March 2009

Stark-Tuscarawas-Wayne Joint Solid Waste Management District

“Stark County Kicks Off Styrofoam® Recycling Program”

2008 proved to be another successful year in the Stark-Tuscarawas-Wayne Joint Solid Waste Management District. More than $3 million was awarded in the form of grants to aid recycling and yard waste programs, sheriff and health departments, reuse stores, and to help improve recycling infrastructure. One particular grant award has helped create a new recycling option for Styrofoam®. Slesnick Co. of Canton, with the help of a $100,000 Recycling Infrastructure Enhancement Grant from the District, has become one of the few companies in the state to accept packing Styrofoam® and process it for recycling. Styrofoam® also known as foam polystyrene, has been an ongoing problem because recycling options have not been available.

In addition, due to its low density, the volume of landfill space is occupies is extreme. Slesnick Co. of Canton purchased equipment to compact Styrofoam® into blocks that can be marketed to synthetics reprocessors. This equipment operates on pressure without degrading the material through the use of heat or solvents. Through this method, the bulk of the original material is reduced by 50:1. The resulting dense block is both usable for reprocessors and is cost effective to transport. It may be used to produce egg cartons, lunch trays, transport packaging, audio and videocassette casings, building supplies and office supplies.

This recycling service is available at Slesnick Co, 700 3^rd St. SE, Canton. Residents or commercial/industrial clients may use the program. It is important to note that only clean packing polystyrene is acceptable. Packing polystyrene may be in the form of “peanuts” or formed to the shape of the product it cushioned, such as that in new computers. Used Styrofoam® cups and plates are NOT ACCEPTABLE. Slesnick Co. is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. If you have any questions regarding this program, please call Slesnick Co. at 330-454-5101.