PSRA-backed infrastructure in Nashville supports polystyrene recycling

The Polystyrene Recycling Alliance (PSRA), a North American coalition advancing scalable solutions to recycle polystyrene (PS) and expanded polystyrene (EPS), has shared a new collaboration with Foam Cycle and the Nashville Department of Waste Services (NWS), to increase the amount of EPR recycling kept out of landfills and returned to the circular economy as an essential, reusable material.

PSRA assisted with the donation and installation of Foam Cycle's patented foam collection and densification system at NWS-operated East Convenience Center in Nashville. Foam Cycle systems — already in use across multiple states — allow municipalities to efficiently collect and process EPS, turning a global waste challenge into a local recycling solution.

How the new foam collection and densification system works 

All formats of EPS will be collected, including transport packaging and clean food service and food packaging, and then densified with Foam Cycle's patented equipment to be transported efficiently to EFP's EPS manufacturing facility in La Vergne, TN, which will serve as the primary offtake partner for the recycled material. 

The program also creates new opportunities to capture EPS generated internally across Metro Nashville departments — from product shipments to staff use — while strengthening public-facing recycling access. In addition, a portable trailer system enables on-demand collection at universities, festivals, and seasonal events, ensuring the program can grow and adapt as community participation increases.

"We're excited to partner with PSRA and Foam Cycle to provide this EPS recycling solution for Nashvillians," said Tracey Thurman, director of the Nashville Department of Waste Services. "This adds yet another material to our recycling program to ensure our residents can support a circular economy while also keeping material out of landfills."

"We applaud Metro Nashville for taking this big step forward," said Justin Riney, Chair of the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance (PSRA). "EPS is a great material for many applications and is also an important feedstock in a circular economy where it can be collected and repurposed into new products."

Several companies in Tennessee are active members of PSRA, including EFP, LLC, Republic Plastics, and Styropek.

"Foam Cycle is committed to closing the loop for expanded polystyrene," said Lou Troiano, President of Foam Cycle. "With systems operating across the country, this project is the latest step in our mission to make recycling easy and convenient for consumers. We're confident that this approach will boost recycling rates and ensure that material once destined for a landfill becomes an essential resource for the circular economy."

This initiative supports Nashville's mission to manage its waste stream responsibly, foster environmental stewardship, and increase landfill diversion. Together, PSRA, NWS, and Foam Cycle are demonstrating how government and industry collaboration and market-based innovation can accelerate a more sustainable future for plastics recycling in North America. The project is expected to launch on April  22, 2026.