Recycling

Insulation Technology is an EPS drop off location. As a manufacturer we wanted to make recycling expanded polystyrene foam just as easy as getting it, so we have implemented a recycling program free to the public. Expanded polystyrene is 100% recyclable. Our customers and the public can drop-off used EPS at our facility anytime in our front breezeway, if you are bringing a larger amount, we ask that you bring the material anytime Monday-Friday from 7am-3pm. We have teamed up with neighboring towns to do foam collection day events and also have their EPS dropped-off, to reach as many communities as we can. Many of our customers also return scrap material that they do not use, to keep it out of the landfills.

Insulation Technology Inc Recycling Process:

Collect EPS
Sort and grind material
Melt the grinded material to create ingot (melted EPS)
Send full trailer (40,000 lbs) to Intco or Berga
Intco and Berga then create new products including picture frames
When you purchase from Intco, you may also send your products back when you are ready to discard it and Intco will create more new products with it, creating a closed-loop system.

Where does your EPS go once you recycle it?

Polystyrene is recycled into a number of products such as:

Surfboards
Picture frames
Construction material
Packaging
Park benches
Made back into resin

The solution to foam waste

Unfortunately, many people are not educated enough on expanded polystyrene recycling and therefore believe the false media. The solution is to bring awareness to the facts surrounding EPS and educate people on the topic. Banning food ware for example is not a solution as foam comes in many forms and has many applications. There is not much profit in recycling EPS which is why most towns do not offer curbside recycling for the material, they also do not have the means to properly recycle expanded polystyrene alongside other recyclables. What we need is a comprehensive recycling program where they can capture all applications of foam (food services, packaging, etc.)

Drop-Offs at Insulation Technology Inc.

Large amounts may only be dropped off at the back of Insulation Technology Monday-Friday from 7am-3pm. Small amounts may be dropped off anytime in the front breezeway.
Must be clean- no food, no labels, no stickers, no tape.
Must be in a clear or white plastic bag (or placed in our large clear bag).
No foam wrapping
No squishy foam

IF IT DOES NOT SNAP WHEN BENT, THEN WE DO NOT ACCEPT!

Click here for accepted material.

Energy Efficiency of EPS

Several EPS structural system applications, like insulating concrete forms (ICFs) and structural insulation panels (SIPS), are commonly recognized by LEED as providing key environmental advantages.
Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) is an intentionally recognized green building certification system, providing third-party verification that a building was designed and built using green strategies.
We at Insulation Technology are well aware of the environmental concerns facing today’s packaging and insulation materials. We are working to do our part by taking responsibility for the packaging materials we manufacture and fabricate.
We share our customer’s interest in the environment and make every effort to design packaging and insulation systems that utilize maximum effectiveness with minimal material. Aside from our virgin material, all of our EPS blocks contain 20% regrind of our own material.

EPS Recycling - Consumer Access

Since 1991 EPS recycling has increased despite economic downturns and shifting dynamics in the recycled materials market. Approximately 50% of all EPS collected is used to manufacture new EPS transport packaging and loosefill packaging, which reduces requirements for raw material resources and energy consumption. EPS is playing an important role in sustainability – you can do your part by recycling your foam packaging at a drop off location or through our national mail back program.

Ready to Talk?

Our experienced professionals will be happy to discuss your project, answer any questions you may have, and provide you with a free quote for your project.