How to Recycle Styrofoam Packing Material
Styrofoam is a trade name for a material called polystyrene. Polystyrene is petroleum-based and highly flammable. Moreover, benzene, a human carcinogen, is used in the manufacturing of polystyrene. As such, it is better that it not end its life in our landfills where the chemicals will leach into the soil and groundwater. Reducing the amount of polystyrene we use is important. But it's also important to recycle, reuse and re-purpose the polystyrene material that has already been brought into existence. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Donate it. Many craft shops, schools and daycare centers will use polystyrene in art projects with patrons, students and children. Also, look for charities that ship items overseas to soldiers or those devastated by war or natural disaster and inquire about the use of your polystyrene material.
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Drop it off. The Plastic Loose Fill Council operates a network of collection centers where you can drop off polystyrene packing peanuts. Visit its website to search more than 1,500 U.S. locations. You also can check with stores that specialize in packaging and shipping.
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Freecycle it. Freecycle.org is an online network that allows you to list items that you no longer want or need that other people may find useful. Join a local network and connect with people who can reuse your polystyrene.
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Mail it. The Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers runs drop-off and mail-in programs to recycle polystyrene.
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Recycle it. Residents of the United States can visit Earth911.com to find local companies and organizations that will accept polystyrene.
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Reuse it. Save some polystyrene and when you send a package through the mail or pack fragile items, reuse the material.
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Sell it. Although not intended for use by the general public and household recyclables, Plasticsmarkets.org serves as a clearinghouse for companies and the recycling industry to find sources. If you have a large amount of material, this may be worth looking into for a solution.
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References
- Photo Credit styrofoam business image by robert mobley from Fotolia.com
