We’ve all seen it: that big block of white foam protecting a new TV, or the takeout container that kept your food warm. That material is a type of plastic called Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), but most of us know it simply as Styrofoam.
It’s amazing at its job—it’s lightweight, protective, and a great insulator. But here’s the catch: the very qualities that make it so useful also make it a huge problem for our environment.
At Grunber, we believe that handling waste the right way starts with understanding it, whether it’s a small piece of foam or bigger, more complex items like furniture or concrete. So, this isn’t just a list of do’s and don’ts. We want to pull back the curtain and show you why Styrofoam is so tricky and what we can all do to manage it better.
Why is Styrofoam a Bigger Deal Than Regular Trash?
EPS is primarily composed of polystyrene, a synthetic polymer derived from petroleum, with approximately 95% of its volume being air. This air-filled structure makes it lightweight, durable, and an excellent insulator, which is why it’s so popular for packaging and food containers.
However, these very benefits contribute to its environmental downside. Styrofoam is incredibly resistant to degradation, taking hundreds of years—some sources say up to 500 years—to break down. This means it accumulates in landfills, taking up significant space. As it breaks down into tiny pieces, it becomes microplastics, which pollute waterways, soil, and air, harming ecosystems and entering the food chain.
Beyond its physical persistence, styrofoam also poses health and environmental risks due to its chemical composition. It contains a chemical called styrene, which is considered a “possible human carcinogen” by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer. Exposure to styrene has been linked to various health issues, including:
- Nervous system effects: Headaches, fatigue, dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, malaise, and difficulty concentrating.
- Respiratory problems: Breathing difficulties, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
- Allergic reactions: Skin redness, itching, and rashes.
- Hormone disruption: Styrene may mimic estrogens in the body, potentially contributing to thyroid problems, menstrual irregularities, and even breast or prostate cancer.
- Liver and nerve tissue damage: Chronic exposure to high levels can cause these issues. These effects can be particularly pronounced in fetuses and young children.
When styrofoam is used for food packaging, particularly when heated, there’s a concern that these chemicals could leach into food. Burning styrofoam, which might seem like a solution, is actually a significant problem as it emits harmful pollutants and possible carcinogens like styrene and benzene into the air, causing both environmental and health issues.
Why Isn’t Styrofoam Recycled Everywhere? The Honest Answer.
You might see the recycling symbol on a piece of Styrofoam and wonder, “Why can’t I just put this in my blue bin?” It’s a fair question, and the answer is a bit complicated. While it’s technically recyclable, it’s often not practical or profitable for most local recycling programs. Here’s why:
- It’s Mostly Air: Imagine filling a whole truck with Styrofoam. You’d have a full load, but very little actual plastic material to sell. The cost to collect and transport all that air is often much higher than the value of the plastic itself. For most recycling centers, the math just doesn’t work out.
- It Gets Messy: Styrofoam is brittle. It easily breaks into tiny beads that fly everywhere, mixing with and contaminating other valuable recyclables like paper and cardboard. One bad batch can ruin a whole load, forcing everything to be sent to the landfill.
- There’s No Easy Market for It: Unlike aluminum cans or glass bottles, there aren’t as many companies ready to buy and reuse old Styrofoam. The companies that make products with Styrofoam packaging are also not typically required to help pay for its end-of-life disposal, leaving the cost and burden on our local communities.
Okay, So What Can I Actually Do? Your Action Plan
Given the difficulties, finding the best way to get rid of your styrofoam requires a bit of effort, but it’s a worthwhile investment in protecting our planet. Here are several environmentally-friendly approaches:
Check Local Recycling Programs and Drop-Off Centers
Some communities and specialized facilities do accept EPS for recycling. Before heading out, always call ahead to verify what materials they collect, any fees, preparation instructions (like removing tape or food residue and breaking down large pieces), and their hours of operation.
You can often find local information on your city’s waste management website or by searching online directories like Earth911.com. For example, some facilities accept EPS packaging, while others might only take rigid insulation panels.
Look for Specialized Recyclers and Mail-Back Programs
Companies like Dart Container Corporation offer drop-off locations for specific styrofoam products. If local options are scarce, consider mail-in recycling programs through organizations like the EPS Industry Alliance. Be prepared to cover shipping costs, and it helps to cut larger blocks into smaller pieces.
Donate It
If you have clean packing peanuts, many shipping stores (like UPS or FedEx) often accept them for reuse. It’s always a good idea to call ahead to confirm their acceptance policies. You might also find local schools or daycares that would happily take clean styrofoam for arts and crafts projects. For packing peanuts specifically, the Plastic Loose Fill Council might provide drop-off locations or a “Peanut Hotline”.
Reuse and Repurpose It Creatively
Before considering disposal, think about how you can give your styrofoam a second life around your home or for creative projects. This is an excellent way to minimize waste and unleash your creativity.
- Packaging: Save clean pieces for future shipping needs to protect fragile items.
- Insulation: Larger pieces can be used for insulating small spaces, like pet houses or toolboxes.
- Crafting and DIY: Styrofoam is a versatile material for model making, school projects, or holiday decorations.
- Gardening: Add styrofoam pieces to potting soil to improve drainage and aeration, or use them in the base of planters to aid water drainage and use less soil. Styrofoam peanuts can also substitute ice in coolers due to their excellent insulating properties.
- Cushioning: Slice styrofoam into small pieces and use them as filler for nooks and crannies when storing items.
Consider Selling It
While it won’t make you rich, some companies will buy EPS and other plastics for reuse or recycling. You might find buyers by contacting insulation companies, green builders, or listing it on platforms like Craigslist. The American Chemistry Council also lists companies that buy EPS.
Landfill as a Last Resort
If, after exploring all other options, you cannot find a recycling or reuse solution, disposing of styrofoam in regular trash that goes to a landfill may be the only option. While not ideal due to its longevity, proper disposal in a landfill is still better than littering, which causes far more immediate and long-lasting environmental damage. Always ensure the styrofoam is clean and dry to prevent attracting pests and, if possible, compact it to reduce its volume in your trash can.
What to Absolutely AVOID:
- NEVER burn it. This releases toxic chemicals.
- DO NOT put it in your curbside recycling bin unless you have confirmed 100% that your local program accepts it. Doing so can ruin an entire batch of otherwise good recyclables.
Styrofoam Alternatives
The best way to solve the Styrofoam problem is to use less of it. Thankfully, many companies are switching to better alternatives like:
- Molded pulp (like egg cartons)
- Cornstarch-based packaging
- Mushroom-based packaging
- Recycled paper or cardboard
When you shop, support businesses that use these eco-friendly options. Every choice you make sends a message.
By understanding the “why” behind the Styrofoam challenge and taking these practical steps, you’re doing more than just cleaning out your garage—you’re playing an active role in creating a cleaner, more sustainable environment for everyone.
