Frequently referred to as Styrofoam, a hallmark of Dow Chemical, foam # 6 is likewise referred to as polystyrene foam, broadened polystyrene, EPS, as well as foam. Since its light weight helps reduce shipping prices and also its outstanding padding residential or commercial properties lead to less damage, foam # 6 is commonly made use of to safeguard electronics throughout shipping. In a similar way, it is the material of choice for egg cartons, convenience food take-out containers, foam plates, as well as foam cups due to the fact that it is light-weight, protects well (maintains temperature level), as well as is affordable. An additional advantage of this material is that it is recyclable.
As a matter of fact, foam # 6 is a polycarbonate, so it is practically recyclable over and over once again. So why isn’t it being accepted in several area recycling programs? There are several factors. Initially, it is not a considerable section of the waste stream. All foam # 6 stands for less than one percent of all items created, by weight, in community solid waste. [1] Second, waste diversion goals are generally gauged by weight, so the lightweight of foam makes it unsightly (a truckload of loosened foam only considers ~ 1,000 lbs). Third, it takes more initiative to collect a pound of foam than a pound of glass or cardboard.
So why should we recycle foam? Initially, foam has real value once it has actually been compacted. There are now numerous markets for foam as well as the cost they pay usually goes beyond the rate of cardboard and other prominent recycling commodities.
Second, new technology has actually made recycling foam a lot more efficient than in the past. For instance, there are currently lots of options for special compactors, called densifiers, that will certainly compact foam to as high as an 85:1 ratio. This makes it possible for 40,000 pounds of product to fit on a 48′ trailer. The devices likewise calls for less area than in the past and also it has the ability to successfully process blended densities of foam at the same time. And also, it does every one of this while lessening the amount of labor foam recycling may have absorbed the past.
As well as third, the conversion of foam into new products is an easy process that decreases the requirement to harvest crude oil from the planet and all of the power connected with the procedure called for to make virgin resin. The end result is that we realize a decrease in greenhouse gasses and minimize our dependancy on international oil. Reclaimers merely position the compacted product right into a grinder, which feeds an extruder. The extruder is similar to a GREENMAX machine because the ground product goes into the device, thaws, and also appears the other end like spaghetti. The pastas is after that cooled down as well as chopped into little pieces (pellets). Once it is in the form of pellets, it after that can be used to make helpful new products.
As a result of these factors, efforts remain to be made to increase the capabilities to reuse foam. There are companies, like GREENMAX, working to make foam recycling more easily accessible to even more people. They have even created placements within their organization solely concentrated on producing new foam recycling programs throughout the nation.
An increasing number of homeowners are acquiring extra foam recycling choices. For example, there are a variety of drop-off places and collection and also shipping programs for those who use big quantities of foam like quick service dining establishments, and also college campuses. Also school areas are obtaining involved by accumulating pupils’ foam lunch trays for recycling.
Every one of these programs show a growing trend of recycling programs that has resulted in reductions in landfills and also a much more lasting atmosphere for everyone. We encourage everyone to obtain involved in recycling foam.