Tips on Recycling Plastic #6

Plastic #6 is a fairly common plastic type that can be recycled in most places. Foamed polystyrene (often referred to as Styrofoam), however, is considered impractical to recycle because it is lightweight and can be difficult to store based on bulk and size.

So, what can and should we do with all that leftover Styrofoam? Here are a few tips to help bolster foamed polystyrene recycling efforts and prevent this product from entering our waste streams for as long as possible.

• Reuse it yourself: Hang on to loose fill (“peanuts”) and shaped foam packaging for use the next time you need to ship something yourself. Larger foam packaging materials can be broken down into smaller pieces and stored for later use.
• Donate to schools and other businesses: As part of the “Foam from Home” program, polystyrene products such as trays, cups and packaging may be brought to schools or businesses that have a Styro Solve system, which converts polystyrene products into a compact, recyclable gel. For more information on this program, contact International Foam Solutions. Also, local craft shops may be a good place to recycle your foam packaging materials, as their customers may use it to make craft projects.
• Recycle it: This includes a growing number of shipping retailers who will recycle or reuse your packaging materials, such shipping retailers like UPS, Mail Boxes Etc., Postal Annex and Fed Ex/Kinkos.
• Mail it back: The Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers offers a mail-back program to U.S. residents, where you can send the foamed polystyrene via mail. There is a cost involved (i.e., postage). You can learn more about this option directly from the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers.
• Sell it: The Recycled Plastic Markets Database allows you to search for buyers of a wide variety of plastics. For more information, visit the American Chemistry Council.