Styrofoam* recycling
with Ridwell
Styrofoam pickups every two weeks.
We want Styrofoam recycling to be easy, convenient, and dependable. We don't want you to save it in your basement or miss a special pickup day.
So for Ridwell members, we offer add-on Styrofoam pickups every two weeks.
How it works
So, you just got a gift from your cousin. It's artisanal cheese! …In a Styrofoam cooler :(
We'll deliver an orange Styrofoam bag with your bin for you to keep in a convenient place.
Fill your bag up with recyclable Styrofoam!
When your bag is full, add it onto your next regular pickup for a small fee. We'll leave a new one in its place!
What happens to Styrofoam* once Ridwell collects it?
1
Trained team members screen for non-qualifying material like wet Styrofoam or stickers that need removing
2
Screened product is consolidated and transported to local partner
3
Partners reduce material into dense blocks that can be used to make new products (like picture frames) or revert them even further into their original chemical components, which can then be used over and over again.
How large are the bags?
Our Styrofoam bags are more than 4x larger than our Ridwell bin, so they'll fit even your bulkiest pieces!
If your Styrofoam is too tall, try breaking it into two shorter pieces! That way you can fit even more!
45 gallons
And you can get as many bags as you need - just reach out if you need more than one at a time.
Can I put it in my own bag?
Yes! You’re welcome to bag up your Styrofoam in any plastic trash bag (please note there is an add-on charge regardless of size). Please make sure to add it onto your pickup when opting in so our drivers expect it!
What counts as Styrofoam*?
We can take Styrofoam blocks, Styrofoam coolers, and more! If you ever have an item you’re unsure about, send a photo to help@ridwell.com and we’ll be happy to take a look.
I'm not a member, can I get a bag?
Sorry! For now Styrofoam pickups are just available to Ridwell members, but check out other resources on how to recycle at the bottom of this page.
When will I get my bag?
Your first Styrofoam bag will be delivered with your bin. From then on, whenever you get a Styrofoam pickup, we'll replace your full one with an empty one!
What if my Styrofoam doesn't fit in the bag?
Try to break it down into smaller pieces. If it sticks out a bit, don't worry! We'll still take it.
Do you reuse the bags?
Absolutely! We will keep them in circulation as long as possible.
Get rid of your
Styrofoam* the right way.
Questions or concerns? Get in touch at help@ridwell.com
Other ways to recycle your Styrofoam*
While we want to offer our members an easy way to get rid of their Styrofoam, there are some other recycling options that we know of.
Greater Puget Sound
Free dropoff
- Styrorecycle, Kent
- Seattle Lighting, SoDo
- Shoreline Transfer Station, Shoreline
Free pickup
- Seattle Public Utilities, Seattle
Bay Area
Free dropoff
- Sonoco Protective Solutions, Hayward
- El Cerrito Recycling + Environmental Resource Center, El Cerrito
* When we say Styrofoam, we are actually referring to items in the polystyrene foam family, not just Styrofoam-brand products. Technically, there's no such thing as a “Styrofoam” cup. In fact, Styrofoam™ Brand Foam is a registered trademark of DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (“DuPont”) and is used as rigid foam insulation in above and below grade applications, structural insulated sheathing, motorhomes, caravans insulated trucks, under or over highways, tunnels and insulation pipes and even is used in the floral and craft market. For more information, click here.