Polystyrene (PS) foam is plastic #6 and it can come in the form of products like a foam cup or plate, or as expanded polystyrene (EPS) that contain fused beads in foam packaging blocks. PS foam is a synthetic plastic, while EPS is the lightweight version. EPS can act as a shock absorber and has good insulating properties, which makes it one of the most widely used plastics in shipping and packaging. Foam can be manufactured to almost any density and dimension needed and can be composed of up to 98% air. The most recognizable foams in day-to-day life are casings for delicate items during shipping, as well as packing peanuts, to-go cups, trays, takeout containers, and egg cartons.

Education Pitfalls and Best Practices:

• Many consumers refer to foam by the trademark brand name Styrofoam™. This is actually a trademark for a type of insulation, not plastic foam cups, containers, and packaging foam.
• Consider using a recognizable term such as "plastic foam" instead. Avoid using industry jargon like polystyrene or expanded polystyrene, as well as acronyms like PS and EPS when messaging to the public.
• Note that the use of a brand name to describe any material is not only inaccurate, it may also be illegal.
• Access to foam recycling programs across the state may be limited. Simply telling residents to find a foam drop-off may not be enough information to change the behavior. Try naming or linking specific nearby programs or include a search application or link to a website with a search feature where residents can find the closest drop-off options available.

Michigan Perspective: 

There are several strong end-market opportunities for PS foam in Michigan. However, these markets often struggle to source the consistent material volumes needed for manufacturing new products. Increasing public awareness that foam products are recyclable and increasing availability of accessible drop-off options will help ensure a more reliable supply of material and strengthen Michigan's circular economy.

• Plastic foam cannot go in the curbside cart or bin. Consider keeping a collection bin separate from your other recycling designated for plastic foam and dropping it off at a local recycling center that accepts the material. You may search for drop-off locations using Recyclefoam.org.
• When plastic foam is put in the curbside cart or bin, it can break into tiny pieces, blow away during transport, and even end up as litter in the environment. Use a drop-off center for your plastic foam.
• When plastic foam is recycled properly, it can be manufactured into new foam products like plates, cups, construction materials, and more, all while supporting Michigan's recycling economy.

How to Recycle: 

• Drop-off
• Mail in

Importance of Recycling:

Americans consume large quantities of this material each year - enough to circle the world more than 400 times, or around 14 million tons. Despite the large quantities generated yearly, relatively little of it is recycled. The annual recycling rate for EPS is about 15% according to the ES Industry Alliance. The manufacturing of EPS uses significant resources like petroleum, a nonrenewable resource. Foam is a significant component of global litter, ocean plastic, and microplastics due to its ability to break apart easily and blow off and out of trucks, bins, carts, and dumpsters. Managing this material intentionally is the only way to prevent it from becoming litter. Foam has a value in the recycling marketplace and is a valuable feedstock for the manufacturing of insulation, construction components, and packaging.