How to Recycle Clam Shell Styrofoam
If you often eat on the go, chances are you've frequently used clam shell Styrofoam. Clam shell Styrofoam is just what its name suggests: a to-go food container that takes on the look of a clam shell. Styrofoam's generic name is polystyrene, also known as plastic #6. Despite some opinions to the contrary, the stuff is recyclable, but many places do not yet have a program in place to receive it.
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Instructions
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Find a collection center that accepts Styrofoam. You can look in your local business listings, check with your metropolitan garbage hauler, or search the database at Earth 911. The online database at Earth911 also lists programs that allow you to mail in your Styrofoam, if no other facilities are available. Unfortunately, Styrofoam collection centers can be few and far between, even in large metropolitan areas. Even the city of New York does not recycle Styrofoam, and school children throw away more than 800,000 Styrofoam trays a day.
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Clean your Styrofoam with water to remove all food materials.
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Place your Styrofoam clam shells in a box or bag and take them to the nearest Styrofoam collection center. Since many areas only allow residents to drop materials at collection centers a few times a year, you may have to show your identification to drop off your Styrofoam. You may also have to pay a drop-off fee, so be sure to check with the center on fees before you go.
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Tips & Warnings
To be extra earth-friendly, compost your food waste instead of throwing it away in the trash or down on the drain. Don't add meats and dairy products to your compost.
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- Photo Credit Recycling point image by Riccardo from Fotolia.com
