Since 2020 California has discussed many times whether to ban Styrofoam products. But based on different positions, some governments and enterprises have different opinions and have not yet decided whether to implement the ban. After all Styrofoam is extremely cheap and works well as containers or packaging, and no other substitute can do it. This may be the reason why some California North Coast companies are not willing to stop using Styrofoam products.



In 2020, California missed its goal of reducing, recycling, or composting 75% of its solid waste by the end of the year. A big part of the reason is that Styrofoam is not biodegradable and difficult to handle. So some state lawmakers want to limit the use of Styrofoam packaging and peanuts, better regulate the export of plastic waste in California, in proposals aimed at tackling the massive stockpile of solid waste. But with some Styrofoam industry groups’ opposition, these bills aimed at reducing Styrofoam pollution have died. So, the proposal was never settled. “The problem is only going to get worse,” says Aimee David, vice president of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which supports a ban on Styrofoam. “In recent years more Styrofoam packaging has been produced industrially than ever before, and recycling has had no impact. "



This comes to the core of this dispute—Styrofoam recycling hasn’t been implemented well in California. Styrofoam is also known as foam#6. The “chasing arrows” symbol prompts people to throw their Styrofoam waste into the blue recyclable bins. However, not all cities own Styrofoam recycling machines. So much Styrofoam waste still appears in the landfill, roadside, even the ocean. Tim Shestek, a spokesman for the American Chemistry Council has stated that Styrofoam is indispensable for the modern lifestyle and is crucial to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, provided it can be implemented.



If there were a machine capable of handling Styrofoam, such as the Styrofoam densifier, in every city recycling center, California might not face this dilemma –some North Coast companies want to keep using it while some local governments want to ban it. It may be easier to promote Styrofoam recycling in California if they have a careful understanding of how Styrofoam densifier works. Styrofoam densifier can compress loose, large-size Styrofoam into small-size ingots. This process makes subsequent transportation and processing much easier. Besides, Styrofoam ingots can be used to make many products, such as various home decorations, bean bags fillings, even park benches, and so on.



The Styrofoam recycling industry can play a role in saving resources, reducing pollution, creating more jobs and economic benefits. INTCO Recycling is a leader in the Styrofoam recycling industry and already offers GREENMAX Styrofoam densifiers to businesses looking to recycle from around the world. If wanting to make a difference in California's current sticky situation, contact us. INTCO Recycling can offer more tips.