Where to Recycle Styrofoam in Raleigh, Durham and the Triangle
Styrofoam protects products during shipping, but finding a responsible way to recycle it can be difficult. Local curbside recycling programs do not accept styrofoam because its lightweight, bulky form requires separate collection and specialized processing.
The ReCollective provides convenient doorstep pickup for accepted rigid styrofoam packaging throughout much of Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill and surrounding Triangle communities. Styrofoam is included with our monthly Hard-to-Recycle and OneStop memberships.
Can Styrofoam Go in Curbside Recycling in the Triangle?
No. Styrofoam should never be placed in municipal curbside recycling carts anywhere in the Triangle.
Its lightweight, bulky form requires a separate collection system and specialized processing. Use an approved foam drop-off location or a dedicated collection service instead.
| Community | Curbside recycling |
|---|---|
| Raleigh | No |
| Durham | No |
| Cary | No |
| Chapel Hill | No |
| Carrboro | No |
| Hillsborough | No |
Styrofoam Recycling Options Near the Triangle, NC.
Publix Storefront Bins
Best for smaller, clean and dry food-service foam.
Publix accepts:
- Foam egg cartons
- Foam takeout trays and cups
- Foam meat trays
Not accepted: packing peanuts, large packaging blocks, cup lids, straws or foam containing food residue.
View Publix GuidelinesDart Container in Randleman
A regional foam recycling option for residents willing to make the drive to Randleman.
Location:
3219 Wesleyan Road
Randleman, NC 27317
Before visiting: Check Dart’s current foam recycling guidelines to confirm accepted materials and any drop-off instructions.
View Dart Recycling InformationThe ReCollective
Best for convenient recycling of rigid styrofoam packaging without making a special trip.
We accept:
- Rigid packaging blocks
- Molded packaging inserts
- Rigid styrofoam sheets
- Styrofoam shipping coolers
Styrofoam is included with monthly Hard-to-Recycle and OneStop memberships throughout much of the Triangle.
See Plans & PricingWhat Styrofoam Does The ReCollective Accept?
The ReCollective accepts rigid expanded polystyrene packaging, commonly called styrofoam or EPS. Check the type, condition and original use before including an item.
Accepted Materials
Include dry, rigid packaging foam that holds its shape. It may be marked with a #6 recycling symbol or the letters EPS.
- Rigid packaging blocks
- Molded packaging inserts
- Rigid styrofoam sheets
- Styrofoam shipping coolers
Materials Not Accepted
These materials require a different reuse, recycling or disposal option.
- Foam takeout containers
- Foam cups, plates and bowls
- Foam egg cartons and food trays
- Packing peanuts
- Soft or flexible foam
- Construction or insulation foam
- Wet or food-contaminated foam
Is Your Styrofoam the Right Type?
Already reviewed the accepted-material list? Use these three questions when you are unsure about a specific piece.
Is It Rigid?
It should hold its shape when handled. Soft, bendable or cushion-like foam is not the type we collect.
Was It Product Packaging?
Accepted foam is usually molded to protect an appliance, electronic device, piece of furniture or another shipped product.
Is It Dry and Free of Food?
The foam should be dry and free from food, liquids and significant contamination.
Likely Accepted
If it is rigid, protected a shipped product and is dry and free of food, it is likely the type of styrofoam The ReCollective accepts.
Still Unsure?
Send The ReCollective a photo before adding it to your collection. We are happy to help you identify it.
Recycling Styrofoam with The ReCollective Is Easy
Collect accepted rigid styrofoam at home, set it out on your pickup day and let The ReCollective take care of the rest.
Collect
Place accepted rigid styrofoam packaging in your ReCollective bag at home.
Set Out
On your scheduled pickup day, place your styrofoam out with your other ReCollective materials.
Recycle
We keep accepted styrofoam out of the landfill through responsible recycling and reuse solutions.
What Happens to the Styrofoam We Collect?
After pickup, styrofoam is transported to The ReCollective’s Durham warehouse, where it is consolidated and prepared for recycling.
The foam is then delivered to a specialized recycling partner and densified. This process compresses large volumes of lightweight styrofoam into compact blocks that are easier to store, transport and use as recycled material.
Convenient Styrofoam Pickup Near You
The ReCollective collects accepted rigid styrofoam packaging as part of our monthly Hard-to-Recycle and OneStop services throughout much of the Triangle.
Durham
Explore convenient doorstep recycling and optional food scrap collection for eligible Durham households.
Durham ServiceRaleigh
Learn how Raleigh households can recycle styrofoam and other hard-to-recycle materials from home.
Raleigh ServiceCary
View hard-to-recycle pickup and composting options available for eligible Cary addresses.
Cary ServiceOutside Our Local Pickup Area?
The Almost Anything Mailback program may be an option for smaller accepted materials that fit within the current bag and weight limits.
Explore Almost Anything MailbackRelated Recycling Guides
Looking for information about other hard-to-recycle plastics? Explore these guides:
- How to Recycle Plastic Film
- How to Recycle Plastic Clamshell Containers (#1 PET)
- How to Recycle #5 Plastics (Polypropylene)
- Can You Recycle Styrofoam?
- View All Accepted Materials