Plastic recycling
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.
Special handling#6 PSUpdated Jul 2026
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
How to Prepare
- 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
