09 June 2025

Can Styrofoam Be Recycled?

ARTICLE

Did you know that the term “styrofoam” we commonly use is actually a trademark name, not the generic name of the material? It's similar to how we often call toothpaste "Odol," even though that's just one brand.

In modern times, styrofoam is frequently used for various purposes such as packaging, food containers, and even as a medium for flower boards that are often sent as congratulatory or condolence messages at different events.

Styrofoam was first developed by researchers at The Dow Chemical Company in the mid-20th century. It is made from polystyrene — a type of plastic classified as number 6, which is technically non-recyclable. The real name of this material is EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) or simply polystyrene.

https://www.kanalkalimantan.com/awas-waspada-dampak-negatif-styrofoam-bagi-kesehatan/


The Dangers of Polystyrene

Did you know that polystyrene takes 500 years to decompose? It's also toxic!

 

https://www.southcoasttoday.com/story/news/nation-world/2012/10/07/plastic-rivers-flow-through-haiti/49365295007/

 

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), polystyrene ranks as the fifth-largest contributor to hazardous waste in the world. This is because it’s made from styrene pellets, which are processed using a chemical called benzene, known to be harmful to the environment.

Imagine if this material is used irresponsibly. Mountains of polystyrene waste will remain for centuries. Besides polluting the environment, this waste will also poison all living beings — including our descendants!

So, what is the best solution to address the issue of polystyrene or styrofoam? Is recycling a viable answer?


Is Recycling the Right Solution?

 

https://nusantara.medcom.id/jawa-barat/peristiwa/nN9Jlm3b-27-ton-sampah-styrofoam-per-bulan-pd-kebersihan-itu-sedikit


Polystyrene can technically be recycled. However, the recycling process is complex and uneconomical, resulting in very low recycling rates.

To recycle polystyrene, it must first be thoroughly cleaned. But due to its lightweight and porous nature, it’s very difficult to clean. This is also why styrofoam packaging is not recommended for reuse, even after washing.

The process is even more complicated than recycling plastic bottles. The cost required to recycle polystyrene is very high. Many recycling centers or businesses refuse to accept polystyrene because it’s not profitable.

Therefore, the better solution is not to recycle polystyrene — but to reduce its production and usage.



How to Limit the Use of Polystyrene

  1. Use reusable food containers
    Bring your own lunch box (tupperware), bottle, or tumbler when buying food or drinks. This helps reduce reliance on single-use packaging like styrofoam.
  2. Support and choose eco-friendly businesses
    Buy food from restaurants or vendors that use environmentally friendly packaging, such as recycled paper, banana leaves, or biodegradable plastic.
  3. Say no to styrofoam when shopping
    When ordering food online or buying takeout, you can specifically request not to use styrofoam. Many food delivery apps now have a notes section for this purpose.
  4. Educate and raise awareness
    Share information about the harmful impact of styrofoam on the environment and health through social media, daily conversations, or local communities.
  5. Innovate and support alternatives to replace styrofoam
    Buy innovative and eco-friendly products that can replace styrofoam. For example, using biodegradable boxes instead of styrofoam, or ordering flower boards that are free from polystyrene.

DigiFlora, an innovative alternative to styrofoam flower boards that maintains the essence and meaning of the message being sent.

So, although polystyrene can technically be recycled, in reality the process is extremely inefficient and rarely carried out. This makes styrofoam one of the most harmful and long-lasting waste materials on our planet.

That’s why the best course of action is not to wait for a recycling solution, but to start with ourselves by reducing our usage. Let’s take action now — before mountains of styrofoam become a bitter legacy for future generations.



Source:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313262843_Polystyrene_as_Hazardous_Household_Waste

https://epsole.com/what-is-styrofoam/