PS (Styrene or polystyrene)
Recycling code #6: PS (Styrene or polystyrene)
Polystyrene, commonly found in disposable Styrofoamâ„¢ drinking cups, takeout containers, packing peanuts, and various other applications, can pose significant environmental and health concerns. While some forms of polystyrene can technically be recycled, most municipal recycling programs do not accept it, leading to its widespread presence in landfills. Additionally, polystyrene is lightweight and breaks down easily into small fragments, making it a major contributor to marine pollution and a hazard to wildlife that may ingest it.
It has the potential to release styrene, a substance classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a possible human carcinogen, especially when heated in a microwave or exposed to hot foods and liquids.** (Those who are wondering how the usage of styrene for disposable cups for hot drinks. Click here for the FDA guidelines.)