Styrofoam Recycling
A Connecticut first
On August 27, 2024 Regional Refuse Disposal District #1 partnered with FOAMCYCLE LLC and became the first municipal transfer station in the State of Connecticut to begin a Styrofoam recycling program.
Bringing Foam In
Foam must be clean, dry, and free of stickers and labels.
Peel off any tape, shipping labels or price stickers before you bring it in. Food containers must be rinsed and dried. Soiled or wet foam cannot be processed.
GOES IN THE FOAM BIN
• Foam packaging from coolers, furniture, televisions and electronics
• Foam cups, plates and egg cartons
• Foam takeout food containers
Look for the #6 recycling symbol.
GOES IN THE TRASH
• #4 flex-foam
• Pool noodles
• Packing peanuts
• Construction foam board
A permit is required to dispose of trash.
Where It Goes
All #6 EPS foam goes in the Styrofoam collection bin and is processed on site. If you cannot find it, ask an attendant.
There is no charge for Styrofoam recycling.
What Is Styrofoam, Really?
What most people call Styrofoam is really one of two materials, and both carry the #6 recycling symbol.
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), also known as foam packaging — coolers, and the moulded blocks that protect furniture, televisions and electronics. These are large foam items made up of 98% air and 2% polystyrene plastic, shipped into our homes and businesses from companies across the globe.
Food service foam — foam cups, plates, egg cartons and takeout food containers.
The Process
Each Foam Cycle container system is equipped with a high-efficiency foam densifier that safely chops and heats the foam, removing the air inside it. The foam is reduced at a rate of 90 to 1. What comes out is a pure polystyrene by-product called an ingot. Ingots have a high resale value and are in demand, because they are used to make new products.
