Plastic Foam Recycling

DUE TO THE LACK OF A MARKET,
FOAM THAT HAS ANY COLOR OTHER THAN WHITE
WILL NO LONGER BE ACCEPTED.


Guide to Foam Recycling at the City Recycle Center

The City of New Braunfels accepts completely white plastic foam for recycling ONLY at its drop-off location - City Recycle Center, 488 S. Castell Ave. The type of plastic foam currently accepted is called expanded polystyrene (EPS), commonly identified with the #6 code. If it is not clearly marked with the #6 emblem, it will likely not be accepted.

REMEMBER - all foam brought for recycling MUST be free of food residue, tape, labels, and any other items that might be attached to the foam. The City Recycle Center does not have the facility space to remove these prior to densification.

Bring foam in a bag or container that can be easily and quickly emptied.

Once dropped-off, an onsite machine cuts the foam into small pieces, heats it, and densifies it. Once densified, the densified foam can be used by plastics manufacturers to create new products, such as picture frames and crown molding. 

Below are some frequently asked questions about the types of foam that are accepted for recycling.


Contact Us

  1. Recycling

    Email Recycling Division

    Phone: (830) 221-4040
    Fax: (830) 608-1998

    Directory

Foam Packaging

Molded Foam.jpg



I bought a new light fixture and it was packaged in foam. Is this foam recyclable?

Yes, the foam is accepted, but all the contents must be removed prior to drop-off. Please remove any tape, labels, or stickers that may be  attached to the foam, as well. Make sure the packaging has the #6 on it before bringing it.

Foodservice Foam

Foodservice_Foam_Packaging



Are foam take-out containers recyclable?

Yes, foam foodservice packaging is accepted, as long as it is completely clean and dry. This includes bowls, cups, trays, and boxes made from expanded polystyrene (plastic foam #6).  If there is food or other residue that cannot be cleaned from the foam item prior to bringing it for drop-off, the item must be discarded in the trash.
Make sure the packaging has the #6 on it before bringing it.