It is estimated that Styrofoam makes up 30 percent of the world’s landfill. It is one of those items that, until recently, was not able to be effectively recycled. Lott Industries began taking Styrofoam for recycling at the end of July 2022. Prior to this, the nearest recycling center accepting Styrofoam was in Ann Arbor.
Jennie Vancil, Development Coordinator for Lott Industries, became interested in Styrofoam recycling through her dual role at Lott Industries and as a board member for Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful.
“Several years ago, I started collecting Styrofoam — especially right after the holidays — and then taking it to Ann Arbor to a recycling facility that’s about an hour away to have it properly recycled. I discovered through those collection periods that there was definitely a need here in the community for Styrofoam recycling.”
A story of partnerships
Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful was looking for an opportunity to meet this need for Styrofoam recycling. Prior to COVID, Mercy Health had received a grant from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to purchase equipment to recycle medical Styrofoam. The equipment arrived just as COVID began, and the equipment sat unused. Now, in partnership with the Ohio EPA, Mercy Health, and Keep Toledo Lucas County Beautiful, Lott Industries has started to offer Styrofoam recycling to the residents and businesses in the Toledo area.
Vancil is enthusiastic about the result: “We have just had tremendous success with it. We are participating in the Clean Toledo collections that take place throughout the community every Saturday morning. And the word is getting out. Individuals are dropping off Styrofoam and businesses are also starting to contact us and wanting us to take their Styrofoam.”
How it works
Vancil explains that “it can take a room, and when I say a room, I mean a really large room, full of Styrofoam and turn it into blocks that they’re almost like glass as far as density.” The blocks or bricks weigh about 20 pounds. Part of the business is selling the product to manufacturers where it is turned into park benches, playground equipment, and other useful items.
Acceptable Forms of Styrofoam to Recycle
- Styrofoam with number 6 recycling code
- White Styrofoam only
- Free of labels and stickers
- No foam egg cartons, take-out food containers, plates or cups are accepted (for options to recycle these visit recycleannarbor.org).
- $5 donation for a carload of Styrofoam to help cover the costs of handling and processing.
Common items that are packed in Number 6 Styrofoam include medical supplies, electronics, and appliances.
Other community outreach
Since 1956, Lott Industries has been finding opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities and others who have barriers to employment. Lott seeks to provide purposeful work for everyone they serve. Lott already runs a document shredding business in the facility. Documents are shredded, certified that they are shredded, and recycled. It gives Lott employees an opportunity to be part of a business. Styrofoam recycling is another in-house business to provide an avenue of employment.
Drop-off Locations:
Lott Industries participates in the Clean Toledo Refuse and Recycling Events held every Saturday by the City of Toledo in different locations from April – October.
Lott Industries also accepts Styrofoam at their location: 3350 Hill Ave. on Monday – Fridays from 8:30-11:45am and 12:45-2:30pm. Drop-off is on the west side of the building under the red canopy near the back of the building.
Correct Recycling Workshop Available
Keep Toledo Lucas County Beautiful offers a free “Correct Recycling Workshop” to businesses, neighborhood groups, faith-based organizations, private clubs, civic organizations, universities, and more. This workshop is geared to adults and covers these topics:
- Learn what is recyclable
- Improve your recycling habits
- Find out about the recycling industry nationally and locally
- Recycle correctly in Lucas County
Find out more at ktlcb.org.
