East Valley center expands its drop-off recycling program to include Styrofoam

PHOENIX — Tempe is expanding its drop-off recycling program to include Styrofoam.

Residents of Guadalupe and Tempe can drop off this type of packaging at the Household Products Collection Center.

The Tempe center near McClintock and University drives will accept blocks, chunks or coolers of Styrofoam from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

However, the pieces must be firm and not bendable. They also should create white pellets when torn. Spongy Styrofoam, along with plates, cups, trays and peanuts won’t be accepted.

Tim Miller, the city of Tempe’s environmental hazardous materials supervisor, hopes that accepting Styrofoam at the center will keep it out of residents’ recycling bins.

“We’re proud to offer this new program alongside many others at our Household Products Collection Center,” he said in a Wednesday news release.

Why can’t Styrofoam go in blue recycling bins?

Putting Styrofoam in a recycling bin can contaminate the entire load, according to the release.

“Styrofoam recycling is something we have historically offered at Zero Waste Day events,” Miller said.

This free event that goes on four times a year allows locals to dispose and repurpose various items.

The next Zero Waste Day is scheduled for Nov. 2. It will take place at the Tempe Fire Training Center.

However, due to the expanded program at the center, residents now won’t have to wait for four times a year to conveniently recycle their Styrofoam. They can now drop it off three times a week.

Locals should bring an ID or utility bill to prove they’re a resident of Tempe or Guadalupe before dropping off Styrofoam and other items. Additionally, waste won’t be accepted if it’s in plastic bags.

“We know how important expanded recycling options are to our residents,” Miller said. “We’re proud to offer this new program alongside many others at our Household Products Collection Center.”

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