Recycling Polystyrene

Food Containers

egg carton Recycling polystyrene food containers can be difficult. Polystyrene is not easily recyclable because of its light weight and low scrap value. The properties of polystyrene that make it an excellent packaging material -- its light weight, low cost, durability, and strength -- make it hard to recycle. The cost of operating trucks usually makes it cost prohibitive to transport polystyrene to a recycling plant. Food containers are generally contaminated so require cleaning before they can be processed for recycling which also makes it economically infeasible.

Audio & Video Cassettes

Non-packaging non-durable polystyrene materials like audio/video cassettes, CD jewel cases and insulation board can be recycled. See our web page at: http://www.cityofconcord.org/living/recycle/env-cd-dvd.htm

Packaging

Have you ever wondered how to recycle polystyrene packaging peanuts and popcorn? Read on! Polystyrene protective packaging comes in two forms. Loose fill "peanuts" allow variously shaped items, such as office supplies, to be shipped in the same box. Shape molded packaging fits snugly around delicate products like computers, television sets, stereo equipment and appliances to protect them during shipping. Both types of packaging can be reused.

Polystyrene can be identified by recycling number 6 but don't put packing peanuts in your recycle bin or trash can. Although polystyrene can be recycled, it is not part of Concord’s residential curbside recycling program. Because of the bulk and light weight, it is cost prohibitive to bring polystyrene to a recycling plant in less than industrial quantities. Fortunately there is a much better way-reuse the peanuts. Keep in mind that "Reduce, Reuse, Repair, and Recycle" are in order of preference for the environment. Many local businesses (listed below are three in Concord) gladly accept peanuts free of charge for reuse.

Boxes for Moving & Storage
975 Detroit Avenue
686-6204

Mail Boxes Etc.
1647 Willow Pass Road
680-6510

Postal Annex
785 Oak Grove Road
687-7151

The Plastic Loose Fill Council promotes reuse of polystyrene "packing peanuts." The Council's Peanut Hotline is a national, 24-hour consumer hotline and website directory service with referrals to the nearest locations that accept packing peanuts for reuse.

Peanut Hotline: 800-828-2214 or www.loosefillpackaging.com

This reuse program offers the public a convenient way to recycle polystyrene packing peanuts. The Plastic Loose Fill Council estimates that 30 percent of the loose fill produced each year is reused.

Expanded Polystyrene Shape Molded Packaging

Expanded polystyrene can be mailed via U.S. Postal Service or other carrier to:

Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers
1298 Cronson Boulevard, Suite 201
Crofton, MD 21114 USA

Shipping fees typically range from $1.50-$9.00 depending on the size of the package.

Make sure the expanded polystyrene is clean and free of any plastic film, loose parts or glued-on cardboard.
To increase the amount of expanded polystyrene in each shipping container, it can be broken or cut into smaller pieces so that more foam can fit in individual boxes.
Alliance of Foam Packaging does not accept extruded polystyrene foam including meat trays, cups, egg cartons or other disposable foodservice items for recycling.
Expanded polystyrene can be identified by the number 6 plastic resin identification code. Many types of foam plastic are not clearly marked; if you have questions please contact Alliance of Foam Packaging at (410) 451-8340.

Styrofoam®

Styrofoam® is only one name for polystyrene plastic. (Styrofoam® is a Dow Chemical Co. trademarked form of polystyrene foam insulation.) Polystyrene is made from styrene, a petroleum by-product. Styrene was first commercially produced during World War II in the production of synthetic rubber. Only about five percent of a foam package is polystyrene; the rest is air. For more information visit the Polystyrene Packaging Council (http://www.polystyrene.org).

Foamed polystyrene can be used to make coffee cups, soup bowls, salad boxes, plates, trays, clamshell containers, foam meat trays and egg cartons as well as protective packaging. Foamed polystyrene provides many benefits including the insulating quality that helps hold food at temperature.

Solid polystyrene is used for cutlery, yogurt and cottage cheese containers, cups, clear salad bar containers, television cabinets, appliances, toys, compact disc "jewel cases," video and audiocassette housings.