Post-consumer Polystyrene recycling pilot project

23-Jul-14

With the help of the Canadian Plastics Industry Association, Montreal is taking another shot at recycling #6 polystyrene containers. Consumers will be required to thoroughly clean the insulative containers and transport them to a single location for processing. This includes foam coffee cups, egg containers, trays used for fruits and vegetables, and styrofoam packaging from electronic products. The Post-Consumer Polystyrene Recycling Pilot Project runs until September 30, 2014. After the foam is dropped off and sorted at the centre, it will be shipped to a recycling centre in Granby, Quebec. According to CPIA, the containers will be recycled by Quebec company Polystyrene Recyc Plus and made into new articles such as insulating boards, cushion packaging, and other finishing construction products made by firm polyform. As per solidwastemag.com, “Contrary to some preconceived ideas, polystyrene is 100% recyclable and other provinces such as Ontario, British Columbia and Nova Scotia have already set up initiatives to this end,” says Paul Aucoin, Membership Development at CPIA. “By bringing their postconsumer polystyrene products to the Écocentre LaSalle, Montrealers, and especially those who will be moving over the next few weeks, will be doing the responsible thing by diverting this material from the landfill sites and consequentlyallowing its recycling. We encourage all Montreal residents to be part of this activity and we congratulate them in advance forsupport of this important project from an environmental standpoint.”