Where can I recycle styrofoam in Chicago?
The new Dart collection center, open 24/7.
Polystyrene foam, commonly called "styrofoam" is not recyclable in the Blue Cart.
Happily, the Dart Container Corp has opened a collection center for residents and businesses to recycle it. They accept polystyrene foam in any form except for packing peanuts*. Coolers, cups, foam packing blocks, egg cartons, and clean plates and to-go containers are welcome.
Polystyrene foam can be recycled into some surprising things like picture frames, baseboards, and crown moldings.
Pro tip for packing peanuts: Call your favorite mom and pop shipping store to see if they can reuse your packing peanuts. UPS store no-longer accepts peanuts from residents because they've switched to air pillows.
How to participate
• ensure all your foam pieces have the little triangle with a "6"
• rinse or wipe food from containers
• remove straws, lids, tape - everything that's not PS foam
• put the foam in a transparent bag and seal it
The bag is necessary to keep pieces from floating away and becoming litter.
Businesses with large deliveries should call 773-838-2515 and ask for facilities.
Good to know: Although PS #6 foam is commonly referred to as "styrofoam", it's not styrofoam at all. Styrofoam® is the brand name of an industrial product manufactured by Dow Chemical. Styrofoam was originally adopted in 1942 by the U.S. Coast Guard for use in a six-man life raft.
When and Where:
The Dart Container Corp is located at 7575 S. Kostner Ave. The drop-off dumpster is on the Southeast corner of the building on 76th Street. Look for the sign and big metal cage. Drop-off is available 24/7 rain or shine.
Sources:
Recycling Today
Dart Container Corporation
Updated: Oct. '18
