08-02-2007, 07:37 PM
It is worth mentioning here that Styrofoam is a trademark name for foamy varieties of polystyrene. Polystyrene, in general, is used for more than packaging. It is also used in food containers - anything with recycle #6 and abbreviated PS. (I have all the recycle codes memorized). This includes disposable plastic cups, plastic ware, party trays, cake covers, cookie trays, and strawberry containers.
However, I have noticed PS being phased out in some respects. A few times, I was surprised to discover that certain items on which I expected to find a #6, actually had a #1 or #2 in the recycle symbol. This meant I could recycle the things, where normally I would have had to throw them out since the recycling company only takes 1s and 2s.
At work, we recently received lots of new computers. Where Styrofoam would have been used in the past, there were many instances where formed cardboard and HDPE (high density polyethylene, #2) were used. Even the LCD monitors were protected with plastic sheets, clearly labeled with recycle #1 - PETE polyethylene terephthalate - the same stuff that water and soda bottles are made of.
Another phase-out (which I do not like) is with small parts drawers - the little metal chests filled with small plastic drawers for storage of various hardwares in the garage, shop, lab, etc. The drawers used to be made of crystal clear and rigid PS. Now, they are made of milky colored and flimsy PP - polypropylene, recycle #5. I hate them because they get warped, they're shaped differently, and I can't clearly see what's in them from the front.
However, I have noticed PS being phased out in some respects. A few times, I was surprised to discover that certain items on which I expected to find a #6, actually had a #1 or #2 in the recycle symbol. This meant I could recycle the things, where normally I would have had to throw them out since the recycling company only takes 1s and 2s.
At work, we recently received lots of new computers. Where Styrofoam would have been used in the past, there were many instances where formed cardboard and HDPE (high density polyethylene, #2) were used. Even the LCD monitors were protected with plastic sheets, clearly labeled with recycle #1 - PETE polyethylene terephthalate - the same stuff that water and soda bottles are made of.
Another phase-out (which I do not like) is with small parts drawers - the little metal chests filled with small plastic drawers for storage of various hardwares in the garage, shop, lab, etc. The drawers used to be made of crystal clear and rigid PS. Now, they are made of milky colored and flimsy PP - polypropylene, recycle #5. I hate them because they get warped, they're shaped differently, and I can't clearly see what's in them from the front.