam recycling programs or drop-off locations in your area. If that’s not an option, some retailers and shipping companies offer take-back programs for Styrofoam packaging, so you can return it to them instead of throwing it away.
If recycling or reusing styrofoam is not an option, it’s important to dispose of it properly. Styrofoam should never be burned, as it can release toxic fumes that are harmful to the environment and human health. Instead, Styrofoam should be placed in the trash, where it will, unfortunately, end up in a landfill.
How is Styrofoam recycled?
The recycling process for Styrofoam typically involves the following steps:
- Collection and Compression: Styrofoam waste is collected from various sources and compressed into dense blocks using machines called densifiers. This step reduces the volume of Styrofoam waste and makes it easier to transport.
- Shredding: The compressed Styrofoam blocks are then shredded into small pieces using machines called shredders. This step breaks down the Styrofoam into small pieces that can be easily processed further.
- Melting: The shredded Styrofoam is then melted down in a special machine called a Styrofoam densifier. The machine heats up the Styrofoam until it melts into a liquid form.
- Molding: The melted Styrofoam is then poured into molds to create new products such as picture frames, rulers, and packaging materials. The molds are shaped to the desired size and shape, and the melted Styrofoam is poured into them. Once the Styrofoam cools and hardens, it is removed from the molds and is ready to be used.
- Filler Material: Alternatively, the melted Styrofoam can also be used as a filler material for products like concrete and asphalt. This step involves adding the melted Styrofoam to the mixture before it is poured into molds. Styrofoam acts as a lightweight filler material and helps to reduce the weight of the final product.
What Is Styrofoam Made Of?
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Styrofoam is a lightweight and durable plastic material made from polystyrene. Polystyrene is a petroleum-based plastic that is derived from the polymerization of styrene monomers. The polystyrene is heated and mixed with a blowing agent to create the expanded foam material that we know as Styrofoam. By recycling Styrofoam, we can reduce our dependence on petroleum and conserve this valuable resource for future generations.
What Styrofoam Can’t Be Recycled?
Although it is possible to recycle Styrofoam, there are certain types of Styrofoam that cannot be recycled due to various reasons:
- Styrofoam contaminated with food residue, oils, or other substances. This is because the contaminants can affect the quality of the recycled material, making it unsuitable for use in new products.
- Styrofoam that has been treated with flame retardants or other chemicals. These chemicals can interfere with the recycling process and may even be harmful to the environment.
- Styrofoam that has been painted or coated with other materials, such as EPF Styrofoam.
- Styrofoam that has been crushed or broken into small pieces. This is because the pieces are too small to be processed by recycling facilities and can easily contaminate other materials.
Is Styrofoam Biodegradable?
Styrofoam is not biodegradable. It is made from polystyrene, a petroleum-based plastic that is not easily broken down by natural processes. Styrofoam can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills, which can contribute to environmental pollution and harm wildlife. Because it is not biodegradable, it is important to properly dispose of Styrofoam and consider alternative packaging materials that are more environmentally friendly.
Is Styrofoam Worse Than Plastic For The Environment?
Styrofoam and plastic both have negative impacts on the environment, but Styrofoam may be considered worse in some ways. While both materials are made from petroleum, Styrofoam is not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills. Similar to other plastics, the production of Styrofoam involves the use of chemicals and energy, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts.
Styrofoam is more difficult to recycle than some types of plastic, which can be recycled into new products more easily.
What Are The Best Alternatives To Styrofoam?
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Limiting the use of Styrofoam is an easy and effective way to reduce its impact on the environment. One way to limit Styrofoam use is to choose alternative materials such as paper, cardboard, or biodegradable materials like cornstarch-based products. When purchasing products, look for packaging that uses these alternative materials:
- Biodegradable plastics: These are made from natural materials such as cornstarch or sugarcane and can biodegrade in compost facilities or in the natural environment.
- Paper products: Paper products such as paperboard, molded pulp, and corrugated cardboard are a sustainable and recyclable alternative to Styrofoam.
- Mushroom packaging: Made from the root structure of mushrooms, this innovative packaging material is biodegradable and can be used as an alternative to Styrofoam for insulation and protective packaging.
- Air pillows: Air pillows made from recycled plastic can be used as a lightweight and protective packaging material.
- Plant-based foam: Made from materials such as cornstarch or potato starch, plant-based foam can be used as an alternative to Styrofoam for insulation and packaging peanuts.
How Can You Re-Use Styrofoam?
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Another option for recycling styrofoam is to repurpose it for DIY projects or crafting. While recycling Styrofoam is not always an option, by reusing styrofoam, you’re extending the life of the material and reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Here are some ideas for reusing Styrofoam:
- Insulation: Styrofoam can be used as insulation in walls, floors, and ceilings to help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
- Planters: Cut Styrofoam into the shape of a planter and fill it with soil to create a lightweight and durable container for plants.
- Shipping material: Use it for packing peanuts or blocks to protect fragile items during shipping.
- Crafts: It can be used as a base for craft projects such as holiday decorations, sculptures, and models.
- Cooler: Use it to make a DIY cooler by cutting it into a box shape and lining it with a plastic bag or aluminum foil.
Is Styrofoam Banned in The United States?
Styrofoam is not banned in the U.S., but there are some restrictions on its use in certain cities and states. In 2019, New York City became the largest city in the U.S. to ban the use of single-use Styrofoam products, including food containers, cups, and packing peanuts. The ban was put in place due to the environmental impact of Styrofoam waste on landfills and waterways.
Other cities and states, such as San Francisco, Seattle, and Maine, have also implemented similar bans on Styrofoam products. However, there is currently no federal ban on Styrofoam in the U.S.
Final Thoughts on Recycling Styrofoam
While Styrofoam can be recycled, the process is not as simple as recycling other materials. It requires specialized equipment and may not be accepted in all recycling programs. Reusing Styrofoam and reducing our use of the material are also effective ways to reduce waste and prevent it from ending up in landfills. Ultimately, it’s up to each of us to take responsibility for our waste and choose sustainable alternatives whenever possible.
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