DPW Marks 11 Percent Increase in Polystyrene Recycling

BALTIMORE, MD (January 16, 2015)—Baltimore City Public Works (DPW) Director Rudolph S. Chow, P.E., today announced that the City has shown an 11 percent increase in the recycling of polystyrene. In 2014 the City collected 8,914 pounds of polystyrene from citizens for recycling, nearly half a ton more than the 8,000 pounds collected in 2013. Polystyrene recycling is part of an overall upswing in recycling tonnage in Baltimore.

Polystyrene, commonly referred to as “Styrofoam,” is used in foam cups, plates, egg cartons and as protective packaging for consumer goods and electronics. Styrofoam products began being accepted in 2012 and are only accepted at the Northwest Citizen’s Convenience Center at 2840 Sisson Street. The material cannot be put out curbside with other recyclables.

The City has also seen an increase in the total amount of recycling. It collected 26,154.2 tons of recyclables overall in 2014, nearly a 5 percent increase over the 24,973.5 tons gathered in 2013.

The city accepts clean foam that has a #6 symbol on it. Citizens should take care to rinse containers and cups before bringing them to the collection site. No straws, lids or stickers are accepted. Items should be brought in see-through plastic bags. No foam peanuts or insulation material is accepted.

Styrofoam is collected at the Northwest Citizen’s Convenience Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Sunday.

More information about recycling in Baltimore is available at publicworks.baltimorecity.gov/recycling.