Styrofoam, or polystyrene, is a very common type of packaging material. Many of our takeout containers and cups are made of it, and it’s a favorite in meat packaging for grocery stores. Like other plastics, styrofoam isn’t biodegradable. In the hundreds of years it will sit in landfills before it decomposes, it has ample time to break up into smaller parts, getting into our environment, our oceans, and being consumed by animals. However, styrofoam is often excluded from recycling lists because it’s bulky and difficult to clean.
During the pandemic, regular collection is paused. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay informed about our special styrofoam collection days.
Styrofoam Collection
At UUCE, we collect styrofoam on the fourth Sunday each month. After the service, the collected materials are driven by a volunteer to the recycling facility in North Aurora. This way, we can work to limit the impact of styrofoam on our local environment, as well as minimize our carbon footprint by taking everything at once.
To Qualify for Recycling
- Any food or waste residue must be cleaned off with soap and water.
- Food grade styrofoam must be separated from lower quality styrofoam.
- Packing peanuts are not accepted.
Bring your styrofoam on a collection Sunday and join the effort to keep waste out of our environment!