If you are part of the group of people who seek to understand and learn how to properly dispose of Styrofoam, this is the ideal article for you.
That’s because, throughout it we will present the best information on how to carry out the process in question. Check it out!
How to dispose of Styrofoam?
Disposing of Styrofoam is simpler than you might think. Just take the styrofoam to any plastic bin, identifying the red colored containers to deposit it.
At voluntary delivery points or ecopoints, you can easily put it in the same bag as plastic materials.
In the Styrofoam recycling process, a compression machine removes the gases, transforming it into cylindrical billets.
The material is then crushed into small balls and undergoes a crystallization process to eliminate the air from the styrofoam, which makes up about 98% of its composition.
After crystallization, we grind the material, transforming it into pellets, which are small granules. These pellets have the ability to be used as biofuels.
Since they are produced from compacted organic matter or biomass. At this stage, recycled styrofoam becomes the main material used in the manufacture of new products.
Finally, it’s worth noting that if no recycling options are available in your area, you can dispose of Styrofoam with your non-recyclable waste.
However, it is essential to keep in mind that Styrofoam takes a long time to decompose in nature, taking up space in landfills and contributing to environmental pollution.
What are the types of Styrofoam recycling?
During the styrofoam recycling process, the pellets can follow two paths, namely: going to an extrusion machine and converting into recycled styrofoam boards or else.
Proceed to an injection machine, which sculpts them according to the mold.
In addition, there are 3 simple ways to reuse Styrofoam. Check them out below:
- Mechanics: The pellets are injected to transform into new plastic objects;
- Chemistry: Styrofoam is subjected to the melting process for the manufacture of glues, solvents and even shoe soles;
- Energy: The calorific value of styrofoam can be used to generate thermal electrical energy.
Where can styrofoam be disposed of?
As previously mentioned, Styrofoam must be disposed of in the red plastic bin, however, there are other places where the disposal process takes place. They being:
1.Voluntary delivery points:
Voluntary delivery points, known as PEV, are places where citizens take their previously separated waste.
At these points, you will find at least two types of containers, for organic and inorganic waste, but there may also be an even greater segmentation.
2.Ecopoints:
Similarly to PEV (Voluntary Delivery Points), ecopoints provide more options for containers for different types of waste, such as industrial waste, pruning, construction waste and electronics.
3. Double containerization:
The implementation of double containerization involves the installation of two containers at specific points in the city: one for organic waste and the other for selective collection.
4.Shops and specialized companies:
Packaging stores, recycling companies and companies specializing in waste management can receive Styrofoam for recycling.
It is recommended that you research these companies in your area and contact them to see if they accept Styrofoam for proper disposal.
Be sure to always check the specific disposal and recycling practices in your area, as options may vary.
Proper disposal of Styrofoam is essential to reduce environmental impact.
Final considerations
In summary, Styrofoam is a plastic material that takes a long time to decompose. However, it is fully recyclable and does not harm the environment.
The proper disposal of styrofoam involves taking it to trash cans destined for plastics or voluntary delivery points, ecopoints and specialized companies.
Styrofoam recycling includes processes such as compaction, crushing and crystallization, resulting in pellets used as biofuels.
It is important to look for recycling options in your area, as disposing of Styrofoam incorrectly contributes to environmental pollution.
In this way, by promoting the proper disposal of Styrofoam, we are contributing to the preservation of the environment and sustainability.
