Styrofoam Recycling Gains Momentum, Driving a Sustainable Future

In recent years, the recyclability of expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam) has been widely recognized around the world. From community recycling days and curbside collection programs to industrial reuse, recycled EPS materials are creating significant environmental and economic value.

Styrofoam Recycling Network Expands: From Community to Curbside

According to the latest data from the trade association EPS Industry Alliance (EPS-IA), the number of EPS recycling points in North America has increased to 680. The rapid growth of foam recycling is driven by regular community collection events and curbside programs, providing convenient Styrofoam recycling services to over 25.6 million people.

Through these efforts, more residents are becoming aware that EPS is recyclable, and that a professional Styrofoam melting machine can process waste foam into reusable material. Currently, 35 MRF facilities in the U.S. and Canada have received funding through FPI’s Styrofoam densifier grant program to support curbside EPS collection.

Styrofoam Densifier: A Powerful Tool for Styrofoam Recycling

With this type of equipment, communities can efficiently compress foam, reducing transportation and storage costs. Community or curbside recycling programs may choose to purchase or install a Styrofoam melting machine, and can also apply for funding support from government or nonprofit organizations.

Alternatively, they can collaborate with recycling companies to process collected EPS using the recyclers’ equipment. A Styrofoam densifier uses a high-temperature system to melt large foam pieces, release air, and extrude them into blocks. This Styrofoam melting machine achieves an optimal 90:1 volume reduction ratio, and the compressed EPS blocks are highly welcomed by downstream pelletizing companies.

Styrofoam’s Recyclability Recognized by the United Nations

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has officially listed EPS as a material that can be effectively recycled at scale in many regions around the world. This recognition further confirms the great potential of Styrofoam recycling and its valuable contribution to global sustainability goals.

Rapid Growth of End Markets and Diversified Channels

Compressed foam has become a reusable material that can be further pelletized and processed into a variety of eco-friendly products. At the same time, volume reduction significantly lowers transportation and storage costs in Styrofoam recycling.

The end-use market for recycled EPS is expanding at an unprecedented pace, with applications in green products such as wood-plastic composites, lightweight eco-concrete, and even 3D printing materials.

As a global leader in foam recycling solutions, INTCO Recycling not only provides professional Styrofoam densifiers, but is also one of the world’s largest end users of recycled Styrofoam. The company is dedicated to converting recycled EPS into high-value products such as picture frames, decorative moldings, and home furnishings, which are sold to markets worldwide.