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  • Foam Packaging (Styrofoam) Recycling System

    for Municipal Drop-Off Centers

    Welcome to Foam Cycle. Foam packaging (aka Styrofoam) is mostly air, making it extremely bulky and expensive to transport using traditional recycling methods. Without densification, foam recycling is inefficient and cost-prohibitive for most municipalities.

    The Foam Cycle solves this challenge by densifying foam at ratios of up to 90 to 1, dramatically reducing volume so recycled material is easier and more cost-effective to store, transport, and reuse.

    Foam Cycle’s mission is to remove the myths and stigmas surrounding foam recycling by establishing a scalable, practical model that can be adopted nationwide.

    Municipal recycling drop-off centers play an increasingly important role in collecting recyclable materials that do not fit into traditional curbside recycling programs. Foam Cycle is proud to be part of the solution.

    Since its launch in 2017, the now patented Foam Cycle system has helped over 40 communities in 14 states in the US and Canada start foam collection programs, enabling 12,927,000 residents to collect, recycle, and repurpose their foam packaging waste where no option previously existed.

    Read their stories, watch the videos, and call Foam Cycle so we can help your town, county, or city get started on the road to a more sustainable future.

  • Foam Cycle system details explained in a short video

    Foam Cycle's newly installed system in Barkhamsted, Connecticut, is in the news!

    On Earth Day, Foam Cycle was featured on NBC News!

    Meet Foam Cycle's new mascot,

    Buster Foam!

    He has a message for you!

  • Below are news stories from Foam Cycle recycling systems and programs from around the country!

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    Long Hill Township

    New Jersey

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    Gilford

    New Hampshire

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    Barkhamsted

    Connectict

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    Henderson County

    North Carolina

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    Northeast Kingdom

    Vermont

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    UNC-Charlotte

    North Carolina

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    Monroe Township

    New Jersey

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    City of High Point

    North Carolina

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    Village of Ridgewood

    New Jersey

     

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    Mecklenburg County

    North Carolina

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    Mount Prospect

    Illinois

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    Passaic County and

    The City of Clifton

    New Jersey

     

  • Watch the videos below to see for yourself how foam recycling plays an important role in municipal recycling drop off programs.

    Success Story!

    Collier County, Florida

    Success Story!

    Outagamie,

    Wisconsin

    Success Story!

    St. Lucie County, Florida

    Success Story!

    Greensboro,

    North Carolina

    Success Story!

    Gilford,

    New Hamshire

     

    Let Ellen Show You How Its Done in Pennsylvania

    Recycling Foam Helps Support Non-Profits Work!

    Success Story!

    Northeast Kingdom,

    Vermont

     

    Cook County, IL CHaRM Center

    The First Foam Cycle System in Canada!

    Ridgewood, NJ Recycling Education Video

    Closed Loop Recycling of

    Foam Coolers

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    Read this NJ Municipalities Magazine article about Middletown, NewJersey. Middletown was the first NJ town to offer their residents the ability to recycle foam packaging waste, and it's become an amazing recycling success story!

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    NJDEP RecognizesRecycling All-Stars, Congratulations Beth!

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    All Weather Recycling System

    Our Patented ( No.: US 11,241,695) Foam Cycle recycling system allows for the standalone processing and recycling of Foam Packaging waste (also known as Expanded Polystyrene, EPS, PS and Styrofoam).

    Our beautifully designed container system will enhance any county, municipal, college or university recycling drop off center by proudly announcing that foam recycling takes place here!

    Sunshine or snow, our Foam Cycle unit allows for the outside storage and processing of EPS Foam. Our beautifully designed unit will help enhance any municipal recycling center, school or university and proudly announces that EPS Foam recycling takes place here.

    Safe, Strong, Secure

    Our Foam Cycle container is lockable which allows you to process Foam Packaging waste in a secure outdoor environment preventing unauthorized users from accessing the equipment.

    The Foam Cycle's metal enclosure is a specially designed ISO certified shipping container built new to our patented specifications.

    ISO certification defines a container that meets size, strength, and durability requirements along with structural integrity suitable for multiple transportation methods such as truck, rail or ship so you know it’s built strong.

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    What's Inside

    Each Foam Cycle container comes equipped with a leading manufacturer’s compact and versatile foam densifier machine capable of volume reducing your collected EPS Foam at a ratio of 90-1.

    Hourly processing rates vary per model from 200 lbs. to 300 lbs. per hour. The unit also comes with inside lighting, built in exhaust fans and it comes fully wired for an easy outside electrical connection.

    Also included is one Foam Collection Container.

    Lastly and equally as important, each Foam Cycle container comes with our 100% support including recycling collection information and hand out suggestions to insure that your foam collection program is a complete success!

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    Saved from the Landfill

    Pictured above is a bag of loose Foam Packaging waste that was heading to the landfill. With the Foam Cycle system, this bag of foam will now be densified on site and reduced in size at a ratio of 90-1 by removing 98% of the air that makes up Foam Packaging.

    The leftover 2% residual material from this process is pure polystyrene plastic called a foam ingot (pictured on the right). Ingots are used as feedstock for picture frames made by our sister company Better Frame ( www.BetterFrame.org) that are manufactured right here in the US!

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    Foam Collection Container

    Each Foam Cycle system comes with one durable all-weather Foam Collection Container.

    This container is a great way to create a "hub and spoke" collection program to collect and transport foam packaging material from one or more locations in your town to the Foam Cycle System for processing.

    Each container comes with 3 lightweight collection bags. Additional containers can be added to any foam collection program.

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    Foam Collection Cargo Trailer

    This unique and custom-designed cargo trailer is used to extend foam packaging waste collection within a community.

    Placing the main Foam Cycle system at the “Hub” or anchor location, these trailers could be used as a “Spoke” and placed in more rural areas or at local colleges, hospitals and universities.

    It can also be used at Special Waste and Earth Day events. It’s a great addition to your foam collection program!

  • Foam Cycle has been issued a US Utility Patent for a" Method and system of recycling polystyrene waste"

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    Earth911 Podcast

    Listen to the story on how Foam Cycle began and how we can continue to grow with the help of dedicated recyclers that want to make a difference in their community and in our world!

  • Questions and Answers

    What Types of Foam packaging ( aka Styrofoam) Can Be Recycled

    Foam Cycle programs can recycle clean polystyrene materials ( EPS, PS #6) including:

    Foam packaging from televisions, electronics, appliances, furniture, and coolers

    Clean food service foam such as cups, clamshell containers, egg cartons, and meat trays

    A program may accept one or both foam types depending on local goals.

    System Highlights

    • Designed for outdoor municipal recycling environments

    • Secure, lockable container for controlled access

    • Foam densification up to 90:1

    • Processing rates range from approximately 200 to 300 pounds per hour depending on system configuration

    • Built-in lighting, exhaust fans, and electrical wiring

    • Includes one all-weather foam collection container

    • Program support available to help recycling initiatives succeed

    What’s Inside the Container

    Each Foam Cycle container system includes a foam densifier selected to match the expected foam volume at the site. The system is designed for durability, efficient operation, and ease of use.Electrical Requirements

    A standard foam densifier requires 220-volt, three-phase electrical service rated at 80 amps. Special-order 480-volt systems are also available.

    What Happens to the Densified Foam

    The densified foam produced by the system is called an ingot. Foam Cycle can assist with establishing a buyback program for ingots generated at your location. Ingot value depends on location, material quality, volume, and current market conditions. Foam ingots are reused as manufacturing feedstock for new products, supporting circular recycling and material reuse. These ingots are highly valued and are used as feedstock for manufacturing products such as picture frames and interior moldings. Ingot values are determined by location, material grade, weight, volume, and current market conditions.

    Where are Foam Cycle systems installed?

    Foam Cycle systems are installed at outdoor municipal recycling drop-off centers, city and county recycling facilities, universities, and other centralized collection locations.

    How does Foam Cycle help municipalities?

    Foam Cycle helps municipalities divert foam waste from landfills, reduce transportation costs, and offer residents a practical way to recycle foam materials that are not accepted in curbside programs.

    Can I purchase additional all-weather foam collection bins?

    Yes. One foam collection bin is included with the Foam Cycle system. Additional all-weather foam collection bins can be purchased and placed at multiple locations such as schools, universities, or additional municipal sites.

    Can I purchase a stand alone foam densifier machine by itself?

    Yes. Foam Cycle offers a variety of foam densifier units designed to handle different foam volumes. Each unit is capable of recycling different quantities of foam. For more information on available sizes and configurations, contact Foam Cycle and speak with our sales professional.

    What kind of electrical power does the foam densifier require?

    A standard foam densifier unit requires 220-volt, three-phase electrical service rated between 60 and 80 amps. Special-order 480-volt models are also available if required.

    What kind of warranty does the Foam Cycle system include?

    The Foam Cycle system includes a full one-year warranty covering components and equipment inside and outside the container system, including the foam densifier unit.

    How long does it take to receive a Foam Cycle system after ordering?

    Once ordered, a complete Foam Cycle system can typically be shipped to any location within the United States in approximately five to seven weeks.

    How to Get Started

    Step 1 Contact Foam Cycle

    A Foam Cycle team member will review your goals and help determine the appropriate system for your site.

    Step 2 – Confirm Site Requirements

    You will confirm placement, electrical needs, and delivery timing.

    Step 3 – Delivery, Setup, and Training

    Foam Cycle can assist with delivery coordination, electrical guidance, operator training, and program setup.

    Warranty and Lead Time

    Warranty: One-year warranty covering components and equipment inside and outside the Foam Cycle container system, including the densifier

    • Delivery: Complete systems are typically shipped within five to seven weeks to locations within the United States and Canada.

  • Watch our easy ordering video below and call us for more details!

  • Easy to order and just plug it in when it arrives and start recycling!

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    Each Patented Foam Cycle Container system is made in the USA!

    We look forward to dropping one in at your municipal recycling drop off

    site real soon!

  • Grant Opportunities

    EPA Recycling Grant

    https://www.epa.gov/rcra/solid-waste-infrastructure-recycling-grant-program

    Foam Recycling Coalition Grant

    New Jersey DEP Recycling Grants

    Contact Foam Cycle at info@FoamCycle.com for grant details and more information

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    Sell Your Foam

    Do you have densified foam ingots for sale?

    Visit Recycle-My-Foam to learn about ways to sell and transport your recycled foam to companies here in the US and Canada that use the foam to make new products that contribute to a circular economy!

    Recycle-My-Foam also offers FREE foam consulting services for businesses that are looking to recycle their foam waste by installing a foam densifier machine.

  • Foam Cycle Newsletter

    Read all about Tiny House Community Development in Greensboro, North Carolina and how this non-profit is collecting and recycling foam waste and turning it into.....

  • Contact Us

    Reduce-Recycle-Re-Purpose

    Let Foam Cycle help you community recycle their foam packaging waste today !

    Foam Cycle LLC
    PO Box 181
    Augusta New Jersey 07822-0181
    844-362-6292