RRS reviewed data from foam polystyrene plastic recycling programs in several communities that had received grants to target the material.
The numbers show a pattern of a sizable initial rise in foam collected per capita during the first year of the program, followed by more modest growth in subsequent years.
Programs built around multiple drop-off sites were able to collect more foam per capita than curbside programs or programs using a single drop-off site.
Data Corner is compiled monthly by recycling consultancy RRS.
This article originally appeared in the September 2018 issue of Resource Recycling. Subscribe today for access to all print content.
It’s hard to argue with data, and in one Northeast community, the numbers don’t lie: Natick, Mass. has increased diversion by 14 percentage points since implementing a system to add financial incentives to recycling.
Firstar Fiber has an appropriate name.