New Machine Grinds and Melts Down Styrofoam

by 05/22/08 5 Comments

Packaging is a huge issue in landfills, and the Styrofoam we use for take-out foods, shipping appliances, and myriad other uses is a problem that has received much attention.

At the Packaging Summit in Chicago last week, a new machine was revealed that grinds up styrofoam so it can be melted down and recycled. Available to retailers and manufacturers, this Styrofoam crushing mechanism uses heat and pressure to manipulate the Styrofoam. It also is a clean machine, which creates no harmful emissions.

Apparently, sustainability was big biz everywhere at the Packaging Summit, driven by WalMart’s programs.

Got some Styrofoam laying around your house? Find a recycling location near you using Earth 911′s recycling locator.

Francine Hardaway

Francine Hardaway

Working with startup technology companies, entrepreneurs, and social causes. Angel investor, business coach, mom, yoga practitioner, blogger, golden retriever fan, social media junkie. Connected woman.


  1. Peggy Wheeler

    posted on July 2nd, 2011 at 3:57 am

    Don't use styrofoam until this machine is being used in every state. It was developed at a Summit in Chicago, the first of its kind, and completely recycles this material with emissions.
As of June 17th 2011 we have upgraded our comment system to use Facebook comments. The below comments are closed and are listed for historical purposes.

4 Archived Comments

  1. bob herakovich

    posted on February 4th, 2010 at 1:41 pm

    the Earth 911′s recycling locator…provided me with a company that would recycle my stryrofoam in the state of Maryland…..unfortunately, I live in Florida. is this the accurate and best response for a search of a recycling center that would accept styrofoam in Kissimmee Florida, 34758????

  2. c coates

    posted on April 8th, 2010 at 10:39 am

    Where can I find a place to recycle styrofoam, i.e. perhaps this new machine you reported that melts it down?

  3. cindy

    posted on April 15th, 2010 at 11:19 am

    Hi , I know that publix has recycling bins out front to recycle egg cartons and Styrofoam #6 containers and cups … and also brown paper bags and plastic bags …. so try looking at your closest publix store :)

  4. Scott R.

    posted on October 21st, 2010 at 12:58 pm

    The company I work for is starting a Recycling Program. And we are looking f Sor someone in NC to recycle Styrorfoam, Polstyrene, Plastic #6. Might also be interested in this machine that melts it down?

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