How to Properly Dispose of Styrofoam Containers
Styrofoam, or polystyrene, is a synthetic material that protects mailed or shipped objects from damage, insulates and serves as disposable containment. However, styrofoam is not easy or efficient to recycle. Disposing of Styrofoam containers properly is important for protecting the environment and wildlife. Animals that consume polystyrene can get sick or die and burnt Styrofoam releases noxious fumes. With a little effort you can easily reuse or dispose of Styrofoam containers safely. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Break Styrofoam packing blocks down into small chunks or pellets. Store these and other pieces of Styrofoam together until you have a large amount.
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Contact local shipping centers, packaging stores or schools to see if they accept Styrofoam peanuts or bits for packaging. Many places reuse polystyrene packaging rather than buying new packing materials. Schools may use certain containers like egg cartons for arts and crafts.
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Reuse Styrofoam containers in your home as packing materials or for storing fragile objects.
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Look up locations in your state that accept Styrofoam packaging, container and peanut drop off. The Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers has a comprehensive list and also lists items that are unacceptable, such as egg cartons and food service products.
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Bag broken-down containers and other forms of Styrofoam in heavy-duty trash bags or other sealed containers. Remove any non-Styrofoam products from the container, like tape, paper or other trash. Bring the bags to a pickup location near you. If there is not one, simply place it in your garbage or take it to the dump. Once bagged and compacted, the negative impacts of Styrofoam are minimal.
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Tips & Warnings
Never burn Styrofoam containers as they can release harmful chemicals into the environment.
References
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