How to Recycle Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
Expanded polystyrene packaging foam: white block cushioning, foam coolers, and molded appliance inserts. Distinct from foodservice foam cups and trays (see Polystyrene Foam). Both are #6 PS, but drop-off rules and contamination profiles differ.
Quick answer
EPS packing blocks, coolers, and appliance foam are recyclable only where a densifier or specialty drop-off exists; they are almost never curbside. Reuse clean blocks, take peanuts to a shipping store for reuse, or trash EPS when no local foam recycler accepts it.
- Recyclable
- Not curbside
- Recycling code
- #6 PS
- 1Remove tape, shipping labels, and cardboard glued to the foam
- 2Keep foam clean and dry; food or dirt gets loads rejected
- 3Break large blocks only if the drop-off asks for smaller pieces
- 4Take clean packing peanuts to UPS Store, Mail Boxes Etc., or similar for reuse when they accept them
- 5Call ahead; many municipal sites accept EPS only on certain days or not at all
- 6Do not put EPS in curbside carts or PE film bins
- Municipal EPS/foam drop-offs with densifiers
- Some packing and shipping stores (peanut reuse)
- Mail-back foam programs (fee-based, limited)
- Trash when no option exists
EPS is ~95% air, so hauling without densifying is expensive; recyclers use densifiers to make transport viable. Foodservice foam is a separate, usually dirtier stream. EPA notes very few curbside programs take styrofoam of any kind.
Undensified EPS takes landfill space disproportionate to its weight and fragments into persistent beads. Where densifier drop-offs exist, recycled EPS can become picture frames, molding, or new foam products.
- Ask retailers to use paper or molded-fiber packaging
- Reuse blocks for storage and shipping
- Support mail-order brands that avoid EPS
Accepted
- Clean white EPS packing blocks (where listed)
- Clean foam coolers (program-dependent)
- Clean packing peanuts for reuse at shipping stores
Not Accepted
- Dirty or food-soiled foam
- Foam laminated to film or paper that the site rejects
- Curbside recycling mixed with bottles
- Spray foam insulation cans (different product; follow HHW rules)
How is EPS different from foodservice styrofoam?
EPS here means packing foam and coolers. Foodservice cups and trays are covered under Polystyrene Foam. Same resin family, different dirt levels and often different acceptance lists.
Will my shipping store recycle foam blocks?
Many reuse packing peanuts; fewer densify large blocks. Ask. Reuse is still better than landfilling clean peanuts.
Can I put EPS in the plastic bag drop-off?
No. Film bins are for stretchy PE bags and wraps, not rigid foam.
Is curbside EPS recycling common?
No. EPA reports very few localities accept styrofoam curbside. Plan on drop-off, reuse, or trash.
- How to recycle PET Bottles (#1)
- How to recycle HDPE Containers (#2)
- How to recycle PVC Pipes (#3)
- How to recycle Plastic Bags (#4)
- How to recycle Polypropylene Containers (#5)
- How to recycle Polystyrene Foam (#6)
- How to recycle Mixed Plastics (#7)
- How to recycle Agricultural Film
- How to recycle Six-Pack Rings
Recycling centers that accept Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
RecycleFind lists recycling centers that accept expanded polystyrene (eps). Open a listing for hours, contact info, and directions.