Westmoreland Cleanways is one of the few places in Western Pennsylvania that accepts Expanded Polystyrene #6 Foam (EPS Foam) for recycling. Better known as Styrofoam, it is a form of plastic that is recyclable. However, in most cases it is not cost effective to do so, and so instead is landfilled. Infact there are no local curbside recycling programs that accept foam.
The challenge in recycling the material is due to the fact that is both bulky while also light weight. The amount of EPS that would fill a tractor trailer to be sent to a manufacturer is more air than actually plastic. We were able to overcome this problem with the help of a grant. In the fall of 2020 Westmoreland Cleanways received a $46,500 grant from the Foam Recycling Coalition to add a foam densifier to the Recycling Center. This Foam Cycle machine removes the air from the EPS and densifies it to a 90:1 ratio. Now that the amount of EPS that would fill a tractor trailer fits on a few pallets, plastic manufactures will accept it for recycling.
For an introduction to Cleanways’ foam recycling collection program and how it works including acceptable/not acceptable material and how to prepare the material, watch the video: How to Recycle Foam at Westmoreland Cleanways and Recycling
Polystyrene is accepted inside building #11
Acceptable Polystyrene includes:
Food service foam (any color)
Meat trays
Cups
Take-out containers
Egg cartons
Packaging foam (any color):
Foam coolers
TV, furniture and electronics packaging
NOT Accepted:
Packing peanuts
Sheets of insulation
“Spongey” foam packaging
Cloth-like foam sheets
DIY craft wreath base
Green blocks used in floral arrangements
Prior to arrival:
RECYCLE THE PACKAGE, NOT THE FOOD! Items should be empty and clean of liquid/food residue. (food stains are allowed)
