![5 people stand surrounded by different objects made of styrofoam, including packing peanuts, takeout food containers, and packing materials.](https://wpcdn.web.wsu.edu/cahnrs/uploads/sites/4/Styrofoam-recycling-event-1-e1721150514798-985x1024.png)
EVERETT, Wash. – Anyone with polystyrene foam, often called Styrofoam, containers filling up their garages, closets, or storage areas can bring them to McCollum Pioneer Park in Everett, Wash. on August 14 for a collection event.
Washington State University Snohomish County Extension’s Sustainable Community Stewards will collect the material, then transport it to a recycling facility in Kent, Wash. The stewards will be at the Northwest Stream Center in the park from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Wednesday the 14th.
“Polystyrene foam isn’t generally recyclable in normal community recycling programs, but many people don’t want to put this material into their trash or landfills,” said Kellee Byard, WSU Snohomish County Extension’s Sustainable Communities Program Coordinator. “This event allows people from all around our county to conveniently drop off the material and we’ll handle the transportation to a certified recycling facility.”
Dropoff is free. Acceptable items, which must be clean, dry, and tape and label free, include:
- To-go containers and food trays
- Bagged Styrofoam packing peanuts (Please check that they are NOT the biodegradable kind)
- Bubble wrap
- LPDE #4 foam
- Polystyrene block packaging, coolers, and sheets
- Pink, blue, or gray XPS foam insulation.
Items that cannot be accepted include:
- Spray-in foam
- Insta-Pak foam
- Grey insta-pak foam
- Foil-lined foam
- Hot tub cover
More information about the event available on Facebook.