If you can't recycle styrofoam???

Question

why are they allowed to make so many products??? ie. plates, cups, etc..........

Answer 1

Styrofoam can be recycled but not many areas recycle it because of the huge cost and bulky nature of the material.

So what I would suggest, if you intend getting a take away and the take away use styrofoam  - just bring your own container and ask them to put it into that instead.  A lot of busineess will do this for you.  Some even give you a discount!

Another way of getting rid of styrofoam is to Re-Use it.  You can wash it, dry it out and take it with you the next time you need it.

I know it's a bit of hassle but it's a lot better than seeing it going to landfill where it will sit for millions of years contaminating our landscape.

One thing that I have done in the past is when buying bulky products that are protected with styrofoam is to bring it back to the company and ask them to re-use it.  They are often very pleased if you do this - saves them money in the end.

Your right though, there should be a ban on styrofoam being used for food & drink containers.  When they are dirty it's hard to re-use them, but I don't see any problem with them being used in packaging as long as people remember to return the packaging and styrofoam to the manafacture when they are finished with it.  That way it can be re-used.

Answer 2

As an engineering material, it is quite economic and an excelent insulator. Unfortunately it doesn't degrade so from the waste/ landfill perspective it should be phased out as other products come in.

PS cups are being recycled by vending companies - see if you can organise one locally.

Answer 3

the government doesn't dictate the use of product materials by how eco-friendly they are, they only intervene if the materials are hazardous or generally harmful

Answer 4

Using styrofoam for packing is not recycling, it is reUSING.

This is an interesting bit of info though:

http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/ask/sty...

Answer 5

Styrofoam can be recycled. Just break it up and wrap parcels in it it.

Answer 6

Isn't styrofoam a plastic? You can recycle plastic but there are toxic fumes. For a more environmentally friendly cup, try using the paper ones and make your guess recycle them after.