Can You Really Recycle Polystyrene?
Posted by adairsawyer on September 12th, 2013
This is the type of question that everyone seems to be asking due to the fact that Polystyrene does not only have harmful chemicals in its composition, but if you try to incinerate it the fumes are filled with toxins that affect the environment and anyone that is near them. So, can you really get involved into Recycling Polystyrene? The answer is yes, but it depends on how you do it. There are certain recycling facilities that do not accept this type of waste due to the fact that they do not have the necessary means to actually recycle it. As you may know, this material is made mostly out of air, while only five percent is the actual material. One of the most important things that you should know about it is the fact that there are companies such as PolyMelt Ltd., which can help with the recycling problem.
The problem is that even though Polystyrene does not weight too much, it occupies a lot of space, fact that makes it impossible for recycling facilities to gather too much. However, the Recycling Polystyrene companies that only deal with this sort of material have the means of compressing it, fact that helps them with the recycling process. So, one of the ways that you can recycle this material is by gathering all the packaging and items that contain this material and taking it to a specialised company that can use it for certain items such as toys or even construction materials mouldings. You can get involved into this process by taking a look at the way you use this material in your home.
You can count on the company to come and pick it up from your business or house. However, you can choose to drop it off yourself without any costs involved. Pay attention to what all the members of the family do with the packaging when they get something delivered home. Instead of letting them throw it away in the garbage, you can make them gather all of the Polystyrene beans and get them into a special bag that they should place in the garage or in the closet. Whenever they need to send a package, they would be using the same beans that they received, fact that means that they are Recycling Polystyrene. Also, whenever you or other members of the family bring home food packed in materials made of Styrofoam, do not microwave it as it contaminates food with toxins.
The best thing that you and the members of your family can do is to stay away from all the packaging that contains this materials. Another way that you could use this material again is to make small projects with your children by putting the beans on a string and decorating the tree house. Also, you can use these beans to refill the bean bag sofas or chairs, if you have any in your home. If you do not, this is the type of project that only requires a few hours to finish and the results is amazing. You will not only be Recycling Polystyrene, but you will be benefiting from the comfort of such a furniture item.
You and the members of your family can really make a difference if you decide to start Recycling Polystyrene. There are many fun ways in which you can recycle Polystyrene with all the members of the family. Use a bit in your home and take the rest to a specialised facility!
