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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 PSLast reviewed July 31, 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. Before you go, confirm that a local recycling center accepts the material in its current condition.
- Recycling route
- Special handling
- 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
- 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
Where to Recycle
- 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
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See PricingSpecial Instructions
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.
Environmental Impact
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.
Sustainable Alternatives
- Ask retailers to use paper or molded-fiber packaging
- Reuse blocks for storage and shipping
- Support mail-order brands that avoid EPS
Official guidance and resources
Accepted items and drop-off rules can vary by location. Check the destination before you go.
What’s Accepted
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)
FAQs
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.
Related recycling guides
- How to recycle Black Plastic Containers
- How to recycle Six-Pack Rings
- How to recycle Compostable Plastics
- How to recycle Agricultural Film
- How to recycle Bulky Rigid Plastic
- How to recycle Mixed Plastics (#7)
- How to recycle PET Bottles (#1)
- How to recycle Polystyrene Foam (#6)
- How to recycle HDPE Containers (#2)
- How to recycle Polypropylene Containers (#5)
Recycle expanded polystyrene (eps)
Search recycling centers by city or ZIP, or explore more plastic materials.