FAQs

Q?

My TV came packaged in some EPS foam may I recycle that foam with you?

A.

Yes you may, most packaging foam is EPS foam and is accepted at our facility.

We accept most types of packaging foam including pre-molded EPS foam, and packaging EPS foam used by shipping companies in order to safely ship there products.

Q?

What is the difference between Styrofoam and expanded polystyrene?

A.

Although the two names are used interchangeably, they are different materials. STYROFOAM is a registered trademark of the Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) of extruded polystyrene building “foam” used primarily in building and construction. Real STYROFOAM is almost always blue.

Expanded POLYSTYRENE (EPS) however, is the materials name given to the white foam that is made by expanding polystyrene resin, a small bead-like plastic, though the use of steam and pressure to bond the beads together. It can be used as an insulating material in various buildings, but has various uses in shipping and packing. Most common “foam” products, like coolers, food service containers, and foam cups are actually polystyrene foam. It is comprised of only 5-10% of material. The rest is air.

Polystyrene is one of the most widely used plastics in the world. It can be recycled and is carries the number “6”.

Q?

Where does the polystyrene come from?

A.

Polystyrene is a petroleum product. It yields an organic compound from benzene which called styrene. Polystyrene is also a thermosoftening plastic or “thermoplastic”. At room temperature, it is solid, but can be heated to a liquid during molding or extrusion process. The unique feature of such thermoplastics is they can be melted and molded over and over again, unlike thermosetting materials which generally have a single life cycle.

Q?

What are the characteristics of EPS foam

A.

  • Light Weight: Typically 1 lb. - 2 lbs. / cubic foot
  • Highly Insulative: Because there is no thermal drift, 1 inch provides lifetime R-3.6 to R-4.2 values (depending on density)
  • Environmentally Friendly: EPS has always been CFC- and HCFC-Free
  • Manufactured Locally: Hundreds of plants throughout the world

Q?

What are the Chemical Properties of EPS Foam

A.

Expanded polystyrene is resistant to water and all aqueous solutions of salts, alkalis, and acids. Essential oils such as those present in both the peel of citrus fruits and whole-fruit drinks attack expanded polystyrene, but it is resistant to both vegetable and animal fats. It is also resistant to mineral waxes of the kind used to guard against corrosion, provided they contain no solvent.

Since most organic solvents attack expanded polystyrene, particular care must be taken in the choice of adhesives, paints, coatings, and mold release agents. Plastics containing plasticizers (e. g. flexible PVC) should not be kept in contact with expanded polystyrene because of the risk of plasticizer migration.

Q?

Do you take in food trays?

A.

No we do not.

Q?

I have a continuous stream of EPS Foam Waste can i get large bags?

A.

Yes, if your waste is large enough we will be happy to provide you with large bags to carry your foam to our facility.

Q?

Do you pick up my foam?

A.

If you have a large quantity of foam, and are located in our boundaries. We will pick up your foam as long as it is bagged tightly for the road. (We can provide bags.)