The Problem with Polystyrene and Other Non-Recyclable Plastics
The Problem with Polystyrene and Other Non-Recyclable Plastics
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)—commonly known as Styrofoam—and other non-recyclable plastic packaging remain a major source of environmental harm, urban blight, and municipal cost burdens. Despite industry greenwashing efforts, these materials are rarely, if ever, truly recyclable.
Lightweight, Cheap—and Highly Polluting
These plastics are deliberately designed to be low-cost and single-use. Their light weight and brittleness make them aerodynamic and easily littered—even when disposed of in bins. Once broken apart, they fragment into microplastics that are nearly impossible to clean up, infiltrating waterways, storm drains, and coastlines.
California’s waterways and communities have paid the price: Fast food containers, foam cups, plastic straws, and takeout clamshells are consistently identified in storm drain studies and beach cleanups as top sources of pollution. Many municipalities are required by law to achieve "zero trash" in impaired waterways—but are fighting a losing battle while these materials remain legal.
Not Recyclable in Practice—Despite the Symbol
The public has long been misled by the recycling symbol, which appears even on products with no viable end markets. While plastics labeled #1 (PET) and #2 (HDPE)—like bottles and jugs—are commonly recyclable in California, EPS (a #6 plastic), film plastics, black takeout containers, and most clamshells are not accepted in curbside bins and are ultimately landfilled.
Even when plastic is technically recyclable, that does not mean it is actually recycled. As of 2024, only about 5% of plastic waste in the U.S. is recycled—a number that drops even lower for polystyrene and other problematic formats.
“There’s not a recycling crisis. There’s a plastic packaging crisis, and the plastic packaging is trashing recycling.”
—Martin Bourque, Ecology Center, Berkeley
According to CalRecycle and waste haulers like Recology and Marin Sanitary Service:
#6 plastics like EPS foam have no market and are landfilled.
Plastic clamshells (#1 clear containers) have no current domestic processor since the Chino plant closure.
#3, #6, and #7 plastics are routinely placed in blue bins but are sent to landfill due to lack of buyers.
More about Polystyrene and Other Non-recyclable Plastics:
Public Health Risks and Greenwashing
Beyond litter, EPS is made from styrene—a compound classified as a "reasonably anticipated human carcinogen" by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Workers exposed during production, food service employees handling hot containers, and downstream communities all face increased risk.
Plastic industry groups have promoted EPS "recycling" programs, but these are expensive, limited in scale, and lack transparency or third-party verification. They fail to address the root problem: continued mass production of non-recyclable single-use plastics.
Local Governments Foot the Bill
Municipalities spend billions annually on trash capture systems, manual litter collection, and landfill tipping fees. Under California’s environmental justice laws and zero-waste mandates, cities are expected to clean up pollution caused by packaging they did not authorize or profit from.
EPS and similar food packaging are particularly problematic due to:
Contamination from food and grease, making recycling infeasible.
Blow-away litter that escapes bins and haulers.
Inability to meet CalRecycle’s recyclability criteria under SB 54.
Alternatives Are Ready and Affordable — what’s stopping us?
Bans on EPS takeout containers and other single-use plastics have been implemented in dozens of California jurisdictions with no significant cost increases. Compostable fiber, paperboard, or truly recyclable containers (like aluminum trays or PET-coated cups) are cost-competitive.
Studies confirm that banning EPS does not lead to increased waste generation—just better materials in circulation.
Reusable foodware systems and bring-your-own-container policies are also proving effective in university campuses, public events, and fast-casual chains. Paper straws, reusable dishware, and compostable takeout boxes are not just sustainable—they’re scalable.