How to dispose of Styrofoam (Polystyrene) in New York
New York rules
NYC banned single-use Styrofoam food containers. EPS recycling available at specific drop-offs.
General steps
- Check if your local recycling program accepts expanded polystyrene (EPS) — most curbside programs do NOT.
- Search for Styrofoam drop-off locations at recycling centers or shipping stores.
- Clean food-contaminated Styrofoam cannot be recycled — place in regular trash.
- Packing peanuts can be returned to UPS stores and shipping centers for reuse.
- Break into smaller pieces before trashing to save space.