How to Recycle Styrofoam in Baltimore

Plastic foam packing peanuts are bulky recyclables.

Styrofoam is a petroleum-based, plastic product trademarked by the Dow company. The foam is made from expanded polystyrene, and you can identify recyclable foam products by the recycling triangle and the number "6" stamped on the bottom of the product. While Styrofoam brand products are mostly limited to insulation and craft applications, polystyrene is also a common material in packing peanuts and food storage or serving containers. Recycling plastic foam in Baltimore is a simple process.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Dry towel

Instructions

1. Locate the "6" inside the recycling triangle on the piece of plastic foam you want to recycle. It is usually on the bottom of the container, or on the package that holds the polystyrene peanuts.

2. Rinse the foam in clean water if you have used it to store food. Dry it with a clean towel.

3. Visit the Earth911 Recycling Center locator website listed in the Resources section to find the center closest to you. The city does not accept Styrofoam or plastic food containers in its residential pickup program. Under "Find Recycling Centers For," enter "polystyrene." Do not enter "Styrofoam." Under "Near," enter "Baltimore, Maryland." Click "Search."

4. Call the nearest recycling center, and ask if they offer curbside pickup or if you need to drop off the foam. Place the foam on the curb on the designated pickup day, or take it to the center yourself.

References

• Green Living Tips: Recycling Styrofoam
• Earth911: Polystyrene Near Baltimore
• Baltimore: Public Works / Single Stream Recyling / Acceptable/Unacceptable Recycling Material

Resources

• Earth 911