In September 2022, the City of Dublin (OH) launched a permanent 24/7 drop‑off system for clean EPS packaging and coolers at its City Service Center, partnering with neighboring Hilliard to process collected materials (dublinohiousa.gov). Dublin’s initiative aims to increase the city’s diversion rate—already at 48%—and reduce landfilled Styrofoam.
Rather than sending bulky foam to landfill, residents deposit EPS at the Service Center, where Dublin staff transport it to Hilliard’s facility, equipped with a Runi densifier obtained via a municipal grant in 2021 (dublinohiousa.gov). The densifier compresses EPS to 1/50th of its original volume, transforming a material the size of an SUV into a single concrete block.
This isn’t a one-off event: over 250 vehicles dropped off an estimated 1,800 lb at Hilliard’s first event, and over 4,000 lb were collected during an Earth Day 2022 drive-thru collection (dublinohiousa.gov). The approach melds community participation with infrastructure, targeting common packaging forms like foam coolers and shipping packaging—while excluding contaminated or food-grade EPS.
The system behind the solution
- Collection setup: 24/7 public drop-off at Dublin’s centralized recycling hub, co-located with other streams (organics, e-waste) (dublinohiousa.gov).
- Inter-city logistics: Dublin transports collected EPS to Hilliard’s site for processing.
- Densification technology: Runi screw-press makes EPS volume-efficient for transport and storage.
- Material flow: Compressed blocks are repurposed into insulation, coolers, frames, benches, helmets, and other molded products.
By combining uninterrupted accessibility, a regional collection network, and densification technology, the system addresses EPS’s traditional logistical challenge—volume—without resorting to verbal framing around “difficult to recycle.”
Why this matters
This model illustrates how municipalities can integrate EPS into standard recycling systems. The structured approach converts a lightweight, volume-heavy waste stream into a practical and scalable circular resource. With a clearly defined material path—from household to processed feedstock—EPS sheds its landfill designation to become a regional asset.
FACT BOX
| Item | Value |
| Launch | 15 September 2022 |
| Location | Dublin & Hilliard, Ohio, USA |
| Drop-off model | Permanent 24/7 collection for clean EPS |
| Equipment | Runi densifier (grants from SWACO) |
| First event result | 1,800 lb EPS collected |
| Earth Day result | 4,000 lb EPS collected |
| End-use | Insulation, molded products (benches, coolers, helmets) |
| City diversion rate | 48% (vs. Ohio state average ~30%) |
Source:
“Dublin launching Styrofoam recycling program” — City of Dublin, Ohio, 14 Sept 2022 (dublinohiousa.gov, Yahoo, dublinohiousa.gov, e3.eurekalert.org)
