You can also get in touch with the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers or independent organizations like Earth911 to search for Styrofoam recycling programs in your area. You can find the drop-off station nearest to you by searching the AFPR website. AFPR also allows you to mail back Styrofoam if you live in an area without a reliable drop-off site. While this can be somewhat challenging if you’ve accrued a considerable amount of the stuff, it’s an option for packing materials or loose-fill “peanuts. “[1] X Research source www. epspackaging. org
Most companies require storage containers to remain outdoors in a bin where EPS is kept clean, dry and unexposed to the elements. Check with AFPR to see whether stacking, bagging, or bundling loose Styrofoam will be appropriate for pick-up, then organize a regular pick-up on behalf of your company. EPS compactors are also available for use in some commercial spaces, to condense and make more portable a supply of EPS for pick-up. This can seriously cut down on the fuss of a large quantity of Styrofoam products in the meantime before it can be collected. [2] X Research source
Styrofoam can be used to regulate coolers, and drink coffee from, but it’s also extremely flammable, which makes it dangerous to as an insulation in a home, trailer, or other environment.
Expanded Polystyrene Foam (EPF) looks and feels similar to EPS, but with a slightly more plastic-like texture and a glisten to it. It feels slightly different than regular #6 EPS, and can’t be recycled in the same way. Avoid any Styrofoam with a sheen on it.
Use newspaper, or other recyclable plastic materials to pad your packages. If it’s not super-breakable, there’s probably no need for Styrofoam. Using corn and soy-based packing materials is becoming more and more common. If you work for a business that regularly sells things that require packing protection, consider making the alternative to biodegradable alternatives to Styrofoam. A company called Ecovative has recently developed a mushroom-based product that can be grown to fit any space, much like Styrofoam, but with completely biodegradable materials. It’s just as lightweight and customizable as Styrofoam, but with none of the environmental impact. [4] X Research source
If you end up with lots of Styrofoam containers, you can reuse the cartons if you buy eggs in bulk, or donate egg cartons at the farmers’ market, or to farmers with lots of chickens who’ll need to hold their eggs.
UPS, USPS, and mail-order companies in your town might be open to the idea. You’ll never know until you ask.
Styrofoam is great for creating sets for theatrical productions, building up model train communities, and using as the base for holiday decorations. There are lots of uses for Styrofoam.
