How to Recycle Polystyrene Food Containers
Polystyrene, or plastic #6, can be made into a solid or expanded foam form. Because polystyrene food containers must be cleaned prior to recycling, it is often viewed by municipal recycling programs as uneconomical to recycle. There are several programs that will allow you to recycle polystyrene in the event that your municipal program does not accept polystyrene. There are also a few methods for reusing polystyrene containers in the home, such as using egg cartons to grow seedlings. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Wash the polystyrene food container thoroughly to remove all food residue. This will facilitate your ability to recycle the containers since many recyclers will not recycle them otherwise.
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Contact your municipal waste management program to confirm whether they will accept polystyrene food containers in curbside recycling pickup.
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Visit Earth911.com to find a local drop-off site for polystyrene recycling. Enter "Polystyrene" in the entry first entry field on the Earth911 homepage. Enter your ZIP code in the second entry field. Click "Enter." Scroll down the page. The list of nearby recyclers will be in blue. Select one or more of the locations to call and verify that polystyrene is still being accepted. Obtain directions if so, and drop off the plastic during business hours.
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Plant seeds in egg carton cups to germinate seedlings for planting in the spring. Cut the lid from the egg carton to use as a water tray. Poke a small hole in the center of each egg cup to allow water to flow in and out of the cup. Fill each cup with potting soil. Push your finger down in the center of each fill to create a place for the seed. Add a flower or vegetable seed to each hole. Cover the seed over with soil. Water lightly.
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Reuse clean meat trays as water trays, bird seed dishes or props for wobbly tables. Cut the trays into small squares to use as padding on the feet of furniture to protect hardwood floors.
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References
- Photo Credit lonely egg in carton image by Cindy Haggerty from Fotolia.com
