Polystyrene is the most recycled form of disposable food service packaging. Polystyrene recycling is particularly successful in institutional settings. A landfill is designed to keep out air, water and light to prevent the degradation process. In fact, the absence of degradation in landfills is a benefit because degradation results in the formation of leachate, which can contaminate groundwater, and of methane gas, a potentially explosive air pollutant. Keep America Beautiful, Inc., however, stresses that biodegradability is not the answer to litter.
Litter is a behavior problem caused by disrespect for the environment.
Burning polystyrene in a modern incinerator results in end-products of carbon dioxide, water vapor and possibly a trace of ash. Products made with recycled polystyrene include insulation and other building materials, audio and video cassettes, cafeteria trays, household products and office and school products. Additionally, technology to enable use of recycled polystyrene in food packaging is advancing. Recycled polystyrene is being used in egg cartons and sandwich containers. The process is simple.