By Donna Schwartz, Environmental Advisory Commission Member
Except for the Hefty ReNew Orange Bag program (see below), Rumpke does not accept Styrofoam in their recycling bins. However, this does not mean that Styrofoam must go to the landfill. In the Cincinnati area, we have several options for disposing of Styrofoam. Matthew 25 uses clean coolers for shipping medical supplies or keeping food cool in disaster areas. Other companies reform Styrofoam into compact bricks for construction or manufacturing hangers, picture frames, surfboards, and packing pellets.
Drop Off Locations
Rumpke Recycling Bin (*) – Purchase orange Hefty ReNew Bags at your local grocery store (store bag aisle). Place full orange bags in your Rumpke Weekly Recycling bin.
Styrofoam Material Accepted: Foam egg cartons, meat trays, cups, “to-go” boxes, plates, block packing, and packing peanuts.
Symmes Safety Center: 8871 Weekly Lane (*)
The Symmes Hub accepts Styrofoam at the Symmes Safety Center on the first Saturday of each month from 10 am – noon. lovlelandsustainabilitycouncil.org
Styrofoam Material Accepted: White Clean Styrofoam, with no tape or labels.
Eco Development: 4219 US Route 42, Mason
Open 24/7. Recycling Trailer is located behind the building. Place our Styrofoam in the trailer. econenergydevelopment.com/eps
Styrofoam Material Accepted: only clean Styrofoam (no food containers, stickers, or tape). Place small pieces in a plastic bag.
Matthew 25 Ministries: 11083 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash (*)
Donation area is open24/7 m25m.org
Styrofoam Material Accepted: Large clean Styrofoam coolers.
Cincinnati Recycling & Reuse Hub:911 Evans Street (*)
Open Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday: 10 am – 2:00 pm cincinnatirecyclingandreusehub.org
Styrofoam Material Accepted: Egg cartons, Styrofoam coolers, clean white Styrofoam, packing peanuts, plastic foam, and sheets of Styrofoam
(*) These facilities accept many other materials beyond Styrofoam, which they recycle, repurpose, or donate to the needy. Please check their website for more information and to confirm hours of operation