Imagine what the world would be like if we could all start doing crazy … “Styrofoam” is a term for an insulation product trademarked by Dow Chemical, but the term Styrofoam is casually used to identify many types of foam materials. Therefore, reusing it is a great way to be eco-friendly and sustainable. Post-consumer recycled polystyrene is simply polystyrene that was previously used in other products and has been recycled into our products instead of heading to a landfill. The Michigan Legislature praised Dart for its foam recycling efforts in a joint resolution passed in 1991. Dart transports the material from each drop-off location to its Michigan recycling center for reprocessing. That’s a lot of Styrofoam, and unfortunately, there is a misguided and ongoing belief that Styrofoam cannot be recycled. This includes packing peanuts used in moving boxes, styrofoam coffee cups or food containers, coolers, etc. Markham residents can drop off clean Styrofoam at any Markham Recycling Depot. This is the one that’s commonly found in takeaway food containers, coffee … Each facility will list the type of products they accept, so be sure to look for #6 polystyrene. Let’s answer a common question, is styrofoam recyclable? However, the word “Styrofoam” also informally refers to various polystyrene foam products (like how we use the word “Kleenex” to refer to all brands of tissues). In fact, it's one of the hardest materials to recycle besides VHS tapes and cassette tapes. It's a close relative of Dow's material. What is polystyrene? On this website, you can search for recycling centers near you by type of material. Sign up to receive Rubicon news and blog content directly in your inbox. This strategy may work in the short term for not-for-profit organizations like municipal recycling facilities, but getting businesses on board has always been a hard sell. To learn more about how and why to recycle foam, visit Home for Foam. Typically, those undertaking Styrofoam recycling have done so by operating at a loss — spending around $1,000 to recoup $200 worth of Styrofoam. While it would be more technically accurate to call it polystyrene recycling (or polystyrene foam recycling), as Styrofoam has become such a well-recognized term in this article I’ll refer to all forms of polystyrene recycling as Styrofoam recycling. All rights reserved. Your email address will not be published. If you’d like to learn more about recycling, check out our posts tagged recycling! This foam can be turned into plastic, sent overseas to make another item like a picture frame, then shipped back for sale in the U.S. They will not accept styrofoam from food products, like egg cartons, take-out containers, and disposable plates/cups. If any Styrofoam you attempt to recycle is dirty, it could contaminate a whole load of recycling. To learn more about how and why to recycle foam, visit Home for Foam. Help us make our site better. Agilyx has also commercialized a technology that converts mixed plastics to high-quality crude oil, as in black gold. Like Kleenex, Q-tips and countless other ubiquitous everyday products that end up becoming a part of our cultural lexicon, this lightweight packaging material — trademarked by Dow Chemical Company as the Styrofoam that we all used to know and love — enjoyed a long and … ‘Foam #6,’ ‘expanded foam,’ ‘polystyrene foam,’ and simply ‘foam’ are alternate terms used interchangeably to identify Styrofoam-like materials. The recycling process for EPS products is pretty simple. Leave a comment below if you think we missed anything. (Polystyrene foam is number six on the resin identification code, while there are other types such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyurethane foam. Additionally, solid wastes can release toxic chemicals into the ground and waterways, including those from which we obtain the water that we drink. You can recycle many styrofoam products. Unfortunately, these statistics were flawed. Also, recycled polystyrene cannot in most cases be used for products that contact food because of health concerns, even though the material is usually sterilized by the recycling process. More importantly, ask if any preparation is required before bringing them in. It's in our to-go containers and packaging and inevitably tends to end up in the trash. This symbol is part of the Plastic Identification Code. The answer as to can I put polystyrene in my recycle bin is a bit different and depends on the type of polystyrene. Please click on the location from the map above for specifications in your area. Products from Recycled Foam #6. Dart works with hundreds of public schools, 5 state universities, and the State of Michigan to recycle all types of foam … The Styrofoam you want to recycle must be dry and free from dirt, trash, and other contaminants. Many recycling facilities won’t even accept plastic foam because of this reason. Polystyrene can be used once and thrown away, like with a coffee cup, or recycled back into new products over and over again. You can recycle many styrofoam products. Typically, Styrofoam is put to no use at it is simply put into a landfill at the state's expense. In addition, polystyrene is … This can lead to choking, digestive blockages, and ultimately starvation. Tri-Power Recycling represents one of the largest Expanded PolyStyrene (EPS) recycling services in the country. Styrofoam can be recycled at Eco Development in Mason. Take a look at this guide to understanding plastic recycling codes.). Software providing an innovative and seamless way to manage your fleet. Let’s be real, ease of recycling directly impacts whether we recycle or not. Additionally, Styrofoam that is contaminated with food, drink, or other materials may not be suitable for recycling. Recycled EPS might be used instead to create packaging or … Check with local grocery stores as well since some of them, especially Publix, have Styrofoam drop-offs available. We love a challenge, and when companies come to us asking for our help in developing a styrofoam recycling solution for their business, we find a solution. If you feel the same way, you might be happy to know that there are certain facilities that will take styrofoam for recycling; you just have to find these places. Access to a site that has a way to densify Styrofoam into blocks before being sent out (otherwise you’d be shipping mostly air) is second to volume as the most important factor in ensuring you’re able to participate in a Styrofoam recycling program. Some businesses collect Styrofoam for reuse and recycling. NYC artist creates giant Hummer using recycled Styrofoam. Keep in mind that recycled polystyrene has very little market value and can only be used to make a small range of products, most of which can’t be recycled themselves. Various artists have found different mediums for expressing a universal language to teach respect for the environment. Expanded polystyrene, or EPS for short, is what this container is made of. STYROFOAM RECYCLING. So – can polystyrene be recycled? Some businesses collect Styrofoam for reuse and recycling. Some places use the recycled material to make picture frames, and a nonprofit organization … Styrofoam can neither be recycled nor does it biodegrade and you should be careful to limit your use of these types of products (See References 2). There are two reasons EPS isn't allowed in recycle bins: density and contamination. Overall, it makes more sense to avoid products using styrofoam. Typically, food containers and egg cartons cannot be recycled, even at the appropriate drop-off locations. EPS is used to make a wide variety of "styrofoam" products, including disposable food containers, packing peanuts and coolers. After processing, it's no longer expandable or foam-like. Some facilities have limitations and may not accept food or beverage containers and colored styrofoam products. The EPS-IA Mail Back Program provides multiple addresses by region to make shipping easier. Similarly, foam insulation is a product and the chemicals applied to it are hazardous for workers and incompatible with the recycling process. Styrofoam Recycling in Madison, OH. Are you purpose-driven and passionate? This is one example where Styrofoam recycling may be a viable option. Before we get into where and how to recycle Styrofoam, it may help to understand exactly what Styrofoam, or expanded polystyrene is. Keeping these recycling rules and specifications in mind is crucial. Recurring dumpster rental for your business. Please reach out to Rubicon’s Sustainability team directly at sustainability@rubicon.com, or contact our sales team at (844) 479-1507. The Regenyx prefers the second method. On the whole, styrofoam recycling tends to be a more viable option for larger-scale generators of packaging, such as distribution centers, warehouses, and manufacturing plants, not simply the odd Styrofoam cooler here or there. 6” because it's more likely to be landfilled or washed into the ocean than recycled. Rather than adding more to already-strained landfills, I decided to look for places where styrofoam can be recycled. This chemical can possibly cause certain types of cancer in humans as per the CDC. All kinds of polystyrene foam can be recycled and reused by different methods. Spend less time on trash and more time on your business. Petroleum emissions negatively impact the ozone layer. Many jurisdictions have banned expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam food service ware (e.g., takeout clamshells and Styrofoam water cups). Tri-Power Recycling has a variety of service options to process various types of fiber products including cardboard, paper, cores, books, and other related fibers. In our home state of Michigan, Dart has built a comprehensive infrastructure for recycling foam products. Most smaller towns do not take styrofoam as part of their recycling programs. Regenyx prefers the second method. No Yes. There can be end markets for Styrofoam and other foamed polystyrene products, but in order to make sure the recycling of Styrofoam is a possibility for your business several variables need to line up, including the following: Your business will need to be producing a significant volume of Styrofoam and other polystyrene foam recycling in order to make the cost of having it taken away to be recycled lower than that of simply having it taken to a landfill. One of the reasons why Styrofoam recycling was ignored by businesses and individuals for so long is because many of us believed it was a minor problem. The places that do accept styrofoam for recycling require that the product is clean of any dirt or food. They are put in molds and then expand while cool. The Impact of Styrofoam on the Environment, Facts and Statistics about Styrofoam and Its Use, click here to be directed to recycling resources, 10 Best Heavy Duty Camping Chairs Available Now, Top 5 Causes of Environmental Degradation and How to Solve It, 8 Best Ultralight Camping Chairs Available Now, Americans use enough styrofoam products every year to go around the earth, Styrofoam products use about 30 percent of landfill space, Styrofoam is recyclable as long as it has the recycling number 6 on it, More than 118 million pounds of plastic foam was recycled in 2018. Software helping businesses manage waste in the smartest way possible. Styrofoam does not go in your recycling bin. Another method to reduce the use of Styrofoam is choosing eco-friendly alternative products … It is our hope that Styrofoam recycling programs like ours will further prove there is a market to recycle traditionally non-recyclable materials. Yes. By Chad Plotts. View storage solutions here… Since polystyrene requires virgin material (i.e., oil) to manufacture, the ability to recycle it into other polystyrene products is significant. Furthermore, as you have probably already noticed, disregarded pieces of Styrofoam can be found in the outdoors all the time. Expanded polyethylene (EPE) and expanded polypropylene (EPP) have become sources for a variety of packaging and energy absorption needs. Your Styrofoam will be recycled into a host of different products including fireproofing material, picture frames, decorative moldings and more. Six steps to successful recycling and waste reduction. [ 1] I It’s also important to ensure you’re recycling high-quality styrofoam. Give one a call and see if they accept these … Of course, as well as helping our customers to recycle their current deposits of Styrofoam, we will also work with them to find alternatives to polystyrene (or the material they would like to use less of). The recycling Styrofoam project did work. See more ideas about styrofoam recycling, styrofoam, papercrete. However, this company offers a convenient program where you can mail your leftover styrofoam to them for recycling. Remember that … Solve global waste challenges with our software. ONLY white block polystyrene foam (sometimes marked with a # 6) - no food containers, no peanuts, no other types of foam, and no saran wrapping material. What are some recycled EPS styrofoam products? Interior moulding for homes and businesses to add an ornamental touch. Polystyrene foam is 95% air so it is not cost-effective to store or ship. Custodial staff brings bagged Styrofoam to loading dock 3. However, styrofoam is fairly inexpensive, easy to make, and conveniently provides companies with the means to ship and contain products. Recycling Foam #6 reduces the amount of solid waste that goes to our landfills and … When the bottom line is the biggest concern, asking businesses to payto recycle has rarely offered promising results. The shredded foam is then transferred to extruders where they are molded into sheets using heat and pressure. However, you may want to check with manufacturing and distributing companies in your area to see if they will accept these products for reuse. *Foam recycling is often mistakenly referred to as Styrofoam® recycling. Styrofoam products have the tendency of easily breaking apart into small pieces making it a choke hazard to animals. Continued exposure can cause irritation of the skin and eyes while also negatively impacting the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems. However, these products are very rarely actually recycled. When recycling styrofoam, you have to make sure there is no tape or other residue. This densified foam is extruded through a small outlet of the machine, and when cooled, solidifies into … Browse waste and recycling solutions by industry. Learn more about how your organization can get started with EPS foam recycling online today at Foam Equipment & Consulting. Polystyrene usually can't be recycled locally but has to be transported to a centralized plant, increasing costs to the recycler and reducing the incentive to recycle. Foam Densifiers transfer the material to a plastic extruder where the foam is exposed to heat and pressure to be melted into a paste. Please explain what could be improved. When recycling foam materials like expanded polyethylene and polypropylene, economical transportation is often a major issue that can make or break a recycling program. We think that using recycled plastics wherever we can is simply the … Sure, we understood while throwing Styrofoam in the trash that there could be the potential to recycle it, but given that statistics such as the fact that Styrofoam accounts for just one percent of waste in landfills were flying around, glossing over this one material from our recycling efforts didn’t feel so bad. But the name styrofoam is colloquially applied to expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam. The material is shredded, then exposed to heat to melt the pieces back together again. Search results are sorted by a combination of factors to give you a set of choices in response to your search criteria. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Small clusters of styrene atoms are polymerized to produce larger molecules of polycarbon. This method is highly effective when it comes to packaging materials. What’s Accepted: Still have questions about our polystyrene and Styrofoam recycling solutions? Additionally, Styrofoam that is contaminated with food, drink, or other materials may not be suitable for recycling. While you might think that it's better to make products from new materials, it's different in the case of EPS. Software helping cities run more efficient, effective, and sustainable operations. This is as true of Styrofoam as it is of e-waste, organics, or shrink wrap, and it is becoming increasingly possible to save this notoriously hard-to-recycle material from going to landfill. The white, rigid, crunchy stuff we use for our craft projects? Styrofoam is a light blue extruded polystyrene foam that's typically used as building insulation. You’ll be responsible for the shipping costs, but you can know that you’re doing your part to protect the environment. Join our mission. Styrofoam is recycled using large shredding machines, whereby Styrofoam is fed into shredding machines using conveyor belts. There’s an abundance of the waste material that makes it really easy to collect. The places that do accept styrofoam for recycling require that the product is clean of any dirt or food YP - The Real Yellow Pages SM - helps you find the right local businesses to meet your specific needs. Well, Styrofoam is actually Dow Chemical's trademark name for extruded polystyrene, which is not used in consumer food products. Not only do styrofoam products contain harmful chemicals, but the manufacturing process is also damaging to the environment. Styrofoam products have the tendency of easily breaking apart into small pieces making it a choke hazard to animals. It tends to be cheaper to produce new polystyrene products from used ones. It is tough to get rid of, and it is everywhere. You can also set up your own local program if there aren’t any others available. Presto-chango, that Styrofoam ramen bowl is now a kid’s bicycle helmet. Recycling is a far more environmentally friendly method of disposing Styrofoam products. Check with your local facility to find out what styrofoam products are accepted. Doing this type of a project does take some time and patience. 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). You can drop off styrofoam for recycling at the LaSalle and Saint-Laurent ecocentres. MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Ohio (WDTN) – Montgomery County coordinated with Centerville to host a styrofoam recycling event Saturday. Then it is transported to various industries. will become your favourite borough. Recycling foam #6 reduces solid waste and creates a market for new items we use every day in and around our homes. Since polystyrene requires virgin material (i.e., oil) to manufacture, the ability to recycle it into other polystyrene products is significant. In a study of human tissue and breast milk samples, 100 percent contained styrene as noted in an article by Rutgers. But, how the heck can you reuse styrofoam into useful things that … Dumpster rental for projects large and small. Mar 19, 2019 - Explore Dorreyento RepoZitions's board "Styrofoam recycling" on Pinterest. One very common use of expanded polystyrene is in packing peanuts, and they are great for very lightweight, but sturdy packaging protection. and I’ve also heard that fewer harmful emissions are produced in the … According to my research since the onset of our program, styrofoam is less wasteful in terms of energy, and water usage the production/recycling processes as compared to cardboard products. The potential for Styrofoam recycling is growing across the United States. If you get take out, pick up eggs from the grocery store or receive packages in the mail, you most likely end up with what you think is “Styrofoam.”So, now that you have this so called “Styrofoam,” what do you do with it?You have possibly heard it is not recyclable, but you have also heard it lasts forever in a landfill. To stay ahead of Rubicon’s announcements of new partnerships and collaborations around the world, be sure to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, or contact us today. A wide variety of recycled styrofoam options are available to you, Garbage; Bulky objects and construction materials; Did you find what you need? Building users collect Styrofoam in designated location within building 2. Styrofoam has been nicknamed “public enemy No. Rubicon’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, guide to understanding plastic recycling codes, Styrofoam Recycling Solutions for Your Business. El Cerrito Residental Recycling Center 7501 Schmidt Ln El Cerrito, CA 94530 NotesCall first. Given the light weight of Styrofoam, the cost of transporting Styrofoam to a recycling plant (given the relatively large volume of Styrofoam per unit of weight) makes it often cost prohibitive to send Styrofoam for recycling. About Search Results . 3. Yes, you can recycle Styrofoam, but it can be difficult. The word Styrofoam is a trademarked brand name for expanded polystyrene (EPS) that is owned by the Dow Chemical Company. Privacy | Terms & Conditions | © 2021 Rubicon Technologies, LLC. Ensuring that what can be recycled, will be recycled. Although styrofoam is recyclable, it is not easy. Styrofoam is made from petroleum, which is a nonrenewable resource. Therefore, these products take up a lot of room in landfills. Petroleum produces emissions including formaldehyde, sulfur dioxide, benzene, carbon monoxide, HCFC-22, and other volatile organic compounds. The properties of Styrofoam that make it a useful material – light weight, low cost, durable – make it hard to recycle. Does recycling Styrofoam work? Polystyrene is a common plastic that can be identified by resin code #6. The knit uppers are made of 100 percent post-consumer plastic bottles, and the foam components are made from other recycled shoes. Fast and efficient waste removal for your business. Styrofoam is a highly versatile plastic used for everything from surfboards to electronics. Reduce And Reuse Styrofoam. Generally, polystyrene can not be recycled by curbside, Due to the low density of polystyrene foam; it is not economical to collect. The lightweight form of polystyrene foam means that while it may take up just one percent of the weight of all waste in a landfill, the volume it takes up, and the detrimental impact on the environment it can cause after being landfilled, is dramatically underestimated. Drink cups and other foodservice packaging products like foam cups, take-out containers, coolers, foam packaging used to protect items during shipping, and building insulation are just a few of the uses of expanded polystyrene (EPS) or “polystyrene foam” (also referred to as “Foam #6”) Why it wants to be recycled. According to information provided by Project AWARE, plastics use about 4 percent of all petroleum and an additional 4 percent during the manufacturing process. (screaming, Noooooo! The process of recycling Styrofoam involves feeding the collected expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam through conveyor belts into a machine that first shreds the material. Typically, recyclable plain white Styrofoam is marked with a triangle, and the number 6 is stamped inside. While this isn’t always an issue, some polystyrene recycling facilities may require that all forms of Styrofoam are separated by color. These are a slightly-different variety of expanded-polystyrene, which cannot be recycled. The parts of styrofoam qualify as a type of plastic. If any Styrofoam you attempt to recycle is dirty, it could contaminate a whole load of recycling. Dart has established more than 40 polystyrene drop-off locations in over 30 counties. It's a very versatile material but is hard to recycle. Styrofoam is recyclable, although it is a bit difficult. Alibaba.com offers 1,197 recycled styrofoam products. Styrofoam is commonly used in packaging material. It’s also important to ensure you’re recycling high-quality styrofoam. Choose E360S For Your Styrofoam Recycling As the recycling industry continues to develop, more Styrofoam is being recycled today compared to a decade ago. Software helping U.S. companies stay on top of their local, state, and federal regulatory and compliance obligations across their entire business. Investing in new recycling technology not only makes good business sense, it is also our way of helping ensure that our environment and our community are kept … STYROFOAM RECYCLING PILOT PROGRAM 1. You may even have some lying around waiting to go the trash. Michael Salter, the iconic man behind modeling various interesting items by recycling harmful products, has come up with yet another piece of art, an F1 race car, which has generated rave reviews. New York City-based artist Aaron Hauck has displayed … Styrofoam Sofa In most cases, these materials are fully recyclable and even more … Each location has its own set of requirements. There are certain types of paper products that can't be … This website offers a search for recycling facilities near you. Check with local packaging stores in your area; most of them will accept Styrofoam pellets for reuse. It can then go on to create other EPS products. But most polystyrene products are currently not recycled due to the lack of incentive to invest in the compactors and logistical systems required. Armstrong Brands takes recycling seriously and continues to invest in the most current recycling technologies. It is commonly used to refer to all foamed polystyrene products. One reason why it's difficult to recycle is because it biodegrades slowly and shows significant resistance to photolysis, or decomposition by the action of light. Thankfully, most polystyrene products tend to be white or light blue in color. Styrofoam, or expanded polystyrene, of any kind cannot be recycled. 2. . Styrofoam can be recycled at Eco Development in Mason. With an assortment of pieces of Styrofoam, it took me about 8 hours to make approximately 6 – 18” x 4′ panels. EQUIPMENT SALES. In addition to being harmful to the environment, styrofoam also causes problems in humans. I often say that (almost) anything is recyclable as long as the material can be collected, sorted, and we can find a buyer for the raw materials looking to be repurposed. However, you may want to check with manufacturing and distributing companies in your area to see if they will accept these products for reuse. Check with local packaging stores in your area; most of them will accept Styrofoam pellets for reuse. Recycling Styrofoam Peanuts. *Foam recycling is often mistakenly referred to as Styrofoam® recycling. Polystyrene comes in two forms: solid and foamed. If you feel overburdened with the amount of Styrofoam that makes its way into your business, and you feel guilty every time you throw it into the trash (or worse, put it in with your plastics or single-stream recycling in a fit of aspirational recycling), know that there are Styrofoam recycling solutions available for your business that allow you to do your bit for the environment while eradicating the feeling of guilt. The foam products we manufacture at Armstrong Brands are 100% recyclable and are re-used to make new foam products every day. Certain Paper Products. It is often contaminated with food or drink, and it is difficult to clean because it is so porous. This can either be an on-site densifier or by accumulating enough volume at a centralized point. If you want the tl;dr version and skip over the impact of styrofoam on our environment, click here to be directed to recycling resources.
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