How Is Polystyrene Recycled?

The low cost of polystyrene manufacturing deters recycling

Polystyrene recycling is generally similar to other forms of recycling. Large trucks carry polystyrene, collected in various locations, to polystyrene recycling facilities, similar to the Dart recycling operation in Mason, MI. According to the Concord, CA, website, polystyrene takes up more space in these large trucks than is profitable to recycle.

Polystyrene Recycling Plants

Large polystyrene recycling plants sort clean polystyrene from food, metal or other substances. These facilities convert used food containers, coolers, DVD cases and many other products manufactured from polystyrene and create fresh, usable polystyrene for use in the manufacture of many similar products. Recycled polystyrene keeps waste out of landfills, and conserves the energy required to produce new polystyrene.

Sorting and Grinding Polystyrene

Polystyrene recycling plants sort polystyrene then send clean polystyrene off for grinding into polystyrene fluff--or shredded polystyrene. Contaminated polystyrene is washed and dried before it is ground up for further use. Generally, many aspects of this operation are mechanical, but most polystyrene sorting is overseen or accomplished with human resources.

Extruding Polstyrene

Shredded polystyrene is compressed under heat and pressure to remove all air from the fluff air pockets. This melted polystyrene material is then forced--or extruded--through a machine consisting of one large entry point and several small exits. The polystyrene melt is extruded into many long strands of fresh polystyrene.

Polystyrene Pellets

The long strands of polystyrene are chopped into several small pellets and color sorted. Polystyrene pellets are shipped to manufacturers needing polystyrene to make various goods. Polystyrene is one of the best packaging materials for shipping, as it insulates well and is inexpensive; unfortunately, this is what hinders polystyrene recycling.

Polystyrene Recycling Is Cost Prohibitive

Polystyrene recycling is not practiced in many areas. Polystyrene recycling can cost more in shipping than it is economically feasible to warrant. Polystyrene is essentially air-puffed for use in shipping, and these marshmallow-like substances require a sizable portion of room in recycling transportation and shipping vehicles. Several companies are attempting to market polystyrene melting devices for business or city use that enable easier shipping to polystyrene recycling plants, thus rendering polystyrene recycling more accessible.

References

• Concord, CA: Living in Concord: Recycling Polystyrene

Resources

• Dart -- Polystyrene Foam Recycling: Recycled Foam Schematic