Maya Ellison
Plastic #6, also known as polystyrene (PS) or styrofoam, is a type of plastic identified by a #6 PS symbol and includes all foam products and some hard plastics. It is a versatile plastic commonly used in food packaging and recognised as the white foam blocks in packaging or packing peanuts. Although it can be recycled, it is known to be challenging to manage and is rarely recycled.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Identification | Plastic No. 6, #6, PS |
| Composition | Polystyrene, styrene (a monomer derived from oil) |
| Appearance | White foam blocks, bean bag balls stuck together, packing peanuts |
| Use Cases | Packaging, takeaway food packaging, insulation, CD cases, toys, disposable straws, flatware, bottle caps, disposable coffee cups, coolers, food containers |
| Properties | Lightweight, rigid, versatile, inexpensive, easily recognizable, recyclable but challenging |
| Health Impact | Carcinogenic, toxic, neurotoxin |
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What You'll Learn
Polystyrene is plastic no. 6
Polystyrene is a lightweight, rigid, versatile, and inexpensive plastic. It is most easily recognised as the white foam blocks in packaging or packing peanuts, and is also commonly used in takeaway food packaging. Polystyrene is identified as Plastic No. 6 and features a "6" inside a triangle of chasing pointers (arrows).
Polystyrene was invented in 1839 by a German apothecary named Eduard Simon. It was another example of a breakthrough in science occurring by pure accident. Eduard was preparing a medication when he accidentally created polystyrene. As with other plastics, it was years later that the full potential of polystyrene was realised. Polystyrene is made from the monomer styrene, which is derived from oil, as with most plastics. These monomers are polymerised to form polystyrene.
The most common type of polystyrene is expanded polystyrene (EPS). EPS is made by expanding beads of polystyrene plastic and fusing them back together. You will likely recognise this format because it looks like a bunch of small bean bag balls stuck together. Polystyrene quickly accrues an electrostatic charge, which causes it to stick to various surfaces and materials.
Polystyrene is considered harmful to human and environmental health. Styrene, a component of polystyrene, has been found in 100% of human fat tissue samples dating back to 1986. It is known to cause cancer in animals and is suspected to be both a carcinogen and a neurotoxin for humans. When ingested by humans, petroleum-based products like polystyrene are considered carcinogenic. For this reason, polystyrene is banned by the Green Dining Alliance (GDA), and the entire city of New York has also banned it.
Polystyrene can be recycled, but it is harder to recycle than other plastics. It cannot be recycled in your regular recycling bin, but there are specialist recyclers who will take it. Curbside recycling programs usually don’t allow polystyrene because it’s challenging to manage. Generally, specialist recyclers will only take clean, white polystyrene.
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It is versatile and recognisable
Polystyrene, otherwise known as Plastic No. 6, is a versatile plastic with a wide variety of uses. It is most easily recognised as the white foam blocks in packaging or packing peanuts, but it can also be used to create rigid products. Polystyrene is used in appliances, car parts, televisions, food packaging, thermal insulation products, disposable plates and cups, meat trays, egg cartons, carry-out containers, cutlery, and straws.
Polystyrene is made from the monomer styrene, which is derived from oil, as with most plastics. These monomers are polymerised to form polystyrene. The most common type of polystyrene is expanded polystyrene (EPS), which is made by expanding beads of polystyrene plastic and fusing them back together.
Polystyrene is lightweight, which makes it cheap to ship, but also means it is prone to landing in wild spaces and oceans, where it poses a threat to wildlife and natural ecosystems. It is also difficult to recycle, which is why some cities have banned its use in food service. While polystyrene can be recycled, it is not always accepted by curbside recycling programs. Instead, it can be recycled through specialist recyclers, drop-off programs, or mail-in programs.
Due to the health and environmental risks associated with polystyrene, it is important to reduce its use and opt for safer alternatives.
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It is harmful to the environment
Polystyrene, often referred to as '6-PS plastic', is a synthetic aromatic hydrocarbon polymer made from the monomer styrene. While this plastic has many practical applications, it poses significant risks to the environment.
Polystyrene is commonly used in food packaging, disposable cups and containers, and take-out containers. It is lightweight, inexpensive, and effective at protecting products from damage during shipping. However, its impact on the environment is severe and long-lasting. This plastic is non-biodegradable, which means it does not break down naturally and remains in the environment for hundreds of years. It can be broken down into smaller pieces by sunlight and water, but these smaller pieces, known as microplastics, can be even more harmful as they are more easily ingested by animals and can accumulate toxins. These microplastics have been found in oceans and waterways worldwide, impacting marine life and the food chain.
The production of polystyrene also has environmental consequences. The manufacturing process releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to air pollution and can have adverse effects on human health. Additionally, the production and use of polystyrene contribute to climate change, as the plastic is derived from fossil fuels, and its production and disposal release greenhouse gases.
When polystyrene is incinerated, it releases toxic chemicals, including styrene, benzene, and formaldehyde, which can cause serious health issues and contribute to air pollution. The impact of polystyrene on wildlife is also significant. Animals can become entangled in larger pieces of polystyrene waste or mistake smaller pieces for food. This can lead to injuries, blockages in their digestive systems, and even death. As polystyrene breaks down, it can also release toxic chemicals into the surrounding environment, further harming wildlife and contaminating soil and water sources.
To mitigate the environmental impact of polystyrene, recycling is often suggested as a solution. However, polystyrene is difficult and costly to recycle, and only a small proportion of it is currently being recycled. Alternatives to polystyrene, such as biodegradable plastics or reusable containers, should be encouraged to reduce the environmental harm caused by this plastic. It is essential to recognize the convenience of polystyrene products comes at a high environmental cost, and efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle are vital to protect our planet.
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It is rarely recycled
Polystyrene, otherwise known as plastic no. 6 or PS, is rarely recycled. This is due to a combination of factors, including its low density, the challenges of managing it, and its low value as a post-consumer commodity.
Polystyrene is identified by the #6 "PS" symbol and is commonly used in foam products like Styrofoam and some hard plastics like disposable straws, flatware, and bottle caps. It is also used in packing peanuts, disposable plates and cups, meat trays, egg cartons, carry-out containers, and cutlery.
While polystyrene can technically be recycled, it is not always accepted by curbside recycling programs due to its low density and the challenges of managing it. It is important to check with local recyclers to know the specific rules, as some specialist recyclers do accept polystyrene. However, they usually only take clean, white polystyrene free of any tape, plastic film, labels, loose parts, or glued-on cardboard.
The low recycling rates of polystyrene are concerning given its widespread use and impact on the environment and human health. Polystyrene is lightweight and prone to landing in wild spaces and the ocean, where it poses threats to wildlife and natural ecosystems. It also does not easily biodegrade in landfills, contributing to pollution. Additionally, there are health concerns associated with the consumption of food and beverages packaged in polystyrene due to the potential migration of styrene from the foam into these products.
To address the issue of low polystyrene recycling rates, some communities have implemented drop-off sites and mail-back programs for polystyrene recycling. Some companies also offer mail-in programs for polystyrene waste. However, overall, the recycling of polystyrene remains rare, and it is generally recommended to avoid or reuse this type of plastic whenever possible.
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It is cheap to produce and purchase
Polystyrene, otherwise known as plastic no. 6 or PS, is cheap to produce and purchase for several reasons. Firstly, polystyrene is made from styrene, a monomer derived from oil. Oil is a non-renewable fossil fuel, and as such, it receives subsidies from governments, which makes it cheaper to produce. Secondly, polystyrene products are lightweight, which makes them cheap to ship.
Polystyrene is a versatile plastic that can be used to create both rigid and foam products. The foam variant, known as expanded polystyrene (EPS), is made by expanding and fusing polystyrene beads. EPS is the most common type of polystyrene and is often used in packaging materials such as packing peanuts and white foam blocks. It is also commonly used in takeaway food packaging.
While polystyrene is cheap to produce and purchase, it is important to note that it has negative environmental and health impacts. Polystyrene is considered harmful to the environment when it gets into the ecosystem, as it is lightweight and prone to landing in wild spaces and the ocean, posing threats to wildlife and natural ecosystems. Additionally, polystyrene does not readily biodegrade in landfills and can form leachate, which pollutes groundwater.
Polystyrene is also considered harmful to human health. When ingested, petroleum-based products like polystyrene are considered carcinogenic, meaning they can cause cancer. There are concerns that styrene from polystyrene food containers can migrate from the foam into food or beverages, posing health problems for consumers.
Due to the environmental and health concerns associated with polystyrene, some organizations, such as the Green Dining Alliance, have banned its use. However, despite these efforts, polystyrene remains prevalent due to its low cost and versatility.
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