Foodservice Packaging Institute grant aids foam recycling efforts in over 50 Ohio communities
The Geauga-Trumbull Solid Waste Management District (SWMD), serving over 121,000 households in Geauga and Trumbull counties in Ohio, received a $50,000 grant from the Foodservice Packaging Institute's Foam Recycling Coalition (FRC). The grant enables nearly 300,000 residents in both counties to recycle materials such as foam polystyrene cups, plates, bowls, clamshells, egg cartons, and meat trays, as well as block packaging foam.
Aided by Representative Diane Grendell, Ohio House District 76, additional funding was provided by the State of Ohio to support the program's creation and initial implementation.
The FRC grant assisted with funding the purchase and installation of a foam densifier, used to compact foam products into foam blocks or ingots. The district sells the foam ingots to end markets to be manufactured into thermal insulation panels for foundations, walls, and roofs, as well as picture frames and crown moulding.
Residents of the 56 communities making up Geauga and Trumbull counties can take their polystyrene foam to both the Trumbull County facility, as well as the new facility in Geauga County, where it will be processed through the foam densifier.
"The new Geauga collection facility is the culmination of over five years of planning and efforts from residents, community officials and county government," said Jennifer Jones, director for Geauga-Trumbull SWMD. "Over 6,800 residents have already taken advantage of our recycling services there, and adding foam recycling will only enhance our ability to meet the needs of Geauga and Trumbull County residents. Foam recycling has been highly requested and will be a great addition to the year-round offering at both of our collection facilities."
Geauga-Trumbull SWMD will inform residents about the addition of foam polystyrene recycling via communications, including a website, social media, press releases, and local media coverage, along with a group email to preregistered attendees of collection events, signage at the community drop-off sites, flyers, and short videos.
"It is encouraging to see the passion of Geauga-Trumbull residents and the efforts of the solid waste management district to find ways to improve and increase recycling in their communities," said Natha Dempsey, president of the Foodservice Packaging Institute. "We are proud to support the diversion of foam polystyrene – a valuable material – from the landfill."
