Can You Recycle Styrofoam?

Can You Recycle Styrofoam?

Last reviewed by Sarah Chen on 01 April 2026

No, most curbside programs reject styrofoam (EPS). Drop it at specialized facilities or reuse it for packing. This is because the material is difficult to recycle due to its composition and the infrastructure needed.

Why Styrofoam Isn't Easy to Recycle

Styrofoam is made from expanded polystyrene recycling (EPS), which is a lightweight plastic that breaks down into small pieces easily, making it hard to separate from other materials. In addition, styrofoam's low density means large volumes take up significant space during transport and processing. As of 2019, only about 8% of plastics were recycled in the United States, with styrofoam recycling rates even lower due to these challenges.

How to Recycle Styrofoam Properly

To recycle styrofoam properly, start by checking if there's a local recycling facility that accepts it. Companies like Foam Away and Earth911 offer searchable databases of drop-off locations. Alternatively, some supermarkets and retailers in the UK have kerbside collection programmes specifically for EPS products. For instance, the UK-based company Styrewaste operates collection points across England.

Alternatives to Throwing Styrofoam Away

Instead of tossing styrofoam away, consider reusing it as packing material when shipping items or storing belongings. You can also donate unused styrofoam pieces to local schools or arts and crafts groups for use in projects and activities. In the US, communities often have swap meets or flea markets where you can exchange unwanted materials with others.

FAQ

Where Can I Find a Styrofoam Recycling Centre Near Me? Use online resources like Earth911 or Foam Away to locate recycling centres near your area. Both websites provide detailed information and maps to help you find the nearest drop-off location.

Is It Better to Reuse Styrofoam than Recycle it? Reusing styrofoam reduces waste and saves on disposal costs, but if reuse isn't possible or practical, recycling is still a better option compared to sending it to a landfill. Recycling helps prevent pollution and conserves natural resources.

What Are the Environmental Impacts of Styrofoam? Styrofoam takes over 500 years to decompose in landfills and can release toxic chemicals when burned or exposed to heat, posing risks to wildlife and soil quality. According to a study published by ScienceDirect in 2018, styrofoam contributes significantly to plastic pollution due to its lightweight nature and ease of dispersal in the environment.

Sources

• WEEE Forum
• WHO
• US EPA