The Myth about Styrofoam

Styrofoam is often maligned for being bad for the environment. It's been banned in some cities for not being "recyclable". The truth is that plastic materials are divided into two types. One is called thermosetting plastic because it takes its shape when heated, and can thus not be melted down to be reformed. Probably the most visible example of this is vulcanized rubber. The second type is called thermoplastics. These plastics like styrofoam and plastic bags become soft and malleable when heated. These types of plastics can be recycled by melting them down and reshaping them. Styrofoam has an undeserved bad reputation, and is easily recycled and reused.