How to recycle/dispose of foam packaging (Styrofoam®)

Curbside collection: Weekly
County facilities accepting foam packaging (Styrofoam®):
 Solid Waste Transfer Station

Though commonly referred to as "Styrofoam", foam packaging is more accurately known as polystyrene.

The Division of Solid Waste Services does not recycle polystyrene. It is accepted as trash.

Foam peanuts

Many local "mailing solution" stores accept peanuts. Put your peanuts into a bag or box and take them to a location near you. These stores reuse the peanuts, which is even better than recycling them.

• Look up nearby peanut collection sites - provided by the Plastic Loose Fill Council

Polystyrene blocks

Got a new television, small applicance, or piece of furniture? Chances are good that this item was packed in blocks of polystyrene to protect it during shipping.

We are not aware of any very local opportunities for recycling or reusing those blocks. (If you know of one, please tell us!)

The Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers maintains a national listing of recycling locations: http://www.epspackaging.org/info.html.

Information about polystyrene recycling and issues surrounding it is also available on the Polystyrene Packaging Council's web site: http://www.polystyrene.org/

"How to recycle/dispose of..." Index

This information last updated 8/5/2008.