Styrofoam Recycling

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!

Styrofoam recycling

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?

Styrofoam recycling

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

Styrofoam Recycling

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.

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