How to Recycle Styrofoam Containers
Recycling polystyrene, known as Styrofoam, leads to a better environment. Utilizing polystyrene in convenient ways can greatly reduce pollution and save money for both the owner and local businesses. Earn money from polystyrene and you will be going green in two ways. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Store polystyrene containers and use them for packaging, sculpting, and crafting projects. Store the polystyrene containers in storage areas such as closets, basements, garages, or sheds. Polystyrene is very light-weight and should not be placed outside to avoid being blown away.
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Mail polystyrene containers to expanded polystyrene recycling centers using the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers (AFPR) website (located in resources). The AFPR unites more than 80 companies with tools and resources to communicate with their consumers in the recycling of polystyrene. The U.S. Postal Service charges an average of $1.50 to $9.00 to ship polystyrene containers to the nearest mail-back location. (To find the nearest mail-back location, check the AFPS mail-back link located in resources.)
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Carry polystyrene containers to local craft shops or local drop-off locations that accept them. Recycling centers and Wal-mart distribution centers will accept polystyrene as well.
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Sell polystyrene containers online using the American Chemistry's recycled plastic markets database (located in resources). The American Chemistry's database links users to dozens of potential buyers looking for polystyrene. Buyers are categorized by types of polystyrene they desire, so look for "Protective Packaging" in the "Applications" box when viewing the database. American Chemistry will direct users to the contact information of the company. Call the company and ask them for further instructions on delivering the polystyrene to their facility.
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Tips & Warnings
Use the website Earth 911 (located in resources) to find local areas that accept polystyrene.
Use the American Chemistry website (located in resources) to sell polystyrene online.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit styrofoam business image by robert mobley from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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DonnaVerdePax
Oct 18, 2010
This all sounds wonderful theoretically but in truth, no one wants your polystyrene. They have closed all the centers that previously accepted it in the San Francisco Bay area - if you can't recycle it in one of the most eco-friendly parts of the US, it's even more difficult everywhere else. Truth is, polystyrene is made from refinery leftovers and there is little need for our extras. Moral: use less gasoline so there are fewer leftovers, encourage your local restaurant and butchers/meat departments to use biodegradable packaging. Talk or write to them and encourage your friends to do the same.
