Unfortunately, expanded polystyrene (“Styrofoam”) is a plastic material not recyclable with residential recyclables picked up at the curb in Franklin County. As a result, these items should NOT be put into your home’s recycling cart but should go to a special drop-off location to be recycled. The list of specialty recyclers is below. If you aren’t willing to drive it to a facility for recycling, please dispose of it in your regular trash. Common expanded polystyrene items include take-out food containers, packing materials from shipping boxes, and egg cartons.
Why can’t this be RECYCLED curbside?
While the technology exists to recycle EPS or Styrofoam, limited markets for the material and challenges with transportation costs have prevented viable recycling options for residents. (Since the material is so lightweight, transportation costs can be prohibitively high.)
You may have noticed that more companies are moving away from polystyrene packing materials to more sustainable options due to these issues.
Related Recycling Categories
Appliances
Books
Durable Plastics
Electronics
Film & Stretch Plastics
Flower Pots & Flats
Holiday Lights
Ink & Toner Cartridges
Latex Paints
Mattresses
Pallets
Plastic Bags
Plastic Toys
Prescription Pill Bottles
Refilleries
Scrap Metal
Shredded Paper
Textiles & Clothing
Tires
TVs
Useable building materials
Useable Furniture
Yard Signs