Email to the Editor: Foam is Recyclable

Picking up dinner at your favorite restaurant may leave some to wonder whether they can recycle the foam takeout containers and cups these delicious meals were preserved in. A common misconception in America is that foam, often mistakenly called Styrofoam, cannot be recycled but that is not the case. Foam is being recycled every day and there are businesses creating programs to make it easy for you.

For instance, our company, Styro Recycle LLC, provides a free foam drop-off service for residents and businesses in the Renton, Washington area. The drop off site and pickup service has not only created jobs in our region but it has also given the public options for recycling their foam products, like the foam used to ship new electronics and foam food containers.  Once the foam is collected from businesses, organizations and residents it is ground up, compacted into blocks, which are then manufactured into plastic products such as: premium picture frames, crown moulding, light switch covers and other plastic products. This year alone, we plan on recycling well over 500,000 pounds of foam.

City leaders across the U.S. need to correct the misconception about foam products and focus on educating their constituents about the recyclable product. Not only is the product recyclable, it also has a lower carbon footprint than popular alternatives and foam also saves businesses money in shipping cost. Plus, it performs better than virtually every alternative, when it comes to protecting contents of a package or keeping your coffee hot while not burning your hands. There are a handful of foam recycling programs and products offered in a variety of communities; the only problem is that the public is uninformed about these options. We need to change this.  For example, many cities and neighborhoods have already begun working with companies like mine to expand their local recycling event programs, pickup and drop-off services to include foam; however a lot of community residents are unaware about the new addition of foam in their local recycling programs, so it ends up in their trash. It is great these communities are offering options, but education is imperative to make a lasting change. 

Speaking of education, some school districts have begun participating in foam lunch tray recycling programs. I am thankful for the school districts for getting their students involved and educated about all types of recycling, and I applaud all of the community groups who are focused on finding a solution and outlet for this necessary material. These groups are setting the example of how foam should be viewed – as a valuable and recyclable material, just like aluminum, glass, and paper.

We need to put the spotlight on what to do with our used materials instead of how can we ban them. More cities and communities need to put the focus on progression – and allow their residents the opportunity to recycle foam, create jobs and more opportunities.

The misconception needs to be cleared up – foam can and should be recycled in more neighborhoods, bringing them ahead of curve instead of lagging behind.  

Marilyn Lauderdale, Owner of Styro Recycle LLC (http://www.styrorecycle.com/)