Dart Container collects PS foam for recycling in Chicago

Dart Container Corp., headquartered in Mason, Michigan, has opened a polystyrene (PS) foam drop-off center in Chicago. The center is accessible by the public 24 hours per day, seven days per week and provides an free option for local residents, businesses and organizations to recycle foam labeled with the No. 6 chasing arrows symbol. PS foam is used frequently to make take-out containers for food.

The Chicago drop-off center at 7575 Kostner Ave. will accept a wide variety of recyclable foam, including cups, food containers, egg cartons, meat trays, ice chests and packaging frequently used to protect fragile materials, such as TVs, during shipping, the company says.  

“Dart is pleased to provide Chicago with an opportunity to recycle their expanded polystyrene foam,” said Michael Westerfield, director of Recycling for Dart Container. “We offer this service for free, and our hope is that this center will encourage Chicago residents to recycle foam materials they might otherwise have thrown away.”

Once collected, the foam can be recycled into many different products, including picture frames, baseboards and crown molding.

To participate in the program, area residents should:

• ensure the foam has the No. 6 chasing arrows symbol;  
• rinse or wipe food off of foodservice containers;
• remove straws, lids, tape or any other nonfoam material; and
• deposit foam in a clear, sealed bag.

Foam packaging peanuts will not be collected at the center. Instead, residents should call 800-828-2214 or visit www.loosefillpackaging.com for drop-off sites.

Those with large deliveries should call 773-838-2515.