Polystyrene plastic recycling is real and expanding. Today, 105 million Americans – or roughly one third of the US population – have access to recycle at least one type of polystyrene according to Resource Recycling Systems (RRS). Furthermore, RRS estimates that future growth in recycling capacity will result in one half to two thirds of Americans having access to recycle at least one type of polystyrene by the end of this decade.
Expanding recycling access for polystyrene ultimately means improving it for specific formats. Today according to RRS, some formats like foam transport packaging, rigid cups, rigid clamshells, and rigid trays are in a range approaching 25% to 30% of the population with access to recycle these items. This level of recycling access is often referred to as “Check Locally,” meaning that consumers should check with their local recycling program and the availability of public drop-offs in their area to determine if a polystyrene format is accepted for recycling.
While some formats are in the Check Locally range, others are not yet to that level. Examples include rigid drink lids and cutlery, foam items like clamshells and cups, and more.
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