Styrofoam Recycling: Can Food Containers Be Recycled?

The Dow Chemical Company invented Styrofoam more than 50 years ago. Styrofoam is generically known as polystyrene, a type of plastic. While many plastics can be recycled, many often wonder if Styrofoam food containers can be recycled.

Earth911

• You can find recycling centers for Styrofoam at Earth911.com.

Dart Containers

• Dart Containers provide Styrofoam recycling options for large operators, small operators and the general public.

Recycled Styrofoam Products

• Recycled Styrofoam can be made into hangers, cafeteria trays and desktop accessories.

Significance

• More than 25 million Styrofoam cups are thrown away each year. It can take 500 years for one of these cups to dissolve.

Considerations

• If Styrofoam recycling is not available in your area, try to reducing your use of Styrofoam by eating at a restaurant instead of having takeout, buying eggs packaged in paper cartons and purchasing bagged meats.