volume 1 | summer 2013
Advance innovative EPS product solutions that contribute to a sustainable future
Newsline
1298 Cronson Blvd. • Suite 201 • Crofton, MD 21114 • (800) 607-3772 • www.epsindustry.org • info@epsindustry.org
Foam Recycling:
Thinking Clean. Acting Green.
Amidst all the hype of 'ban-happy' legislators it is easy to assume
product bans are good for the environment. But the facts
consistently reveal they're not. Bans simply swap one kind of
litter for another. Moreover, if banning a product kills jobs
and raises costs, do product bans solve a problem
or create one? And those biodegradable
replacements? They don't just magically
disappear; biodegradable products require
very specific conditions to break down in
a composting facility and there are very
few commercial composting facilities in
the U.S.
campaign on their new program, and it's an effort that ensured
its success. Clear Channel Outdoor donated advertising space
on 40 billboards throughout the city to promote the effort,
as did Heaven 600, a Clear Channel radio station. The
Department of Public Works launched a dedicated
foam recycling webpage for consumers as
well as a Twitter account (@BaltimoreDPW).
Press events and a DPW annual calendar
featuring PS collection information were
also part of the promotional effort.
This proactive education outreach
has increased awareness and helped
generate 5,600 pounds of polystyrene
waste diversion in its first year.
6
But one city is thinking – and acting
– beyond a simplistic ban mentality
to solve their polystyrene recycling
challenge. Unlike some other cities that
have chosen to ban products that are
difficult to recycle, the City of Baltimore got
to work on a sustainable PS recycling solution
that is delivering real results for the city and the
environment. In late 2011 Councilman Jim Kraft whose
'green' agenda has earned him the nickname 'Councilman
Kermit' partnered with Dart Container Corporation to offer
foam recycling at one of the city's community drop-off centers.
Baltimore took extra initiative by launching a public education
RECYCLING
SERVICES AT
YOUR FINGERTIPS
3
PERSPECTIVES
ON EPS
4
The foam recycling initiative was not
without its hurdles. It took several months
for the city and Dart Container to finalize a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and
when the drop off facility first opened they were
challenged to educate consumers on what was
– and wasn't – acceptable material for the PS foam bin.
The educational outreach paid off and it wasn't long before
the program was running like clockwork. "As we see how this
goes, we have the possibility of expanding it to other stations
in the city," said Bob Murrow, the recycling coordinator for the
city's Bureau of Solid Waste.
EPS MEETS
EXTREME COLD
STORAGE
CHALLENGES
10
BUILDING
PRODUCT
SAFETY VS
CHEMICAL RISK
ASSESSMENTS
11
