How to Properly Dispose of Styrofoam
Polystyrene foam, more commonly known as Styrofoam, is used in a variety of packaging materials and disposable dinnerware. Despite its label as disposable, polystyrene foam doesn't break down or decompose in the landfill, so traditional disposal is not an option in a world centered around green and clean living. Properly disposing of polystyrene foam can help cut down on waste, keeping the earth and the environment cleaner.
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Instructions
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Contact local shipping companies, like the Mailboxes Etc., UPS or FedEx, or packing companies and ask if they accept recycled polystyrene peanuts. You can drop them off for the companies to reuse in their packaging.
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Reuse polystyrene peanuts to safely pack and ship breakables safely, or when packing boxes for moving and long-term storage.
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Get in touch with local schools, theaters and churches and ask if they can use polystyrene trays, blocks and peanuts for art and craft projects, or building set materials. Oftentimes they are grateful for the donations and will put your old Styrofoam to good use.
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Break large blocks of Styrofoam down into tiny pieces by hand. This is a time consuming and tedious process, but the small beads left over can be used for packaging, insulation and even refilling depleted bean bags.
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Contact your local recycling center and ask if they accept polystyrene foam. While most recycling centers don't pick up polystyrene on the curbside, they may accept drop-offs. You can also visit the Earth 911 website and type in your location information to find out where you can recycle polystyrene in your area.
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Ship polystyrene packaging materials via the USPS to one of the many recycling centers listed by the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers. This is a viable option if the recycling centers near you do not accept polystyrene foam.
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Tips & Warnings
Never burn polystyrene foam to get rid of it. The soot residue and gas created during burning can be harmful to both the human nervous system and the environment.
