What to do with styrofoam

Last updated July 28, 2025
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Styrofoam, also known as polystyrene, is a type of plastic. It is known for its lightness and insulating properties. Can you put styrofoam in your collection bin? Not always. Find out why.

There are several types of Styrofoam. Some can be put in the recycling bin, others cannot.

Accepted styrofoam

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Food tray
  • Empty yellow styrofoam meat tray

You can put styrofoam in your recycling bin if it is a package or container: 

  • Food trays, such as those used to package meat or fish
  • Hot or cold drink cups

Unacceptable styrofoam

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Protective packaging
  • Piece of white protective styrofoam

Protective packaging, such as white styrofoam edges that protect a new TV in its box, should not be placed in your recycling bin. 

This type of styrofoam is easy to recognize. It breaks down into small beads when broken. These little beads create problems at the sorting centre.

To ensure that this protective styrofoam is still recycled, you can bring it to the LaSalle or Saint-Laurent ecocentres.

Locate these 2 ecocentres

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