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Is Styrofoam® Recyclable? How to Dispose of Polystyrene Foam Products
Learn how to dispose of Styrofoam® and other polystyrene foam products like dishware, egg carts and packing supplies.Byline: BTB Author
July 13, 2026 / Time to read: 5 minPolystyrene foam has become a go-to for everything from coffee cups and
While it’s a light, convenient material, polystyrene foam can’t be recycled curbside, meaning most of it ends up in landfills. Understanding how to dispose of Styrofoam and other polystyrene foam products properly is the first step toward mitigating its impact.
In this guide, we’ll dive deeper into the world of polystyrene foam and provide practical solutions for reuse and disposal.
What Is Styrofoam?
Styrofoam is a trademarked brand name for a specific type of foam plastic insulation called extruded polystyrene (XPS). It’s often confused with expanded polystyrene (EPS), the more common material used for packaging, insulation and disposable food containers. In fact, most items we call Styrofoam are actually EPS.
Polystyrene foam is versatile, durable and inexpensive, making it a popular choice for a wide range of uses. It can be molded into various shapes — from cups and plates to egg cartons, insulation boards and packing peanuts. Because it’s approximately 95% air, polystyrene foam is incredibly lightweight, which makes it easy to handle and transport. Its air-filled structure also makes it an exceptional insulator, keeping products hot or cold for a long time.
Is Styrofoam Recyclable?
Here’s the short answer: No, polystyrene foam isn’t recyclable in most curbside recycling programs. It can, however, be reused or taken to a drop-off location for specialty recycling. (More on these options below.)
Polystyrene foam is not recyclable curbside because:
- It’s considered a contaminant: Polystyrene foam easily breaks down into small pieces, contaminating other recyclables.
- It’s bulky: Polystyrene foam takes up a lot of space in recycling bins and trucks.
- There’s a limited market for recycled polystyrene foam: At the moment, there aren't as many markets for recycled polystyrene foam as there are for other recycled materials like aluminum and cardboard.
Although they may feature the chasing arrows recycling symbol, polystyrene foam containers and packing materials are
What Happens When Polystyrene Foam Is Disposed of Improperly?
Like other plastics, polystyrene foam can take hundreds to thousands of years to decompose. Over time, sunlight, water and oxygen
You should never burn polystyrene foam or throw it outdoors. When disposed of improperly, polystyrene foam can release toxic chemicals into the air, soil or waterways, where it can pose risks for people and wildlife.
How to Dispose of Styrofoam and Other Polystyrene Foam
Polystyrene foam should never go in your home recycling cart, but you may be able to recycle it by bringing it to a drop-off location near you. There are also plenty of creative ways to use it more than once.
1. Bring it to a Drop-off Location
Some communities have specific drop-off locations or recycling programs for polystyrene foam.
To find a location near you:
- Contact your local recycling center to ask if they accept polystyrene foam and if there are any guidelines you need to follow before disposal.
- Use
Earth911’s Recycling Center Search to find a polystyrene recycling solution near you. Enter “Styrofoam” into the Search For field and then enter your zip code. You can filter your search by distance and type of program. - Use the
Foodservice Packaging Institute’s search tool to find local drop-off locations for polystyrene food packaging or transport packaging. Just enter your zip code into the EPS Recycling Map.
Before you head to a drop-off center, make sure to verify their specific polystyrene foam disposal requirements and check that they accept the type of polystyrene foam you plan to bring.
2. Use it for shipping and moving
Keep breakables safe by reusing foam packing materials when moving or shipping items. Alternatively, some shipping stores, including UPS and FedEx, may
3. Use it to insulate
You can use it in coolers to keep food cooler, longer.
4. Use it for crafts
Cut and shape polystyrene foam into decorative items like wreaths, ornaments or party decorations.
5. Put it in your trash bin
If you’re unable to recycle or reuse polystyrene foam because it’s damaged, for instance, it should go in your trash bin.
Rethinking Polystyrene Foam Use and Disposal
The regulation of polystyrene foam in the U.S. is complex and varies significantly from state to state and even city to city. While there's no nationwide ban on polystyrene foam, a growing number of jurisdictions are taking steps to reduce its use and impact.
Twelve states — Maryland, Maine, Vermont, New York, New Jersey, Colorado, Virginia, Washington, Delaware, Oregon, Rhode Island and California — have enacted
Understanding how to dispose of Styrofoam and other polystyrene foam products is just the first step. While it may not be possible to fully avoid polystyrene foam, you can do your part by reusing or recycling it and opting for more sustainable materials whenever possible.
To learn more about polystyrene recycling, visit our
FAQ
What is Styrofoam?
Styrofoam is a trademarked brand name for a specific type of foam plastic insulation called extruded polystyrene (XPS). It's often confused with expanded polystyrene (EPS), the more common material used for packaging, insulation and disposable food containers. In fact, most items we call Styrofoam are actually EPS.
Is Styrofoam recyclable?
No, Styrofoam and other polystyrene foam isn't recyclable in most curbside recycling programs. It can, however, be reused or taken to a drop-off location for specialty recycling.
Why can't polystyrene foam be recycled curbside?
Polystyrene foam is not recyclable curbside because:
- It's considered a contaminant.
- It's bulky.
- There's a limited market for recycled polystyrene foam.
What happens when polystyrene foam is disposed of improperly?
Like other plastics, polystyrene foam can take hundreds to thousands of years to decompose. Over time, it breaks down into microplastics, which pollute waterways, soil and air, harming ecosystems and entering the food chain.
How should I dispose of polystyrene foam?
- Bring it to a drop-off location
- Reuse it for shipping and moving
- Use it for insulation
- Use it for crafts
- Put it in your trash bin if unable to recycle or reuse
Where can I find polystyrene foam drop-off locations?
- Contact your local recycling center
- Use Earth911's Recycling Center Search
- Use the Foodservice Packaging Institute's EPS Recycling Map
Are there any bans on polystyrene foam?
Twelve states have enacted statewide bans on the use of polystyrene foam for single-use foodware:
- Maryland
- Maine
- Vermont
- New York
- New Jersey
- Colorado
- Virginia
- Washington
- Delaware
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- California
Hundreds of cities and towns have their own limits and bans as well.
