Plastic Foam (Polystyrene)
What Should I Do With It?
Expanded polystyrene commonly known as styrofoam or plastic #6 is not accepted in curbside recycling programs, meaning all foam cups, packing peanuts, and appliance blocks must go into the regular garbage. Because this material is incredibly lightweight and brittle, it easily blows away and shatters into persistent micro-fragments that clog stormwater systems, leach chemicals, and harm wildlife. To manage it responsibly, always refuse single-use foam by choosing eco-friendly alternatives like paper or cardboard packaging. When foam is unavoidable, bag it tightly and secure it inside your household trash bin to ensure it cannot escape into the environment.
Before throwing this away, see if it can be fixed up, given to a friend, or donated to a local thrift shop. Keeping items in use is the best way to stop waste before it starts!
The recycling guidelines shown here are for general reference and educational purposes. Every city and town has different rules, sorting equipment, and recycling programs.
Please check your local town website or ask your local garbage collection program to make sure you are following your neighborhood's rules.