Making Polystyrene Recycling Accessible
Polystyrene is 100% recyclable, lighter than paper alternatives, and better for the environment when properly recycled. Learn why bans do more harm than good.
25B
Cups/Year
Styrofoam cups used annually in the US, all of which are recyclable
100%
Recyclable
Polystyrene can be fully recycled through mechanical and chemical processes
88%
Energy Saved
Energy saved by recycling polystyrene vs producing new material
50:1
Compaction
Polystyrene can be compressed to 1/50th its volume for efficient recycling
Beginner's Recycling Guide
New to polystyrene recycling? Follow these 4 simple steps to start recycling like a pro. Click each step to learn more!
Look at the bottom of your container for a triangle with the number 6 inside. This identifies the item as polystyrene (PS). Common items include foam cups, takeout containers, egg cartons, and packaging peanuts. The two main types are EPS (expanded polystyrene, which is the white beady foam) and XPS (extruded polystyrene, which is smooth, dense, and often colored).
💡 Tip: Remember: "Styrofoam" is actually a brand name for XPS insulation, not all foam products!
Give your polystyrene containers a quick rinse to remove food residue. You do not need to scrub them spotless, just remove visible grease and food particles. Heavily contaminated items (like a foam plate covered in barbecue sauce) may be too dirty to recycle. Light residue from drinks is usually fine after a quick rinse.
💡 Tip: A 5-second rinse is usually enough. If it's covered in grease or paint, it's better to trash it.
Most curbside programs don't accept polystyrene, but there are over 680 EPS-specific drop-off locations in the US. Use our recycling map on the home page, check Earth911.com, or call your local recycling center. Many UPS Stores accept packing peanuts, and some grocery stores have foam collection bins.
💡 Tip: Search on our How to Recycle page for the interactive recycling map and Earth911 lookup tool.
Bag your clean, dry polystyrene and bring it to the drop-off location. Break large pieces (like coolers) into smaller chunks for easier transport. Keep polystyrene separate from other recyclables because mixing it with paper or cans can contaminate the batch. Some facilities even have drive-through drop-off for convenience!
💡 Tip: Pro tip: Save up polystyrene over a few weeks and make one trip instead of many small ones.
See Recycling in Action
Watch how polystyrene cups are recycled into new products
Chick-fil-A Polystyrene Cup Recycling Process
EPS Recycling Location Finder
Powered by the EPS Industry Alliance. Find 680+ EPS foam drop-off and recycling locations across North America.
Did You Know?
Surprising facts about polystyrene and recycling
Americans use 25 billion polystyrene cups every year, all of which are technically recyclable through existing mechanical and chemical processes.
Explore & Learn
Everything you need to know about polystyrene recycling
Fun Facts
Discover 50+ surprising statistics and facts about polystyrene production, waste, and recycling.
Take the Quiz
Test your polystyrene recycling knowledge with our interactive quiz. How much do you really know?
Sorting Game
Play the recycling sorting game! Learn which polystyrene items are recyclable and which aren't.
Blog
Read the latest articles on polystyrene recycling technology, policy, and innovation.
About Polystyrene
Learn what polystyrene is, its types, history, and where it is commonly found.
How to Recycle
Step-by-step guides, recycling methods, and find drop-off locations near you.
Environmental Impact
See why polystyrene recycling is better for the environment than banning it.
Myths vs Facts
Separate truth from fiction with common misconceptions about polystyrene debunked.