Where can I recycle styrofoam in Chicago?
The 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 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
