Styrofoam is probably something most of us use every day, from coffee cups to packing peanuts. It's light, cheap and phenomenally versatile. That widespread use comes with a big environmental challenge. So, can you recycle Styrofoam? Yes and no; it all depends on the type of Styrofoam and the resources available in your area.
The Challenge with Styrofoam Recycling
Styrofoam is 98% air and just 2% plastic, which makes it an excellent insulator. As a result, it consumes a large volume in landfills. The good news is that Styrofoam can be recycled. The bad news is that it is generally not accepted by curbside programs. Since Styrofoam is so light and bulky, it's too costly to transport and process. The recycling process in itself is also highly energy-consuming as it calls for specialized machinery to compress the material prior to melting it down and reforming it.
How Can You Recycle Styrofoam?
If you're bound and determined to recycle Styrofoam, the first thing you want to do is call your local recycling center to see if they accept it. Many do have equipment that will handle Styrofoam if it's relatively clean and free from contaminants like food residue.
Another option would be to look for drop-off locations and mail-back programs that especially take Styrofoam for recycling. In this regard, facilities like EZ on the Earth prove very useful. They offer a wide range of recycling kits intended to make it unbelievably easy for individuals and businesses to get rid of items that are hard to recycle.
EZ on the Earth the Earth Division of Lighting Resources rapidly grows to become one of the biggest providers of recycling kits across the country. They offer an ever-expanding range of zero-energy exit signs, markings, and recycle kits, in addition to a wide array of other eco-friendly products that come with innovative packaging options and custom labeling so you can ensure your waste does get properly recycled to reduce its impact on the environment.
What Happens to Recycled Styrofoam?
After it has been collected, Styrofoam goes through a few processes to become recycled. In the first instance, this material gets cleaned and then compressed into a really small volume. The material is molten before being extruded into small pellets with which to manufacture new products ranging from picture frames to insulation. In such a manner, new life is given to materials that otherwise would end up in landfills.
Why Recycling Styrofoam Matters
Although the recycling process for Styrofoam can be tricky, there are a few reasons to consider the environment. In a landfill, Styrofoam can take hundreds of years to break down. During this period, it breaks down into microplastics, which can contaminate the soil and water. By recycling Styrofoam, you help reduce this kind of pollution and conserve natural resources since new products will be built from old materials.
Conclusion
Not all Styrofoam is easily recyclable, but with proper resources and a little help from companies like EZ on the Earth, it can be. This company's innovative recycling kits allow individuals and businesses easier-than-ever ways to recycle from Styrofoam to many other materials that are usually hard to get rid of responsibly. When you recycle, you take an important step toward protecting our environment for future generations.
Next time you have a Styrofoam piece in your hands, remember that this does not have to end up in landfills. Explore the recycling options available in your area, and consider services like EZ on the Earth to help manage your waste in as green a way as possible.