How to Do Something Your Don Know: How to Dispose of Styrofoam

Sunday 12 May 2019

How to Dispose of Styrofoam

Styrofoam is the household name for EPS, a kind of plastic. To throw away Styrofoam, remove any recyclable pieces, then break down sheets or blocks into smaller bits you can put in your regular trash can. To recycle, make sure you have plain white Styrofoam marked with the triangular recycling symbol. Contact local agencies to see if they’ll take it. If recycling isn’t an option, reuse your Styrofoam or repurpose it for creative DIY projects.

EditSteps

EditThrowing Away Styrofoam

Remove any recyclable parts attached to the Styrofoam. Carefully look over your foam pieces for paper, cardboard, or glass. Set those pieces aside to recycle later. You can place them in your own recycling bin or take them to your local recycling center.
- Only items uncontaminated by food or medical use are recyclable.
- Contact your local agency if you’re unsure what they can process.
Break the Styrofoam into smaller pieces for ease. If you have large foam blocks or sheets, cut them into smaller cubes. They'll fit easily into a trash bag, and you might be able to fit more in a single bag.
Throw the Styrofoam into your garbage bin or dumpster. This is what most local agencies not only suggest, but require.^[1] Since recycling Styrofoam can be costly, for most, it’s not worthwhile to put resources into processing it.^[2] Follow guidelines and toss your foam with your everyday trash.

EditRecycling Styrofoam

Confirm you have plain white Styrofoam. In general, the only Styrofoam with a high chance of being recycled is clean, white packaging foam.^[3] If your foam is dyed, it probably won’t be accepted. You’ll also have better luck with foam blocks than packing peanuts.
Look for the triangular recycling symbol on your Styrofoam. Typically, recyclable plain white Styrofoam is marked with a triangle, and the number 6 is stamped inside.^[4]
- 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.^[5]
- Remember that almost all Styrofoam food containers, cups, and plates are considered trash due to food contamination. Foam used for medical purposes is also unusable. This is true even if they have a recycling triangle.^[6]
Contact your local recycling program for information on Styrofoam drop-offs. Some waste authorities will accept clean foam food trays and/or foam egg cartons. Refer to your local agency's website for details on what they can recycle.^[7]
- Google your city name and add “Styrofoam” to find your agency’s website.
Reach out to disposal drop-off sites near you. There might be drop-off areas in your area who are willing to take your unwanted Styrofoam. Use the EPS-IA’s online directory to find sites near you.^[8] Call locations beforehand to learn what Styrofoam they’ll take.^[9]
- All containers should be clean and empty. Remove any tape, labels, or plastic film.
- If you have a truck's worth of recyclable Styrofoam, there might be a fee due to the amount.^[10]
Mail in Styrofoam if there are no local options available. You can look for a mail-in location on EPS-IA’s website.^[11] You’ll have to cover the shipping, but it should be low-cost. Remove any debris, then break the Styrofoam into small pieces. Place the foam in a shipping box.^[12]

EditReusing or Upcycling Styrofoam

Reuse packing peanuts for future shipments. Shippers use packing peanuts because they’re good at what they do: protecting items during transit. If you plan to mail packages, try using the peanuts you have. If you don’t need them, donate to a local shipping store.^[13]
Use foam to create sets, props, or crafts. Styrofoam makes a great material for costumes or decorations because it's lightweight. Create templates on the Styrofoam for desired shapes, then cut them out. Use paint or markers to decorate low-cost but sturdy-looking props and stage backgrounds.
- Make a magic wand by cutting out a star shape. Poke a hole in the bottom with a pencil. Insert craft glue into the hole, then slide in a wooden dowel for the handle.^[14]
- Use markers or paint to turn a Styrofoam plate into a shining sun.
- Glue white packing peanuts into the shape of a little igloo.^[15]
Use Styrofoam peanuts or pieces as planter filler. Using Styrofoam in the base of your planter means you'll use and waste less soil.^[16] It also makes for a lighter planter and aids water drainage.
Use Styrofoam to decorate your home. With some effort, you can repurpose Styrofoam into something new to furnish your space. For example, you could build a beautiful garden statue, or cut up pieces to make your own beanbag chair filling.^[17]