Styrofoam, a brand name for expanded polystyrene (EPS), is a lightweight, versatile material commonly used in products ranging from food containers and coffee cups, to packaging and insulation. While its practicality and insulating properties make it a popular choice, styrofoam poses significant environmental challenges due to its non-biodegradable nature. — it can persist in the environment for up to 500 years.
Many waste disposal companies do not accept styrofoam in regular recycling carts due to the difficulties and costs associated with its processing. However, disposing of styrofoam improperly can significantly harm the environment, as it does not decompose easily. It is one of the most prevalent types of land and ocean pollution.
So, how can you dispose of styrofoam properly? In this article, we’ll explore effective and responsible methods for styrofoam disposal.
Can I recycle styrofoam?
Styrofoam recycling can be tricky as only certain types of styrofoam are recyclable, and whether your local recycling center accepts it varies — very few do. To recycle styrofoam, it needs to be clean and free from food residue. Styrofoam often has the recycling number 6 with the chasing arrow symbol, which can be misleading since the symbol doesn’t necessarily mean the item can be recycled and is not regulated. Always check with your local recycling center to see if they accept styrofoam and verify their specific requirements and guidelines. Some facilities accept EPS packaging, while others may only accept rigid, foam-like insulation panels.
Is burning styrofoam a good way to dispose of it?
In short, no. Burning styrofoam emits dangerous substances such as styrene and benzene, which are listed as possible carcinogens by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These chemicals can contribute to air pollution and pose serious health risks if inhaled. To protect both human health and the environment, it’s best to avoid burning styrofoam and instead use safer disposal methods, like the ones outlined below.
How to get rid of styrofoam in 7 environmentally-friendly ways
1. Take it to a drop-off center
One of the best ways to dispose of styrofoam is to take it to a local recycling center’s drop-off site. But first, you’ll need to locate the closest recycling facility and then see if they accept styrofoam, including which type and other guidelines. For example, Austin and Travis County residents can drop off styrofoam for free (no packing peanuts) at the city’s Recycle and Reuse Drop-Off Center, by scheduling a drop-off through the Austin Recycles mobile app or online. Before dropping it off, ensure it’s clean, including removing any stickers, tape or dirt.
2. Ship it
If you can’t find a place that recycles styrofoam in your local area, you can look into mailing it as other places will accept it. To find a drop-off or mail-in location, you can use EPS-IA’s recycling map. If you’re sending larger blocks of styrofoam, consider cutting them down into smaller pieces first, and remember to remove any debris. Place the foam in a shipping box and be prepared to cover the shipping cost.
3. Donate it
If you have a lot of packing peanuts, you could drop them off or send them to local shipping stores such as UPS or FedEx so they can reuse them. They will often accept clean packing peanuts and may even offer discounts on services or products in exchange so make sure to ask. You could also contact local schools and daycares and ask if they are willing to accept a donation of styrofoam for arts and crafts. If this is the case, ensure that all styrofoam is clean and dry before dropping it off. Kids can then repurpose the once-discarded material into holiday decorations, pencil holders, vases or cutout crafts.
4. Reuse or repurpose it
Another way to get rid of styrofoam is to simply reuse it. If you plan to mail items out, you can save your styrofoam, especially packing peanuts, to protect your mailed items during transit.
If you have kiddos around, you can repurpose styrofoam for various creative projects such as cutting, painting and gluing pieces for arts and crafts or a DIY bean bag using the foam as filling. Another idea is to use styrofoam in the base of planters, which can aid water drainage and waste less soil. Lastly, styrofoam peanuts can also be reused as a substitute for ice in coolers as they are excellent insulators and can help keep beverages cooler for longer without melting.
5. Sell it
Yes, you can earn cash by selling styrofoam. While it’s unlikely to make you rich, it’s still a little bit of income. Various companies will buy and either reuse or recycle EPS and other plastics but you’ll need to do some research depending on your location. For instance, you could contact insulation companies or green builders or list it on Craigslist.
6. Discuss alternatives with your vendors and suppliers
Reducing styrofoam waste upstream can be an effective strategy. Many manufacturers are open to customer feedback, and asking them to minimize or replace styrofoam packaging may lead to positive change. Several eco-friendly alternatives to styrofoam are better for the environment. Options include biodegradable materials such as:
- Cornstarch-based containers
- Mushroom-based packaging
- Recycled paper products
- Biodegradable plastics
- Bagasse (sugarcane fiber) products
- PLA (polylactic acid) materials
- Compostable materials
- Palm leaf plates and bowls
- Seaweed-based packaging
- Bamboo-based products
These alternatives break down more easily and reduce the environmental impact associated with traditional styrofoam. Additionally, many companies are now using compostable materials and sustainable packaging solutions, making it easier to find environmentally responsible choices for your needs.
7. Use the landfill as a last resort
While taking your styrofoam to a landfill may not sound ideal, it may be the most responsible option when no recycling alternatives are available. According to a study by the Environmental Action Association (EPA), polystyrene food packaging accounts for just 0.5% of all municipal solid waste by weight, largely because styrofoam is composed of 95% air. Although it’s best to seek alternatives, properly disposing of styrofoam in a landfill prevents more harm than leaving it in nature where it can cause long-lasting environmental damage.
Does Texas Disposal Systems recycle or accept styrofoam?
Currently, TDS does not recycle styrofoam but we do accept debris-free styrofoam (clean, dry and free of most food waste) at our landfill — you can find our gate rates here. To learn more about what is and isn’t recyclable with TDS, download our free Waste Wizard app and online widget and use our “What Goes Where” feature, available for download on the Apple App Store or Google Play for our residential customers.
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