You've probably dealt with Styrofoam more times than you can count, and if you’re trying to live a more low waste, sustainable lifestyle, this can be frustrating. From takeout containers and disposable coffee cups to the big white foam blocks protecting your latest online purchase, this lightweight packaging material seems to be everywhere.
But what happens when you're done with it? Can you recycle Styrofoam, or does it have to end up in the trash?
The short answer is yes, Styrofoam can be recycled, but there's a catch. Most curbside recycling programs don't accept it, meaning you'll need to find a specialty recycling facility or another way to dispose of it responsibly.
Let's get into why Styrofoam recycling is so tricky and what you can do with that leftover foam packaging, without foregoing your favorite takeout every once in a while.
Can Styrofoam Be Recycled?
Technically, yes! Styrofoam is made from polystyrene, a type of plastic derived from petroleum or crude oil that can be recycled under the right conditions.
However, just because something can be recycled on a larger scale, doesn't mean your local recycling facility has the equipment or resources to process it.
Most curbside recycling programs don't accept foam polystyrene, so tossing it into your regular recycling bin isn't usually the answer.
Why Isn't Styrofoam Accepted in Most Recycling Bins?
One of the biggest challenges with Styrofoam recycling is the material itself.
Styrofoam is extremely lightweight and bulky because it's made up mostly of air. That makes it expensive to collect and transport compared with the amount of recyclable material it actually contains.
It also breaks apart easily into tiny pieces, which can contaminate other recyclable materials and create problems at recycling facilities.
If you’re a regular recycler and composter, you will know that food contamination is a big factor when it comes to how and what you can recycle. Greasy takeout containers and food-soiled foam packaging are especially difficult to recycle, even at facilities that accept certain types of polystyrene packaging.
Is Styrofoam the Same as Polystyrene?
The words Styrofoam, polystyrene, and expanded polystyrene (EPS) are often used interchangeably.
While they're related, they do not mean exactly the same thing.
Polystyrene is a type of plastic made of monomer styrene, a chemical compound derived from refined petroleum and natural gas.
Expanded polystyrene, or EPS, is the lightweight foam commonly used in packaging, coolers, and food containers.
Styrofoam is technically a brand name for a different type of polystyrene foam, although people commonly use the word to describe all kinds of EPS packaging.
For recycling purposes, the important thing is identifying the specific material you have and whether your recycling program accepts it.
How to Recycle Styrofoam
So, if you can't toss it into your curbside bin, what are your options?
There are a few ways to recycle certain types of foam packaging, like Styrofoam, depending on where you live and what materials you need to dispose of.
Check for Local Styrofoam Recycling Programs
As with any low waste or recycling lifestyle change, you will want to get familiar with your local recycling provider or waste management company. Find out which provider services your address by doing some internet research: many of these services and companies will have in-depth info and FAQ sections on their websites.
Some communities have specialty drop-off locations that accept clean EPS foam. Others may offer occasional collection events or partner with businesses that recycle packaging materials.
Before heading to a drop-off location, double-check what they accept. Some facilities only take clean, rigid foam packaging and won't accept food containers, packing peanuts, or other foam products.
And if your local recycling program doesn't accept Styrofoam, don't put it in the recycling bin anyway. That can create more problems for the recycling process.
Use a Specialty Recycling Program
If local recycling isn't an option, specialty programs like TerraCycle® boxes offer an easy solution for hard-to-recycle materials.
TerraCycle Zero Waste Boxes allow households, businesses, and organizations to collect specific waste materials and send them via mail to TerraCycle for recycling.
For Styrofoam specifically, you can recycle using the TerraCycle Styrofoam Zero Waste Box™.
Here's how the process works:
- Choose the Styrofoam Zero Waste Box™ (or the All-In-One if you have other materials).
- Collect clean, accepted Styrofoam and place it inside the box.
- Once the box is full, seal it and ship it back using the included prepaid return label.
- TerraCycle processes the collected materials for recycling.
Keep in mind that the Styrofoam box is intended for clean foam only. Heavily soiled Styrofoam, food waste, plastic bags, and unrelated packaging materials aren't accepted.
If you're curious about the process, we have an entire guide to TerraCycle Zero Waste Boxes that goes into more detail about how these awesome specialty recycling programs work.
What About Other Plastic Packaging Waste?
Styrofoam isn't the only type of packaging that causes confusion when recycling.
Bubble wrap, padded mailers, plastic film, snack wrappers, and other flexible plastics can also be difficult to recycle through traditional curbside programs.
For these materials, you’d want to choose the Plastic Packaging Zero Waste Box™.
This box accepts a variety of plastic packaging materials, including bubble wrap, padded envelopes, plastic cushioning, shrink wrap, and certain types of foam packaging, such as Styrofoam packing peanuts.
Because each TerraCycle box has its own list of accepted materials, always check the specific product requirements before adding anything.
And if you're regularly dealing with several different types of hard-to-recycle waste, EarthHero offers a wider selection of TerraCycle Zero Waste Boxes for different materials and household needs.
How to Reduce Styrofoam Waste in the First Place
Avoiding unnecessary Styrofoam packaging in your everyday life can help reduce the amount you need to dispose of in the first place. Sometimes, it’s unavoidable, so don’t be too hard on yourself. However, these are a few easy ways to cut back or try to control how much of these plastics you’re bringing into your ecosystem.
- When shopping online or in person, look for and choose products packaged in plastic-free packaging: cardboard, paper, or other readily recyclable materials
- Bring your own reusable containers for leftovers or to take food with you to-go
- Save and reuse clean foam packaging: they can come in handy when you have to ship or move something fragile
- Choose plastic-free reusable cups, plates, and food containers when possible
You can make a conscious decision to purchase food from locations and businesses that you know do not use Styrofoam or plastic containers. You can always kindly ask business as well if they have plastic-free options, even if they typically use Styrofoam. Sometimes, they might be able to accommodate you!
Always remember to be kind and understanding when making special requests. You won't always have control over how something arrives at your doorstep, but you can make more informed, sustainable choices when alternatives are available.
Give Styrofoam a Better End-of-Life Option
So, can Styrofoam be recycled? The short answer is: yes! However the longer answer is finding the right recycling methods for your situation makes all the difference.
Before tossing foam packaging into your curbside bin, check your local recycling guidelines. If your community doesn't accept it, look for a specialty drop-off facility or consider a TerraCycle Styrofoam Zero Waste Box™ for clean, accepted materials.
