Plastics
Styrofoam
polystyrene, EPS foam, packing foam, foam trays, packing peanuts
Can you recycle?
Rarely
Rarely — most curbside programs don't take styrofoam. A few specialty recyclers accept clean foam; otherwise it goes in general waste.
How to prepare
1. Empty and brush off any food residue. 2. Remove tape, labels, and any other materials. 3. Keep clean foam separate from your recycling. 4. Take it to a specialty foam drop-off if one operates near you; otherwise place it in general waste.
Common mistakes
Putting styrofoam in curbside recycling, where it breaks up and contaminates other materials. Recycling food-soiled foam. Confusing it with recyclable rigid plastics.
What happens after you recycle it?
Where it's collected, clean foam is compacted and reprocessed into picture frames, insulation, and hard plastic products instead of going to landfill.
Drop-off guidance
A small number of specialty recyclers and mail-in programs accept clean expanded polystyrene. Most areas have no foam recycling, in which case it belongs in general waste.
FAQs
Can I recycle styrofoam?
Rarely. Most curbside programs don't accept it; only some specialty drop-offs take clean foam, and the rest goes in general waste.
Where can I recycle styrofoam near me?
Use the lookup above to check for any specialty foam drop-off points or mail-in programs near you.
Is it free to recycle styrofoam?
Specialty drop-offs are usually free, though mail-in programs may charge for postage.
Can I get paid to recycle styrofoam?
No. There's no payment for styrofoam, and recycling options are limited.
