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Community and Q&A

Responsible disposal of foam scraps

Boudy | Posted in General Questions on

Hi,

Over the coarse of several years of projects I have accumulated a pile of small scraps of various types of foam insulation boards and spray foam cuttings. I am loathe to bring it to the dump, however, I haven’t been able to find a recycler in my area (Hampshire County, MA).

I do bring clean pieces of styrofoam to Gold Coast Recycling but they don’t take the other types.

Any suggestions appreciated.

Going forward I am going to be highly selective about when and where I use foam.

Thanks
-Eric

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Replies

  1. 730d | | #1

    Could you run it through a leaf mulcher/shredder and than pour it in your attic ??

    1. joshdurston | | #3

      Flame and smoke resistance might be an issue if left exposed.

  2. Expert Member
    BILL WICHERS | | #2

    EPS and XPS are polystyrene. Commercial scrap dealers may be able to take those if they know what they are made of.

    Polyiso is a thermoset material, very different from the polystyrene materials.

    Honestly, I like Mike’s idea: shred the scraps and use them as a form of DIY “blown in” insulation.

    Bill

  3. GBA Editor
    Brian Pontolilo | | #4

    Hi Eric.

    Are the rigid foam scraps large enough for someone to use to insulate a rim joist between joist bays? If so, you could advertise them on Craigslist of Facebook marketplace for that purpose.

    Not sure what to do the with spray foam shavings...

  4. Boudy | | #5

    Thanks for all of the suggestions.

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