Are tinfoil and styrofoam recyclable?

Question

I rarely use styrofoam but on the rare occasion that I use it I find myself wondering what to do with it. It has the recycle triangle thingy on it but alot of people have told me it isn't recyclable. Also, how do I sort it? Paper or plastic? thanx.

Answer 1

The few times I get styrofoam (usually comes packaged with electronic equipment), I save it and reuse for packaging when it's time to mail those Christmas gifts :)

Most recycling centers won't take styrofoam because it costs more to recycle it, than to make it new. I did find one site which has links to places that accept styrofoam for recycling.

To answer your other question, are you talking about tin foil or aluminum foil? Aluminum foil can be washed and used again OR recycled with your aluminum cans.

Answer 2

Yes, Styrofoam is recyclable but reinforcing what others have posted, many towns don't accept it due to lack of processing facilities (probably not economical to re-process it).

Styrofoam is a type of plastic. It takes a long time to break down in nature.

In our town, a local US Postal Center (a Mailbox Etc. type place) accepts all our old Styrofoam - they chop it up and use it as packing material.

As far as tin foil goes (most likely, aluminum foil), our town would take it if it has not been used to hold food, otherwise it is not recyclable. In general, recycling aluminum (cans) is a good idea as it saves a lot of energy compared to the energy needed to make cans from raw materials. Aluminum mining, refining, and processing is an energy-intensive industry.

Answer 3

Styrofoam is not recyclable, environmentally it's one of the worst products ever invented. Tinfoil is recycled with aluminum and is a great additive for recycled metal.

Answer 4

heavy tin foil is recyclable in most cities, only a few countries in the world recycle Styrofoam, and they are found in the Asia area, apparently their is not enough money in recycling here in North America

Answer 5

tin foil not sure about but styrofoam isnt . check with you local recycling center. Kim

Answer 6

It is recyclable but most places don't take it because few facilities exist that actually do the process of breaking it down.
I would imagine it would go in with the plastic, as it is also petroleum based.

Answer 7

Here are some good suggestions for styrofoam.

http://www.world.org/reuse/styrofoam

Answer 8

yes Styrofoam is recycleable


check your city/town's website to see if they collect it with other recycleables

Answer 9

You can use small pieces (or the peanut shaped ones) to mix with potting soil in hanging baskets. It keeps the basket lighter in weight and helps the soil to retain moisture.

Answer 10

You can use the tinfoil to make a hat the will protect you from government thought control waves. Of course, it will also block out Al Gore's global warming brain washing waves as well, so maybe you don't want that.