how polystyrene recycling works

Several cities already published bans on using polystyrene foam. Like San Fransisco from USA have a ban against all food service in polystyrene foam containers. After the ban, there was an increase in other materials using, such as paperboard..

Although government can cut down on polystyrene waste by mandating recycling and initiating bans, it is up to the consumer’s decision.

Polystyrene foam is hard to be recycled because of its light weight.  That explains why most curbside programs accept polystyrene for recycling in some extend.

Another reason is after the polystyrene is placed in a commingled bin, scooped up on a recycling truck and transported to a facility, it will be contaminated with dirt and other materials. And most curbside service do not wash it, that makes second processor a hard time with it.

To make it easier for recyclers, drop-off programs for polystyrene foam will be helpful.