The Ins and Outs of Styrofoam Recycling in Ridgewood: What You Need to Know

photo courtesy of the Village Manager Keith Kazmark

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood is committed to working with our neighbors and cutting costs through shared service agreements. The use of our styrofoam condenser at the Ridgewood recycling center is a great example. Sharing with Glen Rock, Twp. of Washington , Garfield and soon Ho-Ho-Kus, all five communities can reap the benefit of one piece of equipment while helping the environment at the same time.

Styrofoam, also known as expanded polystyrene (EPS), is a lightweight and versatile material commonly used in packaging, food containers, and insulation. While it’s convenient and cost-effective, Styrofoam poses significant environmental challenges due to its non-biodegradable nature. However, recycling Styrofoam is possible and can make a positive impact on reducing waste in landfills. Let’s delve into the world of Styrofoam recycling and explore how you can contribute to a more sustainable future.

The Importance of Styrofoam Recycling

Styrofoam takes hundreds of years to decompose naturally, making it a persistent pollutant in the environment. When disposed of improperly, Styrofoam can litter streets, waterways, and oceans, harming wildlife and ecosystems. By recycling Styrofoam, we can divert this material from landfills and reduce its negative impact on the planet.

How Styrofoam Recycling Works

Styrofoam recycling involves a process of breaking down the material into its original form, which can then be used to manufacture new products. The recycling process typically includes the following steps:

1. Collection: Many recycling centers and drop-off locations accept clean and dry Styrofoam for recycling. Some municipalities also offer curbside collection programs for Styrofoam packaging.
2. Sorting: Once collected, Styrofoam is sorted and separated from other recyclable materials.
3. Compaction: The sorted Styrofoam is compressed into dense blocks or pellets to reduce its volume for transportation.
4. Recycling: The compacted Styrofoam is then transported to recycling facilities, where it undergoes a process of melting and reshaping into new products, such as picture frames, crown molding, and insulation materials.

Tips for Styrofoam Recycling

If you’re looking to recycle Styrofoam, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

• Clean and Dry: Make sure to clean and dry your Styrofoam containers before recycling them to remove any food residue or contaminants.
• Check Local Recycling Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with your local recycling guidelines to ensure that Styrofoam is accepted and properly prepared for recycling.
• Look for Drop-off Locations: Many retailers and recycling centers offer Styrofoam drop-off locations where you can dispose of your Styrofoam packaging and containers.
• Reduce and Reuse: Whenever possible, choose alternatives to Styrofoam packaging and containers, or opt for reusable options to minimize waste.

Conclusion

Styrofoam recycling presents an opportunity to reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact of this widely used material. By understanding the recycling process and following best practices for disposal, individuals and communities can contribute to a more sustainable future. Together, we can work towards a world where Styrofoam is recycled and repurposed, rather than ending up in landfills or polluting our environment.