Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, to partner with Dart Container to collect PS foam foodservice products at county recycling center in Harrisburg

Alison Gallant

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania , July 22, 2011 (press release) – Dauphin County Commissioners Jeff Haste, Mike Pries and George P. Hartwick, III today announced a partnership with Dart Container Corporation, a leading manufacturer of polystyrene foam foodservice products, also known as foam #6, to collect these products at the county’s recycling facility in Harrisburg.

Commonly referred to as “Styrofoam”, a registered trademark of the Dow Chemical Company, foam #6 is a recyclable product that is used in a wide range of products, from foam cups and foodservice containers, to the large molded blocks used to package electronics.

“We’re making recycling these commonly used products as simple and convenient as possible,” said Haste. “There is a need for this kind of recycling program, and we’re proud to be one of the first collection sites in the state to offer it.”

Dauphin County Recycling Center (DCRC) is one of the first public sites in PA to collect polystyrene foam products, which include foodservice products such as foam cups, foam plates, foam egg cartons, as well as foam protective packaging typically used to protect consumer goods and electronics. Once collection bins are full, Dart picks up and transports the contents to its Leola plant for processing. It is then sold to other manufacturers that use the material to create a variety of new products, including picture frames, crown molding and nursery plant containers.

“Recycling foam products and other items is now more convenient than ever,” said Pries. “Our recycling center is open six days a week, with extended evening and Saturday hours.”
The container and transport of materials are provided at no charge to the county, eliminating costs associated with this recycling expansion. This also allows many businesses to reduce expenses by saving on waste disposal, helping bolster the local economy.

“We’ve heard there’s been great initial feedback from residents and businesses on the program so far,” said Ray Ehrlich, regional manager for government affairs and the environment. “It just confirms that there is a market for growing recycling options and the community wants to help divert waste from landfills.”

Dauphin County is just one of the latest in a growing list of regions that are taking advantage of expanded foam recycling options and infrastructure. Dart is working to collect a variety of foam products, even those that the company does not manufacturer, like school lunch trays and packaging foam. Through this, and similar programs nationwide, the company is helping to raise awareness of the recyclability of foam.

“It is our hope that businesses and residents take advantage of this new and free program,” said Hartwick. “Please help us reduce waste by dropping off unwanted foodservice and foam products at the county’s recycling center,” Hartwick said.

Polystyrene foam can be dropped off at the DCRC, which also offers a convenient drop-off location for old computers, televisions, cellular phones and other electronics, on weekdays from 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Saturday, excluding holidays. The center is also open late each Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dauphin County residents can recycle electronics at no cost. For a minimal fee, the recycling facility also accepts household appliances, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, stoves and washers, and confidential paper shredding. All businesses and out-of-county residents are charged a small fee for each accepted item for recycling.

The DCRC is located at 1620 S. 19th St. in South Harrisburg, within the City of Harrisburg’s Public Works Complex. The center can also be accessed by way of South Cameron St.

For more information about the DCRC’s recycling programs, please call the center at 717-982-6772 or visit the county’s Web site at www.dauphincounty.org and click on “Waste Management & Recycling” and then “Dauphin County Recycling Center.” Follow the latest news on the DCRC’s Facebook fan page by searching for “Dauphin County Waste Management and Recycling.”

About Dart Container Corporation

Established in 1937, Dart Container Corporation sets the industry standard of excellence by providing high quality, recyclable, affordable and safe foodservice products and packaging, exceptionally reliable service and responsible environmental practices. Dart is making a concerted effort to increase foam recycling opportunities throughout the country and strives to produce high-quality, cost-effective products in a manner sensitive to environmental concerns. Dart is headquartered in Mason, Mich. For more information, visit www.dart.biz/recycle or call (800) 248-5960.

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