Our community cares a lot about the environment, and wants to recycle as much as possible. We're proud that our community is so committed to recycling.
Our current waste system makes consumers responsible for disposing of packaging. But, companies decide what materials to use in their packaging. Because companies don't have to deal with the waste, they might not prioritize using a material that's easy to recycle.
Unfortunately, the system for recycling StyrofoamTM is limited, so consumers have few options. It's frustrating not to have access to recycling services you want, especially when you have little control over what packaging you get. We encourage you to reduce your waste and recycle when possible, but keep in mind that our cradle-to-grave system for materials and waste determines what recycling services you can access. Looking at the big picture, StyrofoamTM is less important than other waste you can control.
StyrofoamTM feels like it should be a big problem in our landfill because it's bulky, but it only makes up 0.5% of the landfill by weight. In comparison, food makes up 22% of residential garbage by weight. When food is thrown away in the landfill, it releases methane gas. Composting more of our food waste will have a bigger environmental benefit. Wasting less of our food is even more useful.
A lot of residents are already composting all their food scraps, and want to do more to help. The next big waste goal we have for the community is to make less waste overall. That means producing less garbage, less recycling, and less compost.
Learn about ways you can make less waste at your home