Styrofoam is a type of solid plastic made from petroleum, and it is used in a variety of products, including packaging materials, appliances, automotive parts, and electronics. Here are some ways to dispose of Styrofoam:
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Recycle it: Styrofoam can be recycled, but it is not accepted by all recycling centers. You can check Earth911.com to find a recycling center that accepts Styrofoam in your area. Some recycling centers only accept clean and uncontaminated Styrofoam, so make sure to remove any tape, labels, or plastic film before recycling it.
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Reuse it: Styrofoam can be repurposed for various uses. For example, you can use it for drainage in potted plants, or combine it with acetone to make glue. You can also use it to decorate your home by building a garden statue or making your own beanbag chair filling.
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Sell it: Some companies will buy Styrofoam, so you can earn cash for your trash. You can find such companies by visiting the American Chemistry Councils website PlasticsMarkets.org.
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Throw it away: If Styrofoam cannot be recycled or reused, it should be thrown away in the regular trash. However, make sure to remove any recyclable components from the Styrofoam item, such as cardboard, paper, or recyclable plastic, and put them aside for recycling.
It is important to note that burning Styrofoam is not a safe disposal method, as it releases the dangerous chemical carbon monoxide into the air, which could make you ill or even prove fatal.
