Kent County DPW tackles recycling of a notoriously stubborn form of plastic: Foam polystyrene(05-18-25)

In this episode, host Phil Tower speaks with Matt McPherson, Communications Manager, Kent County Department of Public Works.
Matt joined us to talk about the new foam polystyrene drop-off recently announced by the Kent County Department of Public Works.
New at the North Kent Transfer Station and in West Michigan, the Kent County Department now has a way to recycle a notoriously stubborn form of plastic waste: Foam polystyrene, commonly called Styrofoam. Public Works (DPW) has installed a polystyrene densifier, which compacts the material and bales it so it can be taken to a processor and reused. The material was previously not accepted, ending up in a landfill, because it is difficult to recycle due to being mostly air.
The densifier is available for Kent County residents to drop off foam polystyrene at the North Kent Transfer Station, located at 2908 Ten Mile Road in Rockford. Only clean, white polystyrene is accepted, including items like foam cups, coolers, packaging, and takeout food containers. Packing peanuts, colored foams, meat trays, and items with food residue are not accepted.

Residents can visit the North Kent Transfer Station every day except Sundays from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Foam polystyrene is only accepted at this location.

Online: Reimaginetrash.org