FAQ: Pesky polystyrene

Polystyrene takes centuries to break down in the environment and is a major component of marine plastic pollution; it's toxic to animals that swallow it.

Common polstyrene items include CD cases, plastic cutlery, foam packaging and egg cartons, and can be identified by the recycling code “6” stamped on them.

For recycling, the Polystyrene Packaging Council currently recommends taking polystyrene to general plastics recycling drop-off points. See MyWaste for drop-offs points near you. You can also contact the Polystyrene Packaging Council for more info about recycling and setting up collection points.

Olivia Rose-Innes, EnviroHealth Editor, Health24, August 2012

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