Understanding Styrofoam: Environmental Impact and Eco-Friendly Disposal Methods

Ah, Styrofoam… the nemesis of every environmentalist’s crusade. I must confess that, in my earlier days of ignorance regarding recycling practices, I too would casually toss my Styrofoam into the recycling bin. This highlights the confusion surrounding proper disposal methods for consumers. Today, I aim to shed light not only on the environmental ramifications of Styrofoam but also to provide guidance on how to dispose of Styrofoam in a more eco-conscious manner.

1. What is Styrofoam?

From packing peanuts to insulation and takeout containers, Styrofoam is ubiquitous in our daily lives! This isn’t surprising, considering that Styrofoam is inexpensive, versatile, and remarkably lightweight (did you know that it consists of 95% air?). The material is derived from polystyrene beads (sourced from petroleum), allowing it to be molded into virtually any shape imaginable. Moreover, Styrofoam serves as an effective insulator, adept at blocking out cold air.

These attributes make Styrofoam a favored choice for packaging, especially for shipping delicate products. If you’ve ever purchased an electronic appliance like a vacuum, toaster, microwave, or washing machine, you’ve likely encountered Styrofoam packaging. Beyond shipping, Styrofoam also finds applications in the food and craft industries.

When discussing plastic types, Styrofoam is often referred to by its technical name, Expanded Polystyrene (EPS). To clarify, think of it this way: Tupperware (a brand) is to food containers as Styrofoam is to EPS. For simplicity’s sake, I will use the more commonly recognized name, Styrofoam, throughout this article.

2. Is Styrofoam harmful to the environment?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that Americans generated approximately 80,000 tons of Styrofoam containers in 2018, with less than 5,000 tons recycled. Most Styrofoam products, such as takeout containers, end up in landfills, with estimates suggesting that Styrofoam constitutes around 30% of global landfill content.

To fully understand the issue, we must first examine how Styrofoam is produced. Styrofoam is created from a petroleum-based product known as styrene. As we know, fossil fuels like petroleum are significant contributors to climate change, releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere during production. For instance, the creation of a single Styrofoam cup emits roughly 0.07229 pounds of CO2. While this may seem minimal, it accumulates significantly when considering the vast quantities of Styrofoam in circulation.

Additionally, the production process releases 57 chemical byproducts, according to the National Bureau of Standards Center for Fire Research. Research indicates that workers exposed to these chemicals face heightened risks of acute health issues, including skin, eye, and respiratory irritation, as well as gastrointestinal problems. Chronic exposure to benzene in styrene has been linked to severe mental health ramifications, demonstrating how these production chemicals can adversely affect the nervous system. Alarmingly, both the EPA and the International Agency for Research on Cancer classify styrene as a potential human carcinogen.

Water used in Styrofoam manufacturing must also undergo treatment to remove harmful chemicals before being released back into the water supply, contributing an estimated 21 million tons of CO2 equivalent to the atmosphere annually. When it comes to disposal, Styrofoam is notoriously challenging to clean up, as it breaks apart into tiny beads. If it finds its way into waterways, it floats, often mistaken for food by wildlife such as birds and turtles, leading to devastating ecological consequences.

3. Does Styrofoam biodegrade?

To answer this question, we first need to differentiate between “compostable” and “biodegradable.” Biodegradable materials can break down with or without oxygen, aided by microorganisms, converting into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass. For something to be truly biodegradable, it should not leave behind harmful chemicals or residues. Certifications from organizations like SCS Global Services, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) help identify biodegradable products.

So, is Styrofoam biodegradable? Unfortunately, no. Styrofoam can take over 500 years to fully decompose, all the while leaching harmful chemicals into the environment.

4. Is Styrofoam compostable?

Compostable items can decompose with the help of decomposers (like worms, fungi, and microorganisms) and oxygen. They eventually break down into nutrient-rich material known as humus or “black gold.” To discern if something is genuinely compostable and avoid greenwashing, look for the ASTM D6400 logo (or CAN/BNQ-0017-088 in Canada). Given this definition, it’s clear that Styrofoam does not meet the criteria for compostability.

5. Can you recycle Styrofoam?

If I had a nickel for every time someone asked, “Can you recycle paper plates?” I’d be quite wealthy. The answer isn’t straightforward because it varies based on location and local recycling practices. Styrofoam products often display the recyclable chasing arrows and the #6, but this can be misleading, as most regions lack the facilities to process it properly.

This means that if you dispose of Styrofoam in your recycling bin, it’s likely to end up in a landfill. Furthermore, placing Styrofoam in the recycling stream can contaminate other recyclable materials. This raises the question: how can consumers effectively learn to dispose of Styrofoam packaging?

6. How to recycle Styrofoam in your area?

Due to its detrimental environmental impact, Styrofoam has been banned in various regions, including Maine, New York, and New Jersey. If you reside in one of these areas, consider yourself fortunate! However, even if you live within these jurisdictions, Styrofoam can still arrive at your doorstep through online purchases or items shipped from out of state. So what should you do when this happens? We have a right to know how to dispose of Styrofoam peanuts responsibly!

You have two primary options based on your location:

Option 1 — Drop-off program: Unfortunately, most recycling centers do not accept Styrofoam. Therefore, I recommend locating a local drop-off center that does. You can search the EPA Recycling Map or Earth911 to find a recycling facility near you (pro tip: these resources also provide information on how to recycle other household items).

Option 2 — Curbside collection: If your municipality offers curbside recycling for Styrofoam, ensure your items are clean and free from food waste to prevent contamination of the recycling stream. Once your Styrofoam is collected at a material recovery facility (MRF), it can be transformed into pellets and reused to create new products. Recycled Styrofoam is commonly repurposed into items like picture frames, office supplies, and new packaging designed to protect fragile items and electronics.

7. Creative ways to REUSE Styrofoam

Sometimes, Styrofoam is unavoidable, but when it does find its way into your home, consider reusing it! Here are some innovative ideas to help you get started:

Styrofoam plates

Place Styrofoam plates between photographs or important documents for protection.
If you’re an artist, use them as inexpensive paint palettes.

Styrofoam cups

Decorate Styrofoam cups and repurpose them as organizers for pens or makeup brushes.
Craft adorable Styrofoam DIY lanterns.
Use Styrofoam cups as mini pots for propagating plants (just remember to remove the seedling from the cup before planting).

For coffee cups, I highly recommend opting for a sustainable alternative; after all, we typically use coffee cups for an average of just 13 minutes before discarding them. Consider bringing your own reusable cup!

Packing peanuts

Incorporate packing peanuts as stuffing for DIY bean bag chairs.
Freeze packing peanuts overnight to use as an ice substitute in your cooler.

Styrofoam coolers

Transform a cooler into a cozy cat or dog house by cutting out a hole and adding windows (bonus points for decoration).

Other ideas with various Styrofoam shapes

Repurpose Styrofoam in art projects.
Channel your creative side and use old Styrofoam to craft props.
Donate your Styrofoam to local shipping stores.

A final word on recycling Styrofoam

Understanding how to dispose of Styrofoam properly is a vital step in your journey toward sustainable living. While recycling is ideal, there are numerous creative ways to reuse Styrofoam! When possible, always strive to choose more sustainable, low-waste packaging options. Fortunately, there are many compostable, reusable, and recyclable shipping materials available today, including innovative Styrofoam alternatives crafted from mushrooms! If you found this article helpful, consider sharing it with someone who might benefit… sharing is caring! 😊