Comments on: How can I reuse or recycle styrofoam containers?

By: BW

BW — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:21:42 +0000

Recycling Floss Containers
These are great to use to cut thread or lightweight yarn if you do not have a scissor on hand. They are small enough to keep in a sewing bag.

Flat Styrofoam
Great to use for patterns. You never have to cut a pattern out of your book. Just trace the pattern on to the styrofoam. Cut out the styrofoam. Put together your model (e.g. airplane, etc). They make great tree ornaments too!

By: Lenses

Lenses — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:48:53 +0000

Wow, these are such good uses! I especially like the insulation tip :)

By: eb

eb — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 21:44:16 +0000

I’m thinking feeding these through a shredder would open up endless possibilities of a new material or at least a more pliable form. Even as simple of bean bag type filler?

By: eb

eb — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 21:39:56 +0000

Thats the most practical solution I ‘ve read online while researching this subject the last 2 hours. Thank You

By: Tina

Tina — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 16:55:26 +0000

Hi,
I work with kids and one project we do is make monoprints- you can cut a flat section out of the foam, draw a design with a dull pencil or ball point pen then paint a light coat of paint over it- press onto white or colored paper and lift off gently and voila- a print- remember to have them write their names or any words backwards as it will be in reverse- a little tricky- good luck!

By: Hans Hartwig

Hans Hartwig — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:52:27 +0000

Check with local recyle depot as they are recyclable

By: Bruce

Bruce — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:34:22 +0000

We wash out our styrofoam containers and have been collecting them in a large garbage bag. Recently I had the inspiration to toss them up in the unfinished area under our roof as added insulation. If they keep food hot then they should help keep the heat in our living area too.

By: sami

sami — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 23:15:39 +0000

you can shrink them like shrinky dinks. cut out sections (or you could shrink the whole thing…) and color with permanent markers. a hole punch makes holes that shrink to an ideal size for jewelry making. put in an oven at 325-350 degrees and watch carefully. when the shapes stop moving, and are laying flat again, take them out. the fumes are probably toxic so work with lots of ventilation. sometimes they fold over on themselves while shrinking… usually it will fix itself but you can quickly move it back with a butter knife.

By: Dolly

Dolly — Sat, 31 May 2008 13:29:57 +0000

We found someone nearby that raises chickens. We give them our foam egg cartons. They encourage people to reuse the cartons as well.

By: Robert Castillo

Robert Castillo — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 21:45:31 +0000

How about taking your own to go container to those restaurants that still use the old style styrofoam.

By: emily

emily — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 06:17:12 +0000

i am an art teacher at a local boys and girls club, we make crafts with everyday items like these and there are endless possibilities for styrofoam. bring them to your local art and crafts centers, to schools or to the boys and girls club. i know i would love to have them for our projects.

By: John

John — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 21:01:46 +0000

Insulation is a good second use, but the material needs to be flat to be efficient. The profiles can be used as packing when posting items (maybe an Ebay sale or gift) add a note to encourage the recipient to reuse it again. The same material is used for coffee cups, chip trays and is often found in pizza boxes too.

By: Miriam

Miriam — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 07:04:35 +0000

1. You can cut into simple fun shapes and use as x-mas decorations……

2. packing peanuts for shipping

3. bracelet…..use a 3/4 ” circles…….make hole in middle…..when you have enough…..will make a nice thick bracelet

By: CTP

CTP — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:24:30 +0000

i save all my polystyrene/styrofoam packaging and use it as insulation in my house. depending on shapes/sizes, it can be used as-is, or broken down into peanut size packing to fill smaller voids.

By: jenni

jenni — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 12:41:06 +0000

hello u can make a flying aeroplane all u need is on of these boxes the longer ones are better cut out 3 shapes the shaft, little wings for the back and big ones for the middle then make 2 slots to slide the wings in paint your plane slot it all together and finally put a paper clip on the nose to add weight and help fly.

By: me

me — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 01:37:04 +0000

As this seems to be the bulk of my trash I have decided to wash them out, save them and decorate them to give little gifts away in.

By: Sara

Sara — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:20:18 +0000

I’ve seen really cool necklaces made by punching out about 1/4 inch (maybe a bit smaller) circles (or whatever shape you like) and stringing them together, flat sides together. The necklace ends up looking like those puka shell necklaces.

By: Renee

Renee — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:07:18 +0000

from yet another Renee

I use the polostyrene foam clam shells for germinating seeds. They are about the size of a 1/4 size seed tray and come complete with their own little cover.

Must remember to make some holes in the bottom.