EPS & Recycling FAQs

What is expanded polystyrene EPS?

EPS is the rigid white packaging foam used to transport goods like televisions, appliances, glass items, temperature sensitive medications and perishables.

What Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam does Plastilite accept & how do I know if what I have is recyclable?

Plastilite can recycle most white foam items that have the #6 recycling symbol on the material. However, not all EPS foam has the #6 recycling symbol. EPS is a rigid foam, and our rule is: IF IT BENDS, IT'S NOT OUR FRIEND.

Do I need to do anything special before dropping off or mailing my EPS?

Yes - Please remove all tape & labels from the EPS and remember:

No - Flexible Foam Wrap (this is polyethylene and does not densify)

No - Food Containers (this will attract critters)

No - Packing Peanuts (most of these are being made of starch)

No - Meat Trays or Styrofoam Cups (again, we don’t need those critters around here)

What do I do with the items Plastilite is unable to recycle?

Items such as packing peanuts, foam cups, food containers, plastic bags, etc. can be recycled with First Star Recycling using a Hefty® ReNew bag.

How To Prepare Your EPS Foam Cooler

Before you recycle your EPS foam:

Clear your approved EPS container of tape, loose parts, etc.
Ensure that your EPS container is completely empty
You can break down the EPS, fitting more into your mail package
If you’re shipping an EPS biomedical cooler, tape the top and bottom together, then apply shipping labels and postage directly to the cooler

Items that can’t be recycled with EPS foam packaging:

Disposable food items like meat trays or egg cartons will not be accepted
Foam packing peanuts are not recyclable
Any other plastics that don’t have a #6 on them

Download our EPS Recycling Tips sheet

Gel Ice Pack Disposal

Recommended Disposal of ControliQ Gel Ice Packs, MAG Packs, and Ice Bricks

Though all of these products are generally intended for one time usage, they can certainly be reused if not significantly damaged or leaking.
The fill material used in the Gel Packs and MAG Packs is considered non-toxic and commonly used in such things as baby diapers and agricultural applications for moisture retention of soil.It is safe to dispose of in normal municipal waste streams barring local restrictions. It should never be disposed of down a sink,drain, or toilet as it is prone to clogging pipes.
The foam inside the bricks also has similar potential soil applications as the gel, and is safe to dispose of in traditional waste streams unless local restrictions apply.
Bags emptied of contents and cleaned are recyclable as LDPE #4 plastic (the same material commonly used in grocery bags), and can be taken wherever these materials are locally collected.
Even though these products are considered to be non-toxic, care should be taken to restrict access from children and pets.Consumption can present a choking hazard or even result in precautionary medical attention for the ingestion of substantial amounts.

Download our Recommended Ice Pack Disposal information