How to Recycle Styrofoam in Muskegon, Michigan

Styrofoam, also known as polystyrene plastic, is often used for beverage containers.

Styrofoam, also known as No. 6 polystyrene, is a lightweight plastic usually associated with packing materials and food containers. Unfortunately, No. 6 polystyrene is not commonly recycled, thus some states are beginning to phase out its use altogether, replacing it with more eco-friendly options. In Muskegon, Michigan a limited amount of recycling and reuse choices are currently available for Styrofoam.

Instructions

1. Sort through the polystyrene or Styrofoam items that you would like to recycle. Separate any containers that once contained food and beverages from clean Styrofoam that was only used for packaging.

2. Ask friends or relatives if they need packing peanuts and give them your polystyrene packaging. If you have the space, store the packaging materials until you need them for shipping.

3. Contact Nupak Solutions in Muskegon, Michigan for availability and directions to their facility. Currently they are the only recycler accepting Styrofoam in Muskegon. Nupak Solutions will only accept clean foam polystyrene, and no food or beverage containers.

4. Bring your clean polystyrene to Nupak Solutions during their business hours. Some counties outside of Muskegon may accept additional foam polystyrene products. However, those facilities are often open only to local residents. Check an online recycling website, such as Earth911.com, for additional Michigan recycling options.

5. Reuse your Styrofoam food containers that cannot be recycled in Muskegon. Foam beverage cups or egg cartons make good seedling starters if filled with soil. Use clean polystyrene food containers for craft projects or to store breakable objects, such as Christmas ornaments.

Tips & Warnings

• Polystyrene plastic is also used for CD jewel cases and actual CDs. These items can be recycled through the mail utilizing plastic recycling centers available online.

References

• EPA: Plastics
• Earth 911: Facts About Plastic #6
• Ecolife; How to Recycle PS (Plastic #6); Maryruth Belsey Priebe
• Muskegon County: Styrofoam recycling

Resources

• The Recycling Center: Recycling Centers
• Sustainable Muskegon: Green Pages Directory