Styrofoam is a commonly-used plastic for packing various goods and electronics, such as computers and refrigerators, and is practically unavoidable if you have ever bought a new TV or computer. But what do you do with it after you get your package? Simply throw it in the trash? You can do much more than simply throw it out or store it in the garage.
GreenCitizen is providing a Styrofoam recycling service to repurpose and reuse this plastic, as well as lessen the impact on landfills. Discover more about the responsible recycling of foam below, as well as how you can participate!
Types of Foam
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Foam #6
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE/PELD) Foam #4
Foam/Packing Peanuts
Is Plastic Foam Biodegradable?
The standard plastic foams, like other plastics #1 to #6 are generally not biodegradable, with the exception of some #7 foams.
Is Plastic Foam Recyclable?
Plastic foam is recyclable if it is not contaminated and uniformly separated from other plastics. Currently if you place Styrofoam in a recycling bin it will be sent to a landfill. It is estimated that Styrofoam can take up to 30% of the space in the US landfills.
How Does GreenCitizen Recycle Foam?
Styrofoam, also known as foam and Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), is fed through the Plastic Foam Densifier (PFD) XT200 of which densified Styrofoam ingots are produced which can be used in applications like picture frames and architectural crown molds. The machine first shreds the foam where it is then heated and pressurized into a paste.
What Is Densified Styrofoam Used For?
Another way the foam can be recycled is to mechanically chop it down, clean it, and extrude it into recycled plastic resins (rLDPE, rPS) which can be used to make new products (as mentioned above) or be blended with virgin plastic resins (say a 70% / 30% blend) to create a new product while maintaining structural integrity and quality
Business Pickup Pricing
Truckload — $900
Gaylord Bins* — $55 Per Bin (Additional $110 will be required as pickup fee)
30-Gallon Bag — $5 Per Bag
*Gaylord bins are 48” x 40” x 36” and can theoretically hold 40 cubic feet of foam if optimally packed
Residential Drop-off Pricing
30-Gallon Bag (waist high) — $5 Per Bag
Foam/packing Peanuts — Free!
Bubble Wrap — Free!
Note: Residential Styrofoam drop-offs are chargeable either by the piece or by volume
Are You Ready to Recycle Styrofoam? Let’s Get Started!
Business Pickup
The prefect option for San Fransisco Bay Area Businesses wanting to recycle Styrofoam or Polyethylene.
Styrofoam Recycling
Styrofoam Recycling with GreenCitizen
Styrofoam is a commonly-used plastic for packing various goods and electronics, such as computers and refrigerators, and is practically unavoidable if you have ever bought a new TV or computer. But what do you do with it after you get your package? Simply throw it in the trash? You can do much more than simply throw it out or store it in the garage.
GreenCitizen is providing a Styrofoam recycling service to repurpose and reuse this plastic, as well as lessen the impact on landfills. Discover more about the responsible recycling of foam below, as well as how you can participate!
Types of Foam
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Foam #6
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE/PELD) Foam #4
Foam/Packing Peanuts
Is Plastic Foam Biodegradable?
The standard plastic foams, like other plastics #1 to #6 are generally not biodegradable, with the exception of some #7 foams.
Is Plastic Foam Recyclable?
Plastic foam is recyclable if it is not contaminated and uniformly separated from other plastics. Currently if you place Styrofoam in a recycling bin it will be sent to a landfill. It is estimated that Styrofoam can take up to 30% of the space in the US landfills.
How Does GreenCitizen Recycle Foam?
Styrofoam, also known as foam and Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), is fed through the Plastic Foam Densifier (PFD) XT200 of which densified Styrofoam ingots are produced which can be used in applications like picture frames and architectural crown molds. The machine first shreds the foam where it is then heated and pressurized into a paste.
What Is Densified Styrofoam Used For?
Another way the foam can be recycled is to mechanically chop it down, clean it, and extrude it into recycled plastic resins (rLDPE, rPS) which can be used to make new products (as mentioned above) or be blended with virgin plastic resins (say a 70% / 30% blend) to create a new product while maintaining structural integrity and quality
Business Pickup Pricing
*Gaylord bins are 48” x 40” x 36” and can theoretically hold 40 cubic feet of foam if optimally packed
Residential Drop-off Pricing
Note: Residential Styrofoam drop-offs are chargeable either by the piece or by volume
Are You Ready to Recycle Styrofoam? Let’s Get Started!
Business Pickup
The prefect option for San Fransisco Bay Area Businesses wanting to recycle Styrofoam or Polyethylene.
Get Started
Residential Drop-off
If you are a San Fransisco Bay Area resident and want to recycle your Styrofoam, you may drop it off at our Burlingame Eco-Center.
Get Started
Green Directory
Out of San Fransisco Bay Area? Check out the Green Directory to find your nearest recycling center.
Get Started