How to dispose of Styrofoam, the common name for expanded polystyrene foam, is tricky because most curbside recycling programs do not accept it. Foam is bulky, light, and expensive to transport, so recycling usually happens through special drop-off sites that compact it. Clean white packing blocks are the easiest to recycle. Food containers, cups, and trays are often contaminated and end up in the trash. Packing peanuts are commonly accepted by shipping stores for reuse.
Types of foam
| Item | Usual option |
|---|---|
| Clean packing blocks | Foam drop-off or reuse |
| Packing peanuts | Shipping stores, reuse |
| Foam coolers | Reuse or foam drop-off |
| Food containers and cups | Trash unless a program accepts them |
| Meat trays | Trash in most areas |
| Rigid foam insulation | Construction recyclers or landfill |
Foam marked with the #6 symbol is polystyrene. Not all #6 items are foam, and not all foam is accepted.
Foam drop-off sites
Some cities, recycling centers, and manufacturers run polystyrene drop-offs. Foam is compressed into dense blocks for recycling. Requirements usually include: - Clean and dry foam. - No tape, labels, or cardboard. - White foam only, in some programs.
Packing peanuts
Many shipping stores accept clean packing peanuts for reuse. Some peanuts are made of starch and dissolve in water; these can be composted. See disposing of packing peanuts.
Reuse
Reuse foam blocks for shipping, crafts, or as filler in planters. Foam coolers can be reused for storage or shipping.
Curbside
A few curbside programs accept foam, but most do not. Check your local rules. Putting foam in bins that don’t accept it contaminates recycling.
Trash
Food-soiled foam and foam with no local recycling option goes in the trash. Break large pieces into smaller ones and bag them so they don’t blow away.
Bans
Some states and cities ban foam food containers or packing peanuts. These rules affect businesses more than household disposal.
Construction foam
Rigid foam board insulation is a different product. See disposing of rigid foam board.
Transport
Foam is light and blows out of trucks easily. Bag or tie down loads. See holding rigid foam down on the highway.
Cutting down on foam
Ask retailers whether they offer foam-free packaging, choose reusable food containers, and save clean foam for your own shipping needs. Many furniture and electronics stores will take back packaging if you ask at delivery.
Finding a drop-off
Search your city or county recycling page for “polystyrene” or “EPS.” Some grocery stores, packaging companies, and furniture retailers also collect clean foam blocks.
How to dispose of styrofoam FAQ
Can Styrofoam go in the recycling bin?
Usually not; most curbside programs reject foam.
Where can I recycle Styrofoam?
Foam drop-off sites at recycling centers or manufacturers.
Do shipping stores take packing peanuts?
Many accept clean peanuts for reuse.
Can foam food containers be recycled?
Rarely; usually trash.
Is Styrofoam #6 plastic?
Yes, it is expanded polystyrene.
The bottom line
How to dispose of Styrofoam: reuse clean foam, take packing blocks to a foam drop-off, give packing peanuts to shipping stores, and put food-soiled foam in the trash. Most curbside programs don’t accept foam, so check local rules first. Use the map to find recycling drop-offs near you.
Guides and tools
Furniture disposal guide · Dump cost calculator · All material guides