‘Styrofoam’ recycling

Properly disposing of expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) is an issue eventually each of us must face. EPS is most commonly (and inaccurately) known as ‘Styrofoam,’ which is actually a brand of home insulation trademarked by Dow Chemical.

Throwing EPS into the garbage means adding it to a landfill. Environmental Waste Management recommends the following solutions for you to properly dispose of EPS:

Reuse

Reusing EPS saves considerably more energy and resources than recycling does. Use pieces for light-weight drainage in planters (see below). Save it for future packaging needs. Electronic devices are best shipped or moved in their original EPS packaging and box.

Pass it on to an individual or company that can use it for packaging. Nearly 30% of all polystyrene loose fill (sometimes called 'peanuts' because of their shape) is used again. For mailing services, the reuse rate of loose fill is as high as 50%.

To find a local business that will reuse your packing peanuts, search at Plastic Loose Fill Council or Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers. Or call the Peanut Hotline at 800/828-2214. (Always call ahead to confirm peanuts are being accepted at that time.)

Recycle

If you can't reuse it, don’t throw it away. EPS can be recycled into new packaging. Before you drop off your EPS, please follow these simple EPS recycling etiquette guidelines:

Drop off only EPS that is clean, dry and uncontaminated with other materials.
Remove any foreign materials such as tape, stickers, labels, paint and cardboard.
Contain the EPS in a bag, bundle or box for easy loading and unloading.
Make sure the material is actually EPS -- it looks like a composite of small white beads. If you have any doubt, call before dropping it off.

In the Southern California Area:

Environmental Waste Management, Inc.
19-125 North Indian Avenue
North Palm Springs, CA 92258

Environmental Waste Management, Inc. recycles EPS at its North Palm Springs California location. The Southern California location is 19-125 North Indian Avenue, Norht Palm Springs, CA 92258. We accept ONLY baled EPS that can be offloaded directly into our building, by appointment only.

(NO loose, bagged or stacked EPS.)

Call 760-329-4139 for a delivery appointment.

If there is no EPS recycling available in your city, here are some options:

Take your packing peanuts down to your neighborhood mailing outlet. (ALWAYS telephone ahead before dropping off your peanuts!)

Gather together a large amount of EPS from neighbors to make the trip to a drop-off location worthwhile.

While you're at it, give a call to your district representative and ask for an EPS recycling program for your city! (San Francisco's contact information is available at www.sfgov.org.)