To Styrofoam or not to Styrofoam...?
Common misconceptions about Styrofoam in our waste streams.
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The One Pound Goal
Did you know that on average, the combined weight of two national newspapers is one pound? And, in order to make those papers, 500,000 tress are cut down to produce one edition...
How hard can it be to increase your own personal recycling bin by one pound this week? It's as simple as remembering to toss your local and national newspapers into your recycling bin instead of a trash can. Think of the amount of resources and energy we could save if each of us took a little more time to recycle ONE POUND MORE. All it takes is the simple idea, Think Before You Throw.
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The Rundown on Plastic #6!
If you look at the bottom of a Styrofoam cup you will find a universal recycling symbol with the number 6 in the center, denoting the type of plastic from which the cup is made. All plastics are labeled in this system, however, this particular form of plastic is NOT accepted in your recycling bin.
Why is that?
Polystyrene, commonly known as Styrofoam, is recyclable in some parts of the country, yet most Materials Recovery Facilities still do not accept it as part of their recycling program. This is the case with all recycling facilities that American Disposal Services is currently using. Please refrain from putting any form of Styrofoam in your recycling bin.
Despite the fact that it can be recycled in some areas, much of the Styrofoam we use is contaminated with food or drink and is not even acceptable at a drop-off site or a mail-back recycling program. Because of this, we end up with no other choice than to throw the material into a trash can to be taken to sit in a landfill. The biggest issue with this is that polystyrene does not break down at all. And, although polystyrene only comprises about 2 percent of the total municipal solid waste stream by weight, it comprises roughly 30% of the total volume in the landfill due to its excessive use in packaging.
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Simple Solution to a Big Problem
The best way to deal with this big problem is to simply eliminate the use of Styrofoam products from your life. A simple solution is to bring your own coffee cup, reusable mug, or ceramic mug to work each day, instead of reaching for the stack of Styrofoam cups on your break room counter. Simply choose products and containers that do not use Styrofoam in their packaging. Many coffee shops and bakeries even give discounts to those who bring in a reusable cup for their beverage purchase. Imagine how much of an impact we could make if we all did not use Styrofoam products for one day? One week? One month?
Changing your lifestyle to be Styrofoam-free will not be easy for some, as old habits are always hard to break. In trying to break our own habits, American Disposal Services will be Styrofoam-free for one week: June 13-17. The hope is that in one week's time, our own office will realize how easy it is to bring a reusable cup to work each day. In the end, we will all become a little less dependent on Styrofoam. Please encourage your family, coworkers, and your community to participate in making this positive step for our environment.
Note: Packing peanuts (above), so commonly used in the shipping industry, are being replaced by biodegradable options. Many of these alternatives are made from corn-based products and are therefore a much healthier alternative to the Styrofoam packing peanut.
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Contact your American Disposal Services sales representative or dial 703.368.0500 with questions regarding how your office or HOA can implement a recycling plan TODAY!
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