Ask A Scientist© Environmental Science Archive

Author:      rachael a oflynn, charlie h bell
Our school has recycled polystyrene foam for the last two years. Now we are told that 
we have no one who wants to take it.  Is polystyrene foam recyclable?  How can we 
find a place to recycle our lunch trays made of polystyrene foam?

Response #:  1 of 2
Author:      wordsworth
Sure it is!  First of all, you could reuse polystyrene foam cups and plates for 
another meal or drink!  Secondly, once you separate the polystyrene foam products 
from other trash so they can be easily recycled, the polystyrene foam is shredded, 
dissolved in an organic solvent (like acetone, i.e.)  and then blown into 
molds in the shape of cups and plates.  This is not always cost-effective for 
companies which produce these products; that is why this is not a more 
widespread practice (along with, I guess, the reduction in the use of 
polystyrene foam products by conscientious consumers)

Response #:  2 of 2
Author:      mortis
You could try calling Waste Management, Inc. (WMX Technologies) or Browning-
Ferris (BFI), two major commercial trash collectors.  If they do not take 
polystyrene foam, ask them why not.  They will probably say because no one wants to 
buy the product after it is recycled so they would lose money if they tried to 
recycle it.  When recycling does not work, it is a good idea to find ways to 
reduce the need for polystyrene foam.  Ask your school lunch people and your 
Principal if your school could use paper trays that are recyclable, or durable 
plastic or fiberglass trays that are reusable.  Another good reason to find a 
substitute for polystyrene foam trays is that ozone-destroying chemicals may be used 
in the polystyrene foam making process, so if you use less polystyrene foam, factories will 
make less polystyrene foam, and less pollution too.