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One thing many people don't know is that Styrofoam is made of plastic, which means it takes a long time to decompose.
However, it is non-toxic and recyclable. But how do you properly dispose of Styrofoam? Although the material is not harmful to the environment, as it is composed of air.
It's important to understand where your waste should be disposed of. It's also important to note that proper disposal of Styrofoam may vary depending on the recycling and waste management options available in your area.
If you're one of those people who wants to understand and learn how to properly dispose of Styrofoam, this is the ideal article for you.
This is because, throughout, we'll 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 think. Simply take it to any recycling bin designated for plastics, identifying the red containers to deposit it.
At voluntary drop-off points or recycling points, you can easily put it in the same bag as plastic materials.
In the Styrofoam recycling process, a compacting machine removes the gases, transforming it into cylindrical billets.
The material is then crushed into balls and undergoes a crystallization process to eliminate air from the Styrofoam, which makes up approximately 98% of its composition.
After crystallization, we grind the material, transforming it into pellets, which are small granules. These pellets can be used as biofuels.
Since they are produced from compacted organic matter or biomass, recycled Styrofoam becomes the primary material used in the manufacture of new products.
Finally, it's worth noting that if there are no recycling options available in your area, you can dispose of the Styrofoam with 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 types of Styrofoam recycling are there?
During the Styrofoam recycling process, the pellets can follow two paths: either going to an extrusion machine and converting into recycled Styrofoam plates or else.
Then they go to an injection molding machine, which sculpts them according to the mold.
Additionally, there are three 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 to manufacture glues, solvents and even shoe soles;
- Energy: The calorific value of Styrofoam can be used to generate thermal electrical energy.
Where can I dispose of Styrofoam?
As previously stated, Styrofoam should be disposed of in the red plastic bin. However, there are other places where this disposal process takes place. These include:
1. Voluntary delivery points:
Voluntary drop-off 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:
Similar to PEV (Voluntary Drop-Off Points), ecopoints offer more container options for different types of waste, such as industrial waste, pruning, construction waste, and electronics.
3.Double containerization:
The implementation of dual containerization involves the installation of two containers at specific points in the city: one for organic waste and the other for selective collection.
4. Specialized stores and companies:
Packaging stores, recycling companies, and companies specializing in waste management can accept 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.
It is essential to dispose of Styrofoam properly to reduce its environmental impact.
Benefits of Styrofoam Recycling for the Environment
Recycling Styrofoam is an essential practice not only to reduce the amount of solid waste in landfills, but also to contribute to the circular economy.
By recycling Styrofoam, we reduce the need for new raw materials, saving natural resources, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with its production. Furthermore, reusing Styrofoam as pellets for biofuels offers a sustainable alternative to burning fossil fuels, reducing dependence on coal or oil for heat and electricity generation.
The recycling process also helps reduce the environmental impact in large cities, where waste accumulation is a constant problem. Each piece of recycled Styrofoam represents a direct contribution to waste reduction, preventing this material from taking hundreds of years to decompose in nature. This directly impacts environmental quality by reducing the volume of waste in landfills and contributing to a cleaner planet.
How to Contribute to Education and Awareness about Styrofoam Disposal
Although Styrofoam is widely used, there's still a significant lack of knowledge about its proper disposal and its environmental impact. One way to contribute to environmental preservation is to educate others about responsible disposal of this material.
This can be achieved through awareness campaigns, which can be promoted in schools, businesses, and communities. Additionally, digital platforms and social media are excellent tools for sharing information about the environmental impact of Styrofoam and providing guidance on collection and recycling points.
Initiatives such as recycling workshops, distribution of educational materials, and partnerships with stores and recycling companies to establish collection points can also be effective. Encouraging the reduction of Styrofoam use, such as in food packaging or construction materials, is also an effective way to reduce the volume of plastic waste generated. By raising awareness about the life cycle of Styrofoam and its recycling potential, we can make a difference for the future of the planet.
Final considerations
In short, Styrofoam is a plastic material that takes a long time to decompose. However, it is fully recyclable and does not harm the environment.
Proper disposal of Styrofoam involves taking it to bins designated for plastics or voluntary drop-off points, recycling centers, and specialized companies.
Styrofoam recycling includes processes such as compaction, crushing and crystallization, resulting in pellets used as biofuels.
It's important to look for recycling options in your area, as disposing of Styrofoam incorrectly contributes to environmental pollution.
Therefore, by promoting the proper disposal of Styrofoam, we are contributing to environmental preservation and sustainability.