Sofia Martinez
Plastic number 6, also known as polystyrene (PS) or styrofoam, is a type of plastic that is often found in foam packaging or food containers. It has a high melting temperature, making it challenging and costly to recycle. While polystyrene can technically be recycled, it is not as easily accessible for everyday people to do so. Curbside recycling programs usually don't accept polystyrene due to the difficulty of separating it from other materials, and it may require taking it to a specialist recycler. To identify polystyrene, look for the #6 PS symbol on plastic items. It is important to reduce the use of polystyrene due to its potential harm to human and environmental health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Polystyrene (PS) or Styrofoam |
| Identification | #6 "PS" symbol |
| Forms | Rigid polystyrene and formed styrofoam |
| Uses | Packaging, insulation, food containers, disposable straws, cups, trays |
| Recyclability | Difficult to recycle due to fragility and contamination issues; requires specialist recyclers |
| Health and Environmental Impact | Carcinogenic, harmful when ingested by humans and released into the environment |
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What You'll Learn
Polystyrene foam packaging
EPS sheets are commonly used in packaging due to their lightweight and easy-to-cut nature. They act as a protective barrier between delicate items, ensuring they remain undamaged during transportation. The sheets are available in various densities, such as 1#, 1.5#, 2#, and 3#, each suited to specific applications. For instance, 1LB polystyrene is used for arts and crafts, while 2LB and 3LB polystyrene are used for hot tub covers and industrial insulation, respectively.
The versatility of polystyrene foam extends beyond packaging. It is also commonly used in construction, insulation, and transportation. Its moisture resistance, thermal efficiency, and shock absorption make it a popular choice for a range of industries. Additionally, polystyrene foam is cost-efficient due to its lightweight nature, requiring only a small amount of raw material.
Despite its widespread use, polystyrene foam, or plastic #6, has come under scrutiny for its environmental impact. It is often advised to avoid or minimise the use of this plastic due to its fragility and the presence of styrene, which can leach when heated. Polystyrene recycling is possible, but it requires additional effort as it cannot be recycled through regular home recycling programs. Specialist recyclers are usually required for polystyrene, and even then, it has little value as a post-consumer commodity.
To recycle polystyrene foam, it must be clean and free of any tape, labels, or glued-on cardboard. It should be separated from other recycling and broken or cut into small pieces to facilitate transportation and recycling. It is worth noting that only white polystyrene is typically accepted by recycling facilities, and it can be dropped off at local Styrofoam recycling centres.
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Food containers
Number 6 plastic, also known as polystyrene (PS) or styrofoam, is a type of plastic that is hard to recycle and should be avoided or reused as much as possible. It is often used in takeaway food packaging, such as the white foam blocks or packing peanuts, and is identified by a "6" inside a triangle of chasing arrows.
- Look for biodegradable alternatives to polystyrene, such as packing peanuts made from waste wool.
- Use reusable food containers made from materials like glass, stainless steel, or ceramic-coated glass. These containers are safer for both your health and the environment, as plastic containers can leach toxic chemicals into food when heated or damaged.
- Some recommended brands for glass food containers include Caraway, Anyday, and Pyrex. These containers are often microwave-safe, oven-safe, dishwasher-safe, and freezer-safe.
- If you must use Number 6 plastic containers, avoid heating them and separate them from your regular recycling. Clean and cut the polystyrene into small pieces, removing any tape, plastic film, labels, or glued-on cardboard. Only clean white polystyrene is accepted by most specialist recyclers.
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Specialist recyclers
Polystyrene, or plastic number 6, is often found in foam packaging or food containers. Although it can technically be recycled, it is not always accepted by home recycling programs and curbside recycling services. This is because it is challenging to manage and transport to recycling facilities, where it can also contaminate other materials.
To find a specialist recycler near you, try searching online for 'polystyrene recycling near me' or 'specialist polystyrene recycling near me'. Directories, such as the Plastic Loose Fill Council's list of places that accept packing peanuts, can also help you locate specialist recyclers. Alternatively, you can mail your polystyrene to a recycler like Preserve, which has a program called Gimme 5 that accepts plastic number 5, or a recycler listed by the trade organisation EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Industry Alliance.
Given the challenges of recycling polystyrene, it is best to reduce your use of this material and opt for alternatives. Polystyrene is harmful to the environment and human health, and it is not in high demand as a post-consumer commodity.
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Styrofoam cups and trays
Styrofoam is a trademarked brand of polystyrene, which is also known as Plastic #6. It is often used for disposable cups and plates, as well as in construction and insulation. Styrofoam is similar to expanded polystyrene (EPS) but is less flexible and typically blue rather than white.
Many people believe that polystyrene cannot be recycled, but this is a misconception. However, it is true that polystyrene cannot be recycled through most home recycling programs, so you will need to find a specialist recycler where you can drop off your clean, white polystyrene. You can use websites like Earth911 to locate the closest facility that accepts polystyrene.
Before disposing of polystyrene, ensure that it is free of any tape, plastic film, labels, loose parts, or glued-on cardboard. Separate it from your regular recycling and break or cut it into small pieces to maximise the amount that can fit in a box. Keep in mind that recycling facilities usually only take white polystyrene, so remove any coloured foam.
To reduce your use of polystyrene, you can opt for reusable alternatives to disposable cups and trays. This will help to minimise the risk of polystyrene harming the environment.
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Disposable straws
Plastic straws are a common product that can be purchased from many retailers. Bar Products, for example, sells plastic straws in a variety of colours, including neon, blue, and green. They also manufacture their own line of drinking straws, branded BarConic®, which are offered at a range of price points. WOW Plastics also offers plastic drinking straws in bulk quantities, in both opaque and transparent finishes. They offer neon-coloured straws, as well as quantities individually wrapped in paper or cellophane.
Many companies are now offering eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastic straws. Restaurantware, for instance, offers biodegradable straws and commercially compostable straws, including those made from cornstarch-based plastic, paper, and natural hay. Amazon also offers a selection of eco-friendly straws, including bamboo, silicone, paper, metal, glass, and wood options.
Overall, disposable plastic straws can be found at a variety of retailers, including Amazon, Bar Products, WOW Plastics, Bar Supplies, and Target. Eco-friendly alternatives are also widely available.
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Frequently asked questions
No 6 plastic is polystyrene, often found in foam packaging or food containers.
No 6 plastic is harmful to the environment and human health. It is also difficult to recycle due to its fragility and high melting temperature.
No 6 plastic can be identified by finding a #6 "PS" symbol, often found on foam products like Styrofoam and some hard plastics like disposable straws.
No 6 plastic cannot be recycled through home recycling programs. You need to find a specialist recycler to drop it off. Check online for polystyrene recycling near you.
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