We’ve all been there—staring at a pile of foam packaging after unboxing a new appliance or picking up takeout, wondering what to do with it. Polystyrene, commonly known by the brand name Styrofoam, shows up everywhere in our daily lives. But getting rid of it responsibly? That’s where things get tricky.
Here’s the thing: Americans dump approximately 1,500 tons of polystyrene in landfills daily, and less than 1% of it is recycled[9]. We’re here to walk you through your options for disposing of polystyrene properly, from finding recycling centers to exploring reuse ideas and sustainable alternatives.
Understanding What Polystyrene Actually Is
Before we tackle disposal methods, let’s clear up what we’re dealing with. Polystyrene comes in different forms—solid plastic (like CD cases) and expanded polystyrene foam (EPS), which is that white, puffy material used for packaging and food containers.
You’ll often see the number 6 inside the recycling symbol on polystyrene products. But here’s where it gets confusing: having that symbol doesn’t automatically mean your local recycling program accepts it. Even if your community recycles plastic #6, it may not accept expanded polystyrene[9].
The material is lightweight—98% air[9]—which makes it bulky to transport and economically challenging to recycle. And the environmental stakes? Scientists speculate it will take at least 500 years for polystyrene to break down, if it ever does at all[1].
Check Your Local Recycling Options First
Your first step should always be checking what’s available in your area. Don’t assume polystyrene goes in your curbside bin—polystyrene cannot be recycled curbside due to its low density, making it economically unfeasible to collect[4].
Instead, contact your local waste management facility or use online search tools like Earth911’s recycling locator. Always check with your municipality to see if they accept any types of expanded polystyrene foam[1]. Some communities have established drop-off locations specifically for foam materials.
If you’re in an area with polystyrene recycling, you’ll need to prepare your material properly. Make sure all containers are clean, empty, and free of tape, labels, plastic film, or other contamination[9]. Food-contaminated foam typically isn’t accepted at traditional recycling facilities, though some newer chemical recycling methods can handle dirtier materials.
We offer various plastic recycling solutions through our PE, PET, and PP product lines. Understanding different plastic types helps you make better disposal decisions across all your recyclables.
Find Drop-Off Locations Near You
If curbside pickup isn’t an option, specialized drop-off centers might be. Dart has established more than 40 polystyrene drop-off locations in over 30 counties[1] in Michigan alone, and similar programs exist in other states.
The EPS Industry Alliance maintains a directory of EPS recycling companies, including businesses where you can drop off the material and those that will pick it up curbside[9]. You can also call their helpline at 800-828-2214 for personalized guidance on local options.
The type of polystyrene matters. EPS packaging, especially packing peanuts, is often accepted at shipping stores for reuse, but these locations won’t take large blocks used in packaging, your to-go containers, or cups[9]. UPS Store locations commonly accept clean packing peanuts for reuse, even if they won’t take other foam products.
For those dealing with construction-related foam insulation, check out our complete guide to polystyrene insulation to understand the differences between XPS and EPS foam boards and their specific disposal requirements.
Reuse Before You Recycle
The simplest disposal method is often reuse. Got packing peanuts? Save them for your next shipment. Reusing foam packaging, such as packing peanuts, is a viable option if you end up with them. By reusing these types of items, you can keep them out of landfill longer, and you can avoid buying more of them[1].
Foam blocks from packaging can serve multiple purposes around your home. Use them for craft projects, donate them to schools for art supplies, or break them down and use them as drainage material in large plant pots. Some gardening centers accept clean foam blocks for reuse in their shipping operations.
Storage is another practical reuse option. Polystyrene’s insulating properties make it useful for protecting delicate items in your garage or attic. Just make sure to keep it contained—lightweight foam easily becomes litter when it catches the wind.
When Landfill Is Your Only Option
We know this isn’t ideal, but sometimes it’s your only choice. While taking your styrofoam to a landfill may not sound ideal, it may be the most responsible option when no recycling alternatives are available. Although it’s best to seek alternatives, properly disposing of styrofoam in a landfill prevents more harm than leaving it in nature where it can cause long-lasting environmental damage[10].
If you’re putting polystyrene in your trash, break it into smaller pieces to save space. To save space, you can break the polystyrene into smaller pieces and ensure it is securely packed to prevent it from blowing away, as it is an incredibly light material, capable of easily littering the environment[5].
One thing you should never do? Burn it. Burning styrofoam emits dangerous substances such as styrene and benzene, which are listed as possible carcinogens by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These chemicals can contribute to air pollution and pose serious health risks if inhaled[10].
Explore Sustainable Alternatives
The best disposal strategy is reducing how much polystyrene you bring home in the first place. More businesses are switching to alternatives, and you can support this shift with your purchasing choices.
Cornstarch packaging, made from polylactic acid (PLA), is a much better alternative to polystyrene[2]. These plant-based materials biodegrade under the right conditions. This fiber biodegrades quickly, is easily recyclable, and composts at a composting facility without hassle. This fiber can be used to produce trays, take-out containers, bowls, and plates that can withstand high temperatures and are soak-proof[2].
Other alternatives gaining traction include mushroom-based packaging, bamboo products, and molded fiber containers made from recycled paper. Companies like IKEA are already making the switch, and more retailers are following suit.
When ordering takeout, bring your own containers or ask restaurants if they offer alternatives to foam packaging. At home, choose reusable food storage containers instead of disposable options. These small changes add up.
Mail-In Recycling Programs
Can’t find a local drop-off? Terracycle offers a prepaid mail-in Zero Waste Box designed for EPS food packaging[9]. These programs charge a fee but guarantee your polystyrene gets recycled properly.
Mail-in options work best when you’ve accumulated a decent amount of material—shipping costs make it impractical for just a few pieces. Consider coordinating with neighbors or your workplace to collect enough material to make shipping worthwhile.
Keep in mind that at this time, we are not aware of any mail-in programs that accept large blocks of Styrofoam[9]. These programs typically focus on food service packaging and packing peanuts.
How Polystyrene Recycling Actually Works
Understanding the recycling process helps explain why it’s so challenging. To recycle foam packaging, it is cleaned then shredded before being melted down into a paste then turned into pellets. These pellets are able to be sent to manufactures to produce new products[1].
The catch is volume. If the waste material goes through an initial compaction process, its density increases from typically 30 kg/m³ to 400 kg/m³, turning it into a recyclable commodity with high value for producers of recycled plastic pellets[4]. Without compaction equipment, recycling facilities can’t economically process the material.
Some newer facilities use chemical recycling, which breaks down polystyrene at the molecular level. There are also some recyclers using new advances in chemical recycling to break down polystyrene at a chemical level to reprocess it. This type of recycling can also accept polystyrene that is dirtier, such as food packaging that has been soiled[1]. But these technologies are still uncommon.
Conclusion
Disposing of polystyrene responsibly takes more effort than tossing other recyclables in your bin, but your options are growing. Start by checking local recycling programs and drop-off locations through resources like Earth911 or the EPS Industry Alliance. Reuse what you can, properly prepare clean materials for recycling, and support businesses offering sustainable alternatives.
While less than 1% of polystyrene currently gets recycled in the U.S., that number improves as more communities invest in proper infrastructure and more consumers demand better options. Every piece you divert from the landfill makes a difference, and every alternative product you choose sends a message to manufacturers.
Visit CBR HK Global to learn more about sustainable plastic solutions and how different materials compare in terms of recyclability and environmental impact.
FAQs
Can I put polystyrene foam in my regular recycling bin?
No, don’t put polystyrene foam in your curbside recycling bin. It contaminates other recyclables and jams sorting equipment. Even products marked with recycling symbol #6 typically can’t go in curbside bins. Check with your local waste management facility about special drop-off locations or collection events for foam materials.
Where can I recycle packing peanuts?
Most UPS Store locations and shipping retailers accept clean packing peanuts for reuse. Call ahead to confirm they’re currently accepting them. For other types of foam packaging, use Earth911’s search tool or contact the EPS Industry Alliance at 800-828-2214 to find recycling locations near you.
What’s the difference between polystyrene and Styrofoam?
Styrofoam is actually a trademarked brand name owned by Dow Chemical for a specific type of blue insulation board. What most people call “Styrofoam” is technically expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam. Both are types of polystyrene plastic, but they have different uses and disposal options depending on your local programs.
Are biodegradable alternatives really better than polystyrene?
Yes, alternatives like cornstarch-based packaging, bagasse (sugarcane fiber), and mushroom packaging break down in industrial composting facilities within weeks or months instead of hundreds of years. They also come from renewable resources rather than petroleum. While some alternatives cost 10-30% more, they significantly reduce environmental impact when disposed of properly.
What should I do with polystyrene if there’s no recycling available in my area?
If recycling isn’t available, reuse the material when possible—save packing peanuts for future shipments or use foam blocks for craft projects. As a last resort, break polystyrene into smaller pieces and dispose of it in your regular trash, making sure it’s secured so it won’t blow away. Never burn polystyrene as it releases toxic fumes. Consider supporting local initiatives to bring foam recycling programs to your community.