Expanded Polystyrene and the Environment

’Pi J MODERN POLYMERS,INK P.O. Box 398 901 West Academy Street

Cherryville, North Carolina 2802 1 Phone (704) 435-5825

We at Modern Polymers, Incorporated are very concerned about the adverse and mostly incorrect statements being circulated about Expanded Polystyrene foam products. We have put together the following information to enable you to come to a reasoned decision as to whether Expanded Polystyrene is the proper packaging medium for your products. Also we hope to inform community leaders and decision makers of the facts about EPS.

Within this information you will find:

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1 - The composition of the municipal waste stream and what part EPS plays in it.

2 - The cost comparison (economically, environmentally and conservationally) of an expanded polystyrene product and its paper counterpart.

3 - The truth about Bio-Degradability.

4 - How EPS affects the earth’s ozone layer.

5 - Whether and how Expanded Polystyrene foam may be recycled and who is recycling.

6 - What characteristics determine whether EPS foam is a viable packaging alternative.

7 - Whether incineration of plastics (including EPS foam) is an option worth considering.

We feel that uninformed decision making, even though well intentioned, can often lead to consequences not considered. Our industry as a whole has allowed certain assertions and so-called “facts” t6 go unchallenged for too long. So please take time to read this material.

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POLYSTYRENE PACKAGING COUNCIL, INC. 1025 CONNECTICUTAVE., NW SUITE 508 WASHINGTON, DC 20036 TEL: 202/822-6424 FAX: 202/331-0538

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TO: North Carolina Grassroots Network PSPC State Coordinators

FROM: Betsy de Campos Operations Manager

DATE: October 16, 1990

RE: Letter of Commendation to PSPC from Governor James Martin

I received in the mail today a letter from Governor James Martin detailing the role polystyrene plays in Senate Bill 111 passed in the 1989 session. He also offers a nice pat on the back to our organization and industry’s efforts to take an active and responsible role in solid waste management.

Please take the time to read Governor Martin’s letter and to contact Gary Hunt, North Carolina Director of Waste Reduction, if you have any help to offer regarding the end-use marketing of recycled polystyrene. Also enclosed is a memo from Lawler Consulting regarding the proposed North Carolina solid waste regulations and Solid Waste Study Committee deliberations.

This is an excellent example of what can be accomplished when the facts are presented in the right manner. Thank you to everyone involved for a job well done!

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

RALEIGH 27603-8001

JAMES G. MARTIN GOVERNOR October 1 1 , 1990

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Mr. R. Jerry Johnson, Executive Director Polystyrene Packaging Council, Inc. 1025 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. Suite 508

shington, D.C. 20036

Dear Mr. Johnson:

you for sharing your views on polystyrene foam packaging and its role as a packaging alternative for food service applications. I appreciate the Polystyrene Packaging Council’s concerns regarding product bans on this material and want to assure you that the State of

Carolina makes every attempt to consider all interests prior to decisions on solid management issues.

Under current legislation, the only restrictions we have regarding polystyrene are: 1 ) prohibiting the sale or distribution of packaging materials manufactured with fully halogenated chlorofluorocarbons and 2 ) restricting the distribution or sale of polystyrene

’ products unless that material is recyclable. I believe that your current polystyrene foam packaging meets both of these requirements. Enclosed please find a copy of the legislation

. addressing polystyrene.

laud the efforts of Polystyrene Packaging Council to demonstrate the recyclability of ystyrene. I am proud of the efforts of several North Carolina school systems, such as ilford County, to collect and ship to a recycling facility used polystyrene food trays. This

has set an excellent example for other institutions on what can be done to help reduce our state’s solid waste disposal stream.

Our primary concern regarding polystyrene is the lack of viable markets in North Carolina for recycling post-consumer polystyrene. In order to have successful local recycling programs, markets for sustainable recycling must be available. Any assistance the Polystyrene Packaging Council could provide in helping us improve the marketing situation

ARC0 Chemical Company

1500 Market Street Post Office Box 7258 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19101 Telephone 21 5 557 2453

Denis C. Boyle Business Manager Polystyrenics & Engineering Resins

November 7, 1986

EPS DOES NOT THREATEN THE OZONE LAYER

Dear Customer:

In the past week the theory that chlorofluorocarbons reducing or eroding the atmospheric ozone layer has gained national attention. It has been featured on programs such as 20/2O on ABC-TV and Cable News Network as well as being picked up by prominent newspapers such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

The scientific community has documented erosion of the ozone layer over recent years. The specific cause is unknown, but some scientists speculate that this is mainly due to the release of chlorofluorocarbons. These gases are widely used throughout the world in refrigeration systems, aerosol cans and some plastic foams. It is the area of the plastic foams on which there seems to be as great deal of confusion and misunderstanding.

I am writing this letter to clarify the situation with expandable polystyrene. There are no chlorofluorocarbons in the expandable polystyrene that we currently market under the tradename of DYLITEB Expandable Polystyrene. The blowing agent that is currently used in the manufacture of EPS is pentane, which is totally unrelated to the chlorofluorocarbons/ ozone controversy.

If you have any questions or need additional information on this subject, please contact your local DYLITE resin sales representative for further information.

Sincerely,

EPS DOES NOT THREATEN THE OZONE LAYER

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Chlorofluorocarbons (CFs): QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

ID What are CFCs and what is their impact on the ozone layer?

PI Fully halogenated chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are a family of chemical compounds used mainly as refrigerants for freezers, refrigerators and air-conditioning units, and as industrial cleansing solvents primarily in the high-tech industry. CFCs are also used as an expansion agent in the manufacture of some polystyrene foam food service products.

When released into the atmosphere, CFCs rise to the stratosphere where they break down and release chlorine. The chlorine then acts to reduce the stratospheric ozone layer, causing an increase in the amount of harmful ultraviolet radiation reaching the earth.

Are CFCs used extensively in the manufacture of polystyrene foam food service products?

No. The vast majority of foam food service products have never been manufactured with CFCs. For example, over 90 percent of the foam cup market has always been CFC free. In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, less than 2% of all CFCs used in the United States are used in the mavufacture of polystyrene foam food service products.

As Liz Cook of Friends of the Earth said about the use of CFCs in polystyrene foam food packaging, “This isn’t a major use. But this is the most visible CFC use, the tip of the CFC iceberg.” The lion’s share of the iceberg, as previously mentioned, is represented by refrigerants and industrial cleansing solvents.

What is the polystyrene industry doing to reduce the damage to the ozone layer?

61 The polystyrene manufacturing industry is very concerned about the environmental impact of its products and has taken strong steps to end the use of CFCs in the manufacture of polystyrene foam food service products. The Foodservice Packaging Institute in early 1988 announced the industry’s voluntary commitment to eliminate the use of fully-halogenated CFCs in the manufacture of their products. This voluntary

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phase-out, the only one of its kind, has been applauded by the EPA and leading environmental groups.

The industry switch to HCFC-22, recommended by the EPA as an excellent alternative, win reduce ozone depletion from the manufacture of polystyrene foam food service products by 95% or more. This far exceeds the 80% reduction levels being called for by many environmental groups.

Not satisfied with a 95% reduction, the which will have no affect whatsoever on

industry continues the ozone layer.

For more information contact:

Jerry Johnson

to research expansion agents

The Polystyrene Packaging Council, Inc. 1025 Connecticut Ave., NW Suite 513

Washington, D.C. 20036 2021822-6424

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COPPE PLASTIC PACKAGING & DEGRADABILITY What’s The Issue?

Since the 1940’s, plastics packaging has enjoyed impressive growth. Consumers have come to depend on countless plastic packaging applications like bottles, jars, wraps, bags and foils. A recent study indicates the volume of plastics packaging will continue to grow.

tures of plastics that led to its explosive growth, now causes some problems in the minds of many associated with solving our nation’s growing solid waste and litter problem.

At a time when many communities are closing landfills, a common belief is that if plastics were degradable, they would simply disappear and minimize solid waste problems. Unfortunately, this is a misperception. There is confusion about the role of degradable plastics (or any packaging material) in the litter stream and in solid waste landfills.

Independent studies conducted for the EPA show that over 60 percent of the material currently entering landfills is considered to be “degradable.” This includes food wastes, yard wastes, inorganic wastes, paper and paperboard. Plastic packaging represents a little less than 4 percent of the total solid waste stream. If landfills are filling up in spite of such large amounts of degradable solid wastes, it is difficult to believe that making another 4 percent degradable would solve the solid waste problem.

Nothing Degrades Quickly Degradation is in fact a complex and slow

process. For a material to degrade, it must be exposed to light, heat, air, water and/or bacteria. Under landfill conditions, many materials generally regarded as degradable (steel plate in metal cans or paper products, for instance) deteriorate either slowly or not

at all. The decomposition of paper and cellulose film is significantly retarded if they are coated or heavily printed. For example, newspaper headlines can easily be read after the paper has been in alandfill for 10years.

Another widely held opinion is that litter is a problem caused by plastics rather than

However, durability, one of the key fea- by aberrant consumer behavior. Plastics packaging is certainly a visible part of litter and degradable packaging could conceivably help reduce the litter problem. There is a concern, however, that degradable packaging might lead to an increase in the amount of litter. In addition, such an approach would treat the symptom (litter), rather than the cause (litterbugs).

Scientists Study Degradable Plastics Scientists, who worked long and hard to

increase plastics’ durability, have now taken up the challenge to make some plastics degradable.

These points were highlighted at a 1987 semipar on degradable plastics, sponsored by the plastics industry. Seminar speakers stressed that while degradability has potential for certain applications, it is only a partial answer to the nation’s litter problem.

However, federal and state legislators have proposed legislation which would require plastics packaging products to degrade within 90 to 120 days. Thus, plastics packaging has been singled out even though traditional materials that make up more of the waste stream do not decompose in the same amount of time - nor are they required to by law.

Types of Degradation Plastics are synthetic polymers made from

petrochemicals (as compared to natural polymers such as cellulose and natural rubber). Although plastics do not degrade at a

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COUNCIL ON PLASTICS AND PACKAGING IN THE ENVIRONMENT H 1275 K ST.. NW. WASHINGTON. DC 20005

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significant rate, certain plastic materials can be made to degrade faster in several ways. Degradable plastics would hinder recycl-

Photodegradation relies on ultraviolet ing, an environmentally preferred solution light from the sun to break the chemical for addressing the solid waste crisis. Most structure of plastics. Biodegradation in- applications for recycled plastics depend on

the strength and durability of these mate- volves the breaking down and consumption rials, properties which degradable products

of plastic materials by living organisms. do not provide for long term uses. Bio or photodegradable plastics could not be mixed However, caution must be exhibited with

these methods of degradation. Food pack- with untreated plastics which are to be re- aging products that are altered to degrade cyc€ed without affecting the quality of the may break down prematurely during com- recycled plastic products. Methods for treat- mercial or consumer shelf life and risk the ing degradable plastics prior to recycling food becoming contaminated. Degradable need to be developed, but in the end, they plastics technology is addressing the issue of will only increase the cost of recycling, hin- “controlled degradability” to deal with this dering its growth. problem.

Summary Photo and biodegradation of plastics de- Research and development into degrada- pends on sunlight and/or moisture. Photo-

ble plastics must continue. However, it is clear that neither photo nor biodegradable degradable plastics would take longer to de-

grade in Alaska, for instance, than in a state plastics are meaningful remedies to the solid with an abundance of sunlight such as waste crisis; they are ancillary at best. Addi- Florida. Likewise, moisture must be present tional information must be obtained on the in landfills for microorganisms to penetrate environmental impact of the byproducts of plastics materials and break down their degradation. The impact that degradable chemical structure. Starch is being proposed plastics may have on the recycling of plastics as a biodegradable additive (with other will also have to be determined. copolymers) in plastics, particularly for plas- Neither is it in the interest of the consum-

ing public nor consistent with sound en- tic bags and fast food applications. Some of vironmental practices for degradable plastics the technical problems these starch systems to be pushed as a panacea for solving the solid waste problem. Instead, an integrated must overcome range from potentially

weakened mechanical properties, especially program of recycling, waste-to-energy incin- if the products are exposed to a high level eration, and limited landfilling appears to of moisture, to the possibility that the starch be the best solution to controlling the na- itself may support the growth of mold. tion’s solid waste.

Degradable Plastics & Recycling

What is COPPE? COPPE is the Council on Plastics and Packaging in the Environment, a coalition of plastic resin

producers, packaging manufacturers and users and trade associations. It recognizes that the challenges in dealing with post-consumer plastic packaging waste are both a fact of life and a societal issue that must be addressed. We hope that through sharing information on problems and solutions to them we will help increase the foundation of knowledge upon which sound decisions will be made.

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The Editor “The Martlett” University of Victoria

Recently, when I used the take-out convenience to obtain soup from the University Centre cafeteria, it was serviced in a paper cup, rather than the foamed polystyrene cup that was previously used. Initially openminded about the change, I returned to the Elliott Building and retrieved the soup from my cloth lunchbag to find that the capped paper cup had leaked. Also the walls of the container were so weak and soggy by this time, from the now only warm contents, that it nearly collapsed when lifted out of the bag. So during lunch I reflected on the environmental impetus that probably prompted the change.

A call to Food Services confirmed that, yes, it was environmental concerns that had stimulated the change. In performance, the foamed polystyrene coffee and soup containers had already appeared to be ranked well above paper in this application. What were their relative environmental merits in fact? The following table summarizes the available

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I information.

Environmental/Utility Scorecard, Hot Drink Containers

Property Polyfoam (a) Cup Paper (b) Cup

Weight, per cup 1.5g 10. l g

petroleum fraction(s), g 3 3.4 other chemicals, mg 45 1000

Raw materials, per cup: Wood, g nil 30

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Utilities, per tonne material: power, k w h 30 980 cooling water, mS (3) 54 50

Water effluent per tonne: volume, mS (3) 0.5 50- 190 suspended solids, kg nil 35-60 B.O.D., kg trace 30-50 organochlorines, kg nil 5-7

chlorine dioxide, kg nil 0.2 reduced sulfides, kg nil 2

Air emissions per tonne: chlorine, kg nil 0.5

particulates, kg trace 5-15 chlorofluorocarbons ( CFC’s) nil S(c) nil pentane, kg 50 (slow) S( d) nil

Stiffness: high low

Heat retension: high low

Structural integrity: high poor, esp. when wet Leak control: good poor

Trace contaminants: styrene, low risk dioxins, lurans possible Recycle potential:

to primary user easy, washable possibly, soaking destroys after use high S( e) low, hot melt adhesive difficulties

Incineration clean clean

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Ultimate disposal:

Heat recovery, MJ/kg 40 20 To land fill, g 1.5 10.1

Biodegradable no, essentially inert yes, BOD contrib. to leachate cost: X 2 . 5 ~

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Footnotes to table:

a. Mounded polystyrene beads. Information derived from Kirth-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 1982: Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Engineering 1989: and cities references.

b. From fully bleached kraft pulp. Information from B. C. pulp mill contacts and derived from Neil McCubbin. The Basic Technology of the Pulp and Paper Industry and Its En- vironmental Practices, Environment Canada, 1983 and cited references.

c. J. E. Guillet, cited by J. Krieger, Chem. and Engin. News 68 (5). 28. Jan 29, 1990.

d. Anon. Modern Plastics. 66. 97. July 1, 1989.

e. Examples of recycle details: Anon., Hydroc Proc. 68(8). 23. Aug. 1989; Ferguson, Chem. and Ind. (London). 725. Sept. 4 1976: ScotTChem in Brit 9 (6). 267. June 1973.

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Thus, the paper cup not only consumes about 3 times its final weight of raw wood, but also as much or more petroleum (for steam raising) and 21 times as much mass of additional chemicals as required by a polystyrene foam cup. Two hundred times as much power and six times the cooling water is required, and 300 times the volume of waste water is produced for each paper cup. No wonder that the paper cup costs 2% times as much!

The chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) blowing agent formerly used by some moulders of foamable polystyrene beads has been of concern for its effect on the ozone layer. But since the agreement on the Montreal Protocol on CFC’s by western nations in May 1987, blow moulders who had used CFC’s has switched to pentane or iso-butane, both environmentally-benign blowing agents. Even loss of these can be partially controlled.

Polystyrene foam is not biodegradable. But to switch to paper cups from the polyfoam for this reason is a bit like throwing away a shovel and returning to use a stick to dig with because it is biodegradable, paying 2% times as much to do so. There is, however, no technical barrier to recycling of the polyfoam cup, whereas the hot melt adhesive used to bond the paper cup makes recycling of this difficult.

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a1 solution in an ideal world is of course to carry one’s own cup. Fridge-0-Seal or are types made of polyethylene or polypropylene weigh 30-40g, the same as 20-25

ene foam cups. So any more than 25 use cycles of one of these would put the user f the single use variety in terms of resource costs and waste disposal volume. A

ceramic cup 150-18Og or mug 300-35Og which may be aesthetically preferred, use considerably more resources to fabricate, but over sufficient use cycles would still be environmentally benign. But to carry one’s own is not always convenient. And if broken, they would contribute 100-200 times as much non-biodegradable materal to landfill as a polyfoam cup.

Dr. M, B. Hocking Department of Chemistry University of Victoria P.Q. Box 1700 Victoria, B.C. Canada V8W 2Y2

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Solid Waste Disposal: QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

How serious is the solid waste disposal problem?

0 Some communities face serious solid waste disposal problems that demand the attention of producers, consumers and public decision makers alike.

Thanks to an explosion of technological innovation over the last century, Americans today enjoy numerous conveniences that improve the quality of our lives: we produce more, travel faster, communicate better and live longer than ever before. Vast changes in American lifestyles - such as the increased mobility and entry of women into the work force - have quickened the pace of life and put a premium on time-saving and convenience.

anges in lifestyle have also changed the amount and composition of our erage American now generates 1,100 Ibs. of solid waste per year. And we are

rapidly running out of landfill space in which to put that waste. Half of the landfill capacity in the United States closed between 1979 and 1985; capacity will be cut in half again by 1990.

m What is the main source of the waste disposal problem?

Q The largest single portion of solid waste is paper and paperboard products, which comprise nearly 40 percent of all solid waste in America. Paper products degrade when landfilled, but only after many years. Experts have estimated that newspaper, one of the most readily degradable, can take as long as 40 years to decompose. Recent research suggets that this estimate is actually conservative. Archaeological researchers from the Universrty of Arizona dug up 15-year-old newspapers that were still completely readable. As a result, biodegradable solid waste will not significantly lengthen the capacity ar life of a landfill.

How much do polystyrene foam food service products contribute to the solid waste 'problem?

Q Polystyrene foam food service products only account for around '/4 of 1 percent of all solid waste products in the United States, according to the EPA.

Is polystyrene foam biodegradable?

No, but contrary to popular assumption, biodegradabilty is not a positive attribute of products winding up in landfills. According to George Proios, Executive Director of the New York State Legislative Commission on Water Resource needs of Lotlg Island:

“If biodegradable products end up in landfills, they will break down and form leachate and methane gas, the two major problems with all current landfills. Nonbiodegradable materials, such as plastics, are therefore far more desirable in landfills than biodegradable materials. ”

What is the plastics industry doing to reduce waste at the source?

Q Through research and development, the industry has found new, more efficient products that are both lighter and stronger than ever. When plastic grocery bags were introduced they weighed one-half as much as their paper counterparts. Now they weigh one-sixth as much.

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The Polystyrene Packaging Council, Inc. encourages programs to test the economic and technical viability of recycling polystyrene foam.

Genpack Corporation is developing a program to recycle polystyrene food service products. School systems in Massachusetts are being targeted to participate in this program. Students will empty food from their polystyrene foam trays and return them to a special rack. The trays will then be sent to a recycling plant for cleaning, pelletizing and manufacturing into non-food materials. This program will also give students a valuable exercise in recycling.

4 Are there other alternatives for reducing polystyrene wastes?

Q Yes. Modern waste-to-energy incineration plants are currently operating in many countries as well as in the United States. When completely combusted, polystyrene gives off only carbon dioxide, water and trace levels of ash - the same products as paper. Efficiently burned, 100 pounds of polystyrene foam leave .01 lbs. of ash residue, as compared with an average 25 lbs. residue per 100 lbs of mixed solid waste. In fact, because of its high BTU value, polystyrene actually enhances the incineration process.

Why not abandon the “throw-away” society and go back to reusable ware, such as

Disposable products were developed primarily to protect the public health. Polystyrene

washable plates, cups and trays?

foam food service products are more sanitary than reusable dishes in restaurants and signifkantly less expensive than both reusable and other disposable (e.g. paper) substitutes. Foam’s superior ability to keep food at a constant temperature contributes to the success of meal delivery programs which benefit millions of Americans.


Jerry Johnson The Polystyrene Packaging Council, Inc. 1025 Connecticut Ave., NW Suite 513

Washington, D.C. 20036 202 1822-6424

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Landfills and Biodegradability: QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ~

How much of our solid waste is currently disposed of in landfills?

Q Approximately 85 percent. The rest is either recycled or incinerated.

What is the current status of landfill capacity in the United States?

We are rapidly running out of landfill space. In 1979 there were 18,000 landfills in the United States. By 1985, that number had been cut in half to 9,000. It is expected to be cut in half again by 1990.

Why are landfills filling up so fast?

Q They are filling up very quickly because most solid waste - contrary to popular belief - does not biodegrade very rapidly. Recent research indicates that it can take decades for even readily biodegradable material (such as newspaper and many organic materials) to decompose in most landfills. Archaeologist W. L. Rathje of the University of Arizona reports finding completely readable newspapers and whole hotdogs and T-bone steaks in a 15-year-old landfill outside of Chicago.

What happens when materials biodegrade?

El Biodegradation is a complex chemical process. As materials break down, they create by-products, some of which are toxic. In other words, degradable products do not “disappear.”

Indeed, when not properly contained, biodegrading wastes may leach toxic chemicals into groundwater. And in many landfills, the biodegradation process has resulted in pockets of methane gas, which have leaked to the surface and caused fires. Leachate and methane gas releases, when not properly ’contained and controlled, have frequently been tesponsible for landfill closures.

Isn’t polystyrene foam the cause of toxic emissions in landfills?

No. Polystyrene foam, which is not degradable, is actually beneficial to landfills. According to George Proios, Executive Director of the New York Legislative

up in landfills, they will break down and form leachate and methane gas, the two major problems with all current landfills. Nonbiodegradable materials, such as plastics, are therefore far more desirable in landfills than biodegradable.”

Commission on Water Resource Needs of Long Island: “If biodegradable products end .~

What happens when polystyrene foam is landfilled?

Q Since polystyrene foam does not biodegrade, it is benign to the environment and provides important landfill stabilization like earth, rock or concrete. This allows for later landfill reclamation for parks, schools, ball fields and other public uses.

What are the alternatives to landfilling?

Q We can greatly reduce the material that needs to be landfilled by two means: recycling and waste- to-energy incineration.

Efforts are underway throughout this country to recycle ever increasing amounts of the solid waste we generate. The EPA’s recycling goal of 25% may well be met in the next 5- 10 years.

And through waste-to-energy incineration, we can reduce by as much as 90% the solid waste that must be landfilled.

Can we completely do away with landfills?

Unlikely. Even if we were to move completely to recycling and incineration, we would still need landfills for incinerator ash and non-combustibles.

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Washington, D.C. 20036 2021 822-6424

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Polystyrene Recycling, Inc. QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ~~

What is the New York City Metropolitan Area Recycling Project?

Q Polystyrene Recycling, Inc. a subsidiary of Amoco Foam Products Company, in cooperation with McDonald’s restaurants and WTE Corporation, will be collecting post consumer wastes at 20 McDonald’s restaurants in the New York City area for recycling.

How will the project operate?

Q The separated polystyrene will be cut into fluff and sent to be repelletized at another location. At an Amoco Foam Products plant in Winchester, Virginia the pellets will be mixed with virgin polystyrene to produce building foundation protection board for use in construction applications.

m Can recycled polystrene be used in the production of new foam food service products?

Q No. FOF sanitary reasons, the polystyrene industry does not use recycled polystyrene in the production of foam food service products.

How much do polystyrene foam food service products contribute to the solid waste stream?

Q According to EPA, packaging accounts for approximately 32.7% of the total solid waste stream. Foam food service products make up less than 1% of packaging waste by both weight and volume.

The Polystyrene Packaging Council promotes recycling projects such as this one in efforts to reduce even this small part of the solid waste stream. The Council has supported other innovative model projects to test the feasibility of recycling foam food service products from school cafeterias and the home.

Many people say that polystyrene packaging products cannot be recycled. Is this true?

Q No. The technology exists and is currently in operation to recycle polystyrene packaging products.

The main difficulty in recycling food service packaging is collection. This is true for all materials: paper, metal or foam. Disposables must be collected, separated from other trash, and then cleaned. Sufficient amounts of polystyrene do exist to operate effective recycling programs. And it is easier to recycle polystyrene as opposed to alternate products. Many substitutes, such as coated paper, are made of composite materials, which have no recycling potential.

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What are the goals of the recycling project?

H By participating in this ground-breaking venture, Polystyrene Recycling, Inc. hopes to measure the economic viability and practical application of recycling as it applies to packaging manufactured from polystyrene.

This demonstration project should provide a basis for the plastics industry to expand recycling and cleaning techniques in dealing with other plastics and more complicated separation problems such as food wastes.

What is the Polystyrene Packaging Council? ~

The Polystyrene Packaging Council, Inc. is comprised of manufacturers of polystyrene foam products, raw materials suppliers, makers of molding, recycling and extrusion equipment and trade associations. The Council is dedicated to the effective use and recycling of polystyrene and to providing accurate, reliable information about environmentally sound solid waste disposal practices. We provide technical assistance to help public officials, consumers and local businesses effectively tackle this problem.



Washington, D.C. 20036 202 1822-6424

Plastics Again Recycling Project QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ~

What is Plastics Again?

Q Plastics Again is a joint venture of Genpack Corporation of Glens Falls, New York and Mobil Chemical Company of Stamford, Connecticut. The two have combined resources to build the first commercial U.S. plant designed to recycle used polystyrene foam products such as food trays, cups and containers as well as plastic cutlery. The plant, located forty miles west of Boston in Leominster, Massachusetts, is scheduled to open in

at are the capabilities of this plant?

Q The $2 million facility, cwering 2 1,000 square feet, can recycle 3 million pounds of used polystyrene per year. The plant has space to expand its recycling capacity to 6 million pounds per year. Three million pounds represents the amount of polystyrene used by about 1,000 schools or similar institutions each year.

m What effect will this plant have in reducing polystyrene in our solid waste stream?

m The Leominster plant will allow Massachusetts to reclaim 8% of the 18,750 tons of polystyrene foam food food service waste it produces each year. A model project at a Lexington, Masachusetts school lunchroom also indicated that recycling of polystyrene foam products reduces the volume of solid waste by 50%.

According to EPA, packaging of all kinds accounts for 32.7% of the total solid waste stream. Foam food service products make up less than 1%. The Polystyrene Packaging Council promotes efforts to reduce even this small part of the solid waste stream.

How will the project operate?

CRInc., a large, diverse recycling firm, will collect used source separated polystyrene products from school lunchrooms, fast food restaurants and institutions. The waste will Be tasken to Leominster where it will be cut into fluff, washed, melted and filtered into tiny pellets for reuse.

How will the recycled polystyrene be used?

The recycled polystyrene pellets may be reused in products such as coat hangers, flower pots, wall and building insulation, and protective packaging.

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What problems still exist in the recycling of polystyrene foam products?

The main difficulty in recycling food service packaging is collection. This is true for all materials: paper, metal or foam. Disposables must be collected, separated from other trash, and then cleaned. Sufficient amounts of polystyrene do exist to operate effective recycling programs. And its easier to recycle polystyrene as opposed to substitutes, many of which are made of composite materials like plastic or coated paper, whose components must be treated separately.

@ What are the goals of Plastics Again?

0 Genpack and Mobil hope to increase public awareness of the recycling potential of 0th environmental benefits and as a commercial enterprise.

Though plastics make up only seven percent of our solid waste, the Polystyrene Packaging Council actively supports plgstics recycling as part of a comprehensive solution to the disposal of solid waste.

What is the Polystyrene Packaging Council?

The Polystyrene Packaging Council, Inc. is comprised of manufacturers of polystyrene foam products, raw materials suppliers, makers of molding, recycling and extrusion equipment and trade associations. The Council is dedicated to the effective use and recycling of polystyrene and to providing accurate, reliable informatian about environmentally sound solid waste disposal practices. We provide technical aassistance to help public officials, consumers and local businesses effectively tackle this problem.



Washington, D.C. 20036 202 1822-6424

Recycling : QUESTIONS 63 ANSWERS

How big a part of the waste stream are plastic and polystyrene foam food service products?

Plastics make up a comparatively small proportion of our solid waste. According to Univerisity of Arizona “garbologist,” W, L. Rathje, all plastics make up about 7.2% of the municipal solid waste stream. But foam food service products make up only l/4 of 1% of our solid waste by both weight and volume. In comparison, paper and paperboard contribute 37.1%, yard wastes 17.9% and glass and metals about 9.6% each.

Is it possible to recycle plastic products?

81 Yes. Indeed, plastics are among the products easiest to reclaim for reuse. Processes have already been developed to recycle mixed plastic soft drink bottles and milk jugs. And some private firms are currently practicing technologies to recycle plastic wastes from residential and industrial sources to marketable non-food service products, such as park benches, playground equipment, carstops in parking lots and piers.

What about recycling polystyrene foam packaging products?

Q The technology exists and is currently in operation to remanufacture polystyrene packaging products. An estimated 3.5 - 5 billion pounds of plastic scrap were reground and reused in 1987, never entering the waste stream.

Many people say that the foam packaging products used in fast food restaurants cannot he recycled. Is this true?

No. The difficulty in recycling food service packaging is collection. This is true regardless of whether the packaging is paper, metal or foam. To overcome this obstacle, the Polystyrene Packaging Council, Inc. encourages projects designed to test the feasibility of recycling used polystyrene packaging products from food service and household uses.

How will these model projects operate?

Q Genpack Corporation is developing a program to recycle polystyrene food service ~

products. School systems in Massachusetts are being targeted to participate in this program. Students will empty food from their polystyrene trays and return them to a special rack. The trays will then be sent to a recycling plant for cleaning, pelletizing and manufacturing into non-food materials. This program will also give students a valuable exercise in recycling.

28

When will these model projects begin?

Each will begin operation in the Fall of 1988. We should see some results within six months after they begin operation.

What do you expect to learn from the model projects?

There are two main goals for the pilot projects. First, we will learn a great deal about the practical feasibility of polystyrene packaging in three completely different settings. For instance: Is it possible to clean the foam? Will consumers cooperate? Is the techtiology appropriate for separating different types of plastic? We should also learn about the economic viability of recycling polystyrene packaging products.

What is industry doing?

El The Polysytrene Packaging Council, Inc. represents the major producers of foam food service products and the suppliers of resin to make these items. In addition to supporting the recycling projects listed above, the PSPC is working with local government and citizens to solve our country’s solid waste management program.



Washington, D.C. 20036 2021 822-6424

29

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET MSDS No. HCROOB 192 D Y L I T E ' EXPANDABLE POLYSTYRENE - REGULAR GRADE I Rev 11/02?90 D t e

ARCO CHEMICAL COMPANY 3 8 0 1 WEST CHESTER P I K E NEWTOWN SQUARE, P A . 1 9 0 7 3

IMPORTANT: Read this MSDS before handling and disposing of this product and pass this information on to employees, customers, and users of this product This product is covered by the OSHA Hazard Communication Rule and this document has been prepared in accord with the MSDS requirements of the rule.

-

Trade Telephone Numbers Name D Y L I T E EXPANDABLE POLYSTYRENE - REGULAR GRADE EMERGENCY

Other Names EXPANDABLE P O L Y S T Y R E N E ; FOAM POLYSTYRENE 2 1 5 / 3 5 3 - 8 3 0 0 ARCO CHEM

8 0 0 / 3 2 1 - 7 0 0 0 I N F O ONLY

8 0 0 / 4 2 4 - 9 3 0 0 CHEMTREC

CUSTOMER S E R V I C E

Chemical Family

DOT Hazardous Materials Proper Shipping Name EXPANDABLE POLYSTYRENE NOT REGULATED

DOT Hazard Class NOT REGULATED

Generic Name N / P

CAS No. SEE S E C T I O N I X Company I ID No. E 0 0 0 3 1 9 2 0 0 lUNINA ID No. NOT REGULATED

PHYSICAL HAZARDS: EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE (BASED ON BLOWING AGENT)

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS: SLIGHT INHALATION HAZARD (BASED ON BLOWING AGENT) (SHORT-TERM) SLIGHT EYE IRRITANT (BASED ON BLOWING AGENT)

SLIGHT SKIN IRRITANT (BASED ON BLOWING AGENT) NO DATA FOUND; NO EXPECTED INGESTION HAZARD NO DATA FOUND; NO EXPECTED SKIN ABSORPTION HAZARD

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS: NO CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS FOR THIS MATERIAL (LONG-TERM) HAVE BEEN REPORTED.

-59' F ( cc 1 AP 500' F Lower 1 . 4 Upper 8.3 BASED ON B L O W I N G AGENT ( B A S E D ON B L O W I N G AGENT) ( B A S E D ON B L O W I N G AGENT)

WHEN C O N T A I N E R I S OPENED/BROKEN, FLAMMABLE VAPOR I S RELEASED W H I C H I S -ire and H E A V I E R T H A N A I R / C A N T R A V E L LONG D I S T A N C E ALONG G R O U N D / I G N I T E / F L A S H B A C K TO Explosion SOURCE. ASSURE GOOD V E N T I L A T I O N TO PREVENT FLAMMABLE VAPOR FORMATION. WHEN iazards M A T E R I A L I S H A N D L E 0 S T A T I C CHARGE I S GENERATED W H I C H CANNOT B E COMPLETELY

D I S S I P A T E D DUE TO I N S U L A T I N G PROPERTY, C A U S I N G SPARK/IGNITION/EXPLOSION.

DO NOT ENTER AREA WITHOUT PROPER P R O T E C T I O N ( S E E " D E C O M P O S I T I O N P R O D U C T S . " F I G H T F I R E FROM SAFE D I S T A N C E / P R O T E C T E D L O C A T I O N . B E A D S CAN R E S U L T I N DANGEROUS W A L K I N G ON SMOOTH HARD S U R F A C E / I N T E R F E R E W I T H F I R E F I G H T I N G U N L E S S COVERED O V E R . FOR LARGE F I R E , USE MUCH WATER AS S T R A I G H T STREAM T O " D I G " I N T O HOT M O L T E N MASS FROM O U T S I D E TO OPEN AND COOL I N T E R I O R / P R E V E N T R E I G N I - T I O N . I N T E R M I T T E N T FOG A P P L I C A T I O N WILL P R O V I D E SURFACE C O O L I N G / P R O T E C T I O N OF F I R E F I G H T E R S . PRODUCES DENSE B L A C K SMOKE WHEN B U R N I N G , OBSCURING V I S I O N .

1 7

Special 'irefighting 'rocedures

SEQ: ***FOR "DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY," SEE THE STATEMENT ON PAGE 4*w

Of S L I G H T H E A L T H H A Z A R D . S E E BELOW FOR R O U T E - S P E C I F I C D E T A I L S . I Acute Hazards

1 Q

cl

ISkin MAY PRODUCE S K I N I R R I T A T I O N . Irritation

NO S I G N I F I C A N T S I G N S OR SYMPTOMS I N D I C A T I V E OF ANY ADVERSE H E A L T H H A Z A R D Ingestion ARE EXPECTED T O OCCUR AS A R E S U L T OF I N G E S T I O N .

I

I

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Primary Routek. ROUTE OF EXPOSURE

Q PROLONGED OVEREXPOSURE MAY CAUSE COUGHING, SHORTNESS OF B R E A T H , D I Z Z I N E S S

Inhalation AND I N T O X I C A T I O N .

MAY CAUSE MINOF: EYE I R R I T A T I O N . Contact

Chronic 'Hazards and Special Health Effects NO A D D I T I O N A L M E D I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N FOUND.

I F EXPOSURE EXCEEDS T H E P E L / T L V , USE N I O S H / M S H A APPROVED R E S P I R A T O R Y PRO- T E C T I O N E Q U I P M E N T A S S P E C I F I E D I N THE N I D S H / O S H A 1981 O C C U P A T I O N A L H E A L T H G U I D E L I N E S FOR C H E M I C A L H A Z A R D S .

S A F E T Y G L A S S E S WITH S I D E GUARDS SHOULD B E WORN TO PREVENT I N J U R Y FROM F L Y I N G P A R T I C L E S AND/OR OTHER EYE CONTACT W I T H T H I S PRODUCT.

Respiratory

Eye

D E P E N D I N G ON T H E C O N D I T I O N S OF U S E , P R O T E C T I V E GLOVES, APRON, BOOTS, H E A D

THOROUGHLY A F T E R E A C H U S E .

B O T H L O C A L EXHAUST AND GOOD GENERAL ROOM V E N T I L A T I O N MUST B E P R O V I D E D NOT

M I X T L l R F ?

Skin AND FACE P R O T E C T I O N SHOULD B E WORN. T H I S E Q U I P M E N T SHOULD B E CLEANED

~ ~ ~ i ~ ~ ~ ~ i ~ ~ Controls ONLY TO CONTROL EXPOSURE B U T ALSO TO PREVENT F O R M A T I O N OF FLAMMABLE

N O N - S T A T I C C R E A T I N G C L O T H I N G AND C O N D U C T I V E SHOES SHOULD B E WORN Other Hygienic and Work practices M A T E R I A L S P I L L E D ON HARD SURFACE C A N B E A S E R I O U S S L I P P I N G / F A L L I N G H A Z A R D .

USE CARE I N W A L K I N G ON S P I L L E D M A T E R I A L . SPREAD COARSE. I N E R T GRANULAR

I Substance Source Date Type Value/Units Time

P E N T A N E

N U I S A N C E D U S T ( T O T A L )

OSHA 1989 TWA

A C G I H 1989 TWA

OSHA 1989 TWA A C G I H 1989 TWA

S T E L

S T E L

600 PPM 750 PPM 600 PPM 750 PPM

15 MG/M3 10 MG/MB

8 H R S 15 M I N 8 H R S

15 M I N 8 H R S 8 H R S

MSbS No. HCROO3 192

PPro2DPgtg

T R E A T S Y M P T O M A T I C A L L Y . Emergency Medical

.Procedures R E A P P E A R . Treatment A F T E R ADEQUATE F I R S T A I D , NO FURTHER TREATMENT I S R E Q U I R E D , U N L E S S SYMP' MS

P I L L R E L E A S E S FLAMMABLE VAPOR. K I L L I G N I T I O N S O U R C E S / V E N T I L A T E C O N F I N E D SPACES BEFORE E N T E R I N G . CREATES DANGEROUS S L I P P I N G HAZARD ON ANY HARD

praoa~,ons SMOOTH S U R F A C E . SPREAD GRANULAR COVER/OPEN G R A T I N G ON WALKWAYS. E Q U I P if Material CLEANUP CREW W I T H PROPER P R O T E C T I O N . PREVENT FLOW TO LOW AREAS. FLAMMABLE is spilled VAPORS H E A V I E R T H A N A I R / C A N ACCUMULATE. ON L A N D , VACUUM/SHOVEL I N T O S U I T - or ~ ~ l ~ ~ ~ ~ d A B L E D I S P O S A L C O N T A I N E R S . M I N I M I Z E S T A T I C S P A R K S / A V O I D F L A S H F I R E . ON WATER

S O L I D S F L O A T . CONTAIN/COLLECT/TRANSFER TO S U I T A B L E D I S P O S A L C O N T A I N E R S . RECOVERED S O L I D S C A N R E L E A S E FLAMMABLE VAPOR FOR EXTENDED T I M E . K E E P C O N T A I N E R S T I G H T L Y C L O S E D . REPORT PER REGULATORY R E Q U I R E M E N T S .

i

L A N D F I L L S O L I D S A T P E R M I T T E D S I T E S . USE R E G I S T E R E D TRANSPORTERS. COMPLY W I T H F E D E R A L / S T A T E / L O C A L S O L I D WASTE R E G U L A T I O N S . S O L I D S MAY ALSO B E BURNED, I F M I X E D / F I R E D W I T H SUPPLEMENTAL F U E L . VAPORS GENERATED FROM S O L I D S C A N LOWER F L A S H P O I N T OF S O L I D - F U E L M I X T U R E . A V O I D FLAMEOUTS.

Disposal ASSURE E M I S S I O N S COMPLY W I T H A P P L I C A B L E R E G U L A T I O N S . C O N T A M I N A T E D PRODUCT, S O I L OR WATER SHOULD B E C O N S I D E R E D DANGEROUS DUE T O P O T E N T I A L E V O L U T I O N ,

Methods OF FLAMMABLE VAPOR.

9003-53-6 N / A P '

109-66-0 N / A P 7 PERCENT

I- I I

Compositions given are typical values, not specifications. ##Listed By: 1 = NTP, 2 = IARC, 3 = OSHA, 4 G Other

SEQ: 17

Y L I T E EXPANDABLE POLYSTYRENE - REGULAR GRADE MSDS No. H C R 0 0 3 1 9 2

Hazardous Polymerization NOT EXPECTED TO OCCUR

Other Chemical Reactivity Stability N/ P S T A B L E

Other Physical N/ P and Chemical Properties

Appearance W H I T E S P H E R I C A L BEADS; SOLVENT ODOR and Odor

H E A T , OPEN F L A M E , O X I D I Z I N G C O N D I T I O N S Conditions to Avoid

STRONG O X I D I Z I N G AGENTS Materials to Avoid

Hazardous I N C O M P L E T E COMBUSTION MAV GENERATE CARBON MONOXIDE AND CARBON D I O X I D E Decomposition Products

V E N T I L A T E D AREAS AWAY FROM A L L I G N I T I O N SOURCES. OPEN I N P R E P A R A T I O N FOR U S E O N L Y . ALLOW 10 M I N . AFTER O P E N I N G C O N T A I N E R FOR EXCESS FLAMMABLE VAPOR T O D I S S I P A T E BEFORE M O V I N G TO PROCESS AREA WHERE HEAT SOURCES E X I S T . WHEN

Handling, P A R T FULL C O N T A I N E R S MUST B E USED BLOW A I R ACROSS OPEN TOP FOR 5 M I N . Storage BEFORE M O V I N G TO PROCESS A R E A . P R O V I D E GOOD V E N T I L A T I O N I N PROCESS AREA TO and PREVENT F O R M A T I O N OF FLAMMABLE VAPOR. P R O V I D E PROPER GROUNDING/EOUIPMENT Deconta- CONFORMING TO N A T I O N A L E L E C T R I C CODE. C L E A N UP S P I L L S P R O M P T L Y . B E A D S ARE mination VERY S L I P P E R Y ON HARD/SMOOTH SURFACE/CAN CAUSE S E R I O U S S L I P P I N G H A Z A R D .

Procedures FOLLOW STANDARD P L A N T PROCEDURES OR S U P E R V I S O R ’ S I N S T R U C T I O N S FOR D E C O N T A M I N A T I O N O P E R A T I O N S .

3eneral Zomments

SOME OF THE I N F O R M A T I O N PRESENTED AND CONCLUSIONS DRAWN H E R E I N ARE FROM SOURCES OTHER T H A N D I R E C T T E S T DATA ON T H E PRODUCT I T S E L F .

EO = Equal AP = Approximately NIP = No Applicable Information Found Note - - - Qualifications: LT = Less Than UK = Unknown N/AP = Not Applicable - - -

GT = Greater Than TR = Trace N/DA = No Data Available

Disclaimer of Liability The information in this MSDS was obtained from sources which we believe are reliable.

The conditions or methods of handling, storage, use and disposal of the product are beyond our control and may be beyond our knowledge.

HOWEVER, THE INFORMATION IS PROVIDED WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, REGARDING ITS CORRECTNESS.

FOR THIS AND OTHER REASONS, WE DO NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR LOSS, DAMAGE OR EXPENSE ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THE HANDLING, STORAGE, USE OR DISPOSAL OF THE PRODUCT.

information mav not be amticable. This MSDS was prepared and is to be used only for this product. I f the product i s used as a component in another product, this WSDS

Rev No: 04 Issue No: 01 Print Date: 01/08/91

MSDS No HCROO3 I 9 2 Rev D te 1 I /02,?90

D Y L I T E " EXPANDABLE POLYSTYRENE - REGULAR GRADE

XII. Regulatory Information SUPERFUND AMENDMENTS AND REAUTHORIAZATION ACT OF 1986 (SARA), T I T L E I11

SECTION 3 1 1 / 3 1 2 HAZARD CATEGORIES F IRE HAZARD

SECTION 3 1 3 NO CHEMICALS I N THIS PRODUCT EXCEED THE DE MINIMUS REPORTING LEVEL ESTABLISHED BY SARA T I T L E 111, SECTION 313 AND 40 CFR 372.

TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT (TSCA) ALL COMPONENTS OF THIS PRODUCT ARE LISTED ON THE TSCA INVENTORY.

COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE, COMPENSATION AND L I A B I L I T Y ACT (CERCLA) NO CHEMICALS I N T H I S PROOUCT A R E SUBJECT TO THE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS OF CERCLA.

CALIFORNIA SAFE DRINKING WATER AND TOXIC ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 1986 - PROPOSITION 65 THIS MATERIAL MAY CONTAIN TRACE AMOUNTS OF A CHEMICAL LISTED BY THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA AS "KNOWN TO THE STATE TO CAUSE CANCER".

MSDS Na HCROO3 1 S Rev D te 1 1 / 0 2 h C

D Y L I T E Q EXPANDABLE POLYSTYRENE - REGULAR GRADE

SIV. Component Health Hazards Somponent Name Component Health Hazards

'ENTANE MODERATE E Y E IRRITANT ASPIRATION HAZARD

CV. Supplement

$HIPPING REGULATIONS

SINCE THIS PRODUCT I S SHIPPED I N SEALED CARTONS OR CONTAINERS, I T I S NOT CLASSIFIED AS A HAZARDOUS lATERIAL BY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DEFINITIONS AND HENCE I T I S NOT R-EGULATED.

:OR INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORTATION I T I S REGULATED A S FOLLOWS: JATER TRANSPORT -- IMDG CODE

PROPER SHIPPING NAME - PLASTICS MOULDING MATERIALS EVOLVING INFLAMMABLE VAPOURS IMO CLASS - 9 IDENTIF ICATION NO. - UN 2211

\ I R TRANSPORT -- IATA PROPER SHIPPING NAME - POLYSTYRENE BEADS, EXPANDABLE CLASS - 9 IDENTIF ICATION NO. - UN 2211

5EQ: 17

MSDS No. HCROO3 I 9 2 R v D e 1 P / O 2 B o

D Y L I T E @ EXPANDABLE POLYSTYRENE - REGULAR GRADE

3801 WEST CHESTER P I K E NEWTOWN SQUARE, P A . 19073

Use Statement: FOR I N D U S T R I A L U S E ONLY

Signal Word: DANGER Physical Hazards:

K E E P OUT OF REACH OF C H I L D R E N

EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE

EME RGE NC Y 800/424-9300 CHEMTREC 2 1 5 / 3 5 3 - 8 3 0 0 A R C 0 CHEM

8 0 0 / 3 2 1 - 7 0 0 0 I N F O ONLY CUSTOMER S E R V I C E

Health Hazards: I N H A L A T I O N H A Z A R D S K I N I R R I T A N T EYE I R R I T A N T

Precautionary Measures:

DOT Information: Hazard Class- Proper Shipping-

DO NOT HANDLE NEAR H E A T , SPARKS, OR OPEN F L A M E . K E E P C O N T A I N E R CLOSED WHEN NOT I N U S E . DO NOT STORE NEAR C O M B U S T I B L E M A T E R I A L S . A V O I D CONTACT WITH E Y E S . A V O I D PROLONGED OR R E P E A T E D B R E A T H I N G OF VAPOR. A V O I D PROLONGED OR R E P E A T E D CONTACT WITH S K I N . U S E WITH ADEQUATE V E N T I L A T I O N . WASH THOROUGHLY A F T E R H A N D L I N G . DO NOT TASTE/SWALLOW.

UN/NA ID Number- NOT REGULATED NOT R E G U L A T E D NOT R E G U L A T E D Component Name CAS Number P O L Y S T Y R E N E 9003 - 53 -6

109 -66-0 P E N T A N E

Instructions: DRY C H E M I C A L FOAM

WATERSPRAY

OXYGEN OR A R T I F I C I A L R E S P I R A T I O N A S N E E D E D . O B T A I N EMERGENCY M E D I C A L A T T E N T I O N . PROMPT A C T I O N I S E S S E N T I A L .

C L E A N WATER FOR 20-30 M I N U T E S . RETRACT E Y E L I D S O F T E N . O B T A I N EMERGENCY M E D I C A L A T T E N T I O N I F P A I N , B L I N K I N G , T E A R S OR REDNESS P E R S I S T .

SOAP/WATER. F L U S H WITH LUKEWARM WATER FOR 15 M I N U T E S . I F S T I C K Y , USE WATER- L E S S CLEANER F I R S T .

A T T E N T I O N .

I n case of fire, use- c02 WATER FOG

First Aid -Inhalation I F OVERCOME B Y EXPOSURE, REMOVE V I C T I M T O F R E S H A I R I M M E D I A T E L Y . G I V E

-Eye Contact I N CASE OF EYE CONTACT W I T H T H I S S O L I D M A T E R I A L , I M M E D I A T E L Y R I N S E WITH

-Skin Contact REMOVE C O N T A M I N A T E D C L O T H I N G A S N E E D E D . WASH S K I N THOROUGHLY WITH M I L D

-Ingestion I N G E S T I O N U N L I K E L Y . HOWEVER, I F I N G E S T E D , O B T A I N EMERGENCY M E D I C A L

In case of spill, S P I L L R E L E A S E S FLAMMABLE VAPOR. E X T I N G U I S H I G N I T I O N S O U R C E S / V E N T I L A T E CON- F I N E D SPACES BEFORE E N T E R I N G . SPREAD GRANULAR COVER/OPEN G R A T I N G ON WALK- WAYS. ON L A N D , VACUUM/SHOVEL I N T O D I S P O S A L C O N T A I N E R S . M I N I M I Z E S T A T I C S P A R K S / A V O I O F L A S H F I R E . ON WATER, S O L I D S F L O A T . RECOVERED S O L I D S C A N R E L E A S E F L A M M A B L E VAPOR FOR EXTENDED T I M E . REPORT PER REGULATORY R E Q U I R M T S .

Protective Equipment -Respiratory

-Eye

-Skin

U S E N I O S H / M S H A APPROVED A I R - P U R I F Y I N G OR S U P P L I E D A I R R E S P I R A T O R A S A P P R O P R I A T E . S A F E T Y G L A S S E S WITH S I D E S H I E L D S .

P R O T E C T I V E C L O T H I N G I N C L U D I N G G L O V E S , APRON, S L E E V E S , BOOTS, AND F U L L HEAO/FACE P R O T E C T I O N .

Label No.: BBHCROO3 I 9 2 Revision No. 000 Date: 06/07/85 Issue No. 001 Date: 06/07/85

DYLITE’ EXPANDABLE POLY STY R EN E

ARCO Chemical

0 What is DYLITE? DYLITE is ARCO Chemical’s trade name for expandable polystyrene resin.

What is Expandable Polystyrene (EPS)? EPS is a rigid, closed cell/cellular plastic made from petrochemicals derived from crude oil.

Is molded EPS the same a6 extruded? No, extruded polystyrene (like blueboard) uses a different blowing agent and a different manufacturing process. Molded EPS, unlike extruded, is available in many different densities and thicknesses. On a tapered roof it permits many different cuts and degrees of slope.

Does DYLITE Expandable Polystyrene contain CFC’s? No. We do not use any CFC’s in our product. There are no CFC’s used in our production. The closed cells contain dead air space which provides excellent insulating properties. There are no CFC’s to escape to the ozone layer.

Does DYLITE Expandable Polystyrene exhibit thermal drift? No. Since there are no CFC’s in DYLITE EPS, only dead air space, the R value stays the same indefinitely. According to a study conducted by Structural Research, Inc. (Sponsored by NRCA, MRCA, and SPI) EPS roofs sampled after 15 years showed no change in R value. ARCO Chemical even offers a warranty program for 20 years at 100% of its original R value.

Is Expandable Polystyrene being recycled and what effect does it have on landfills? A. DYLITE Expandable Polystyrene is recyclable and is being recycled today at a number of locations in the U.S.

m

38

FACT SHEET B. According to Dr. W. J. Rathje, Professor of Anthropology at University of Arizona, who has been digging up landfills; foam plastics account for only $4 of 1% (.25%) of the volume of landfills. NOTE: Biodegradation is not a uniform process. In landfill layers lacking moisture, there is no real sign of biodegradation. Readable newspapers have been excavated from 1962.

Does DYLITE Expandable Polystyrene meet code requirements? Yes. DYLITE EPS meets or exceeds the following codes or standards: ASTM C-578, BOCA, Factory Mutual, ICBO, Underwriters Laboratories, and SBCCI.

How toxic is Expandable Polystyrene? According to the National Bureau of Standards Combustion Test, data collected from seven labs concluded that under the worst case fire scenario, EPS was considered to be no more toxic than wood (Douglas Fir).

Is water absorption a problem with Expandable Polystyrene? No. Water absorption is low. The non-interconnecting cell structure prevents capillary absorption into the interior of a molded piece. Testing by the state of Minnesota in foundation wall insulation found EPS samples 7 years old with 0.13% moisture. The Structural Research study took samples of roofs ranging in age from 6 to 15 years old. Moisture content was found to be very low - a maximum of 0.04% by volume.

What other product uses DYLITE Expandable Polystyrene? Many of the white foam coffee cups are made from CFC-free DYLITE EPS. They provide a safe, excellent insulating material.

- ~

Polystyrene: QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

What is polystyrene?

Q Polystyrene is a lightweight cellular material composed of hydrogen and carbon atoms. It is derived from petroleum and natural gas by-products. Polystyrene is principally used in the packaging industry. There are two common types of polystyrene. Perhaps the most well known is polystyrene foam (popularly known by its Dow trademark Styrofoam). In terms of food packaging, polystyrene foam is used in cups, bowls, plates, cafeteria trays and clamshell containers. Polystyrene foam is also used in the packaging of electronics, furniture and other goods. Polystyrene (not in foam form) is also used to make yogurt and cottage cheese containers and the clear plastic clamshell containers often seen in salad bars.

What proportion of the nation’s petroleum and natural gas consumption is used to

Q A small fraction of 1 percent of all the petroleum and natural gas consumed in the United States is used to manufacture polystyrene foam food service products. Petrochemical feedstocks to make all plastic products require less than 3 percent of the nation’s total usage of natural gas and petroleum. Polystyrene products represent only 9.1% of all plastics.

make polystyrene?

How large is the plastics packaging industry?

Q It is a large industry, but produces only a small portion of all packaging. To put it in perspective, plastics are only the third largest segment of the packaging industry - trailing well behind paperboard and metals. And polystyrene foam accounts for only 11 percent of all plastics packaging.

What portion of the solid waste stream is comprised of polystyrene foam food packaging?

Q Polystyrene foam food packaging accounts for only about of one percent of the total solid waste stream.

What are the benefits of polystyrene foam food service products?

Polystyrene foam food service products are low cost, sanitary, versatile and energy -~

efficient.

Cost. First of all, polystyrene foam food service products are significantly less expensive than paper-based substitutes. Paper alternatives to foam coffee cups, for example, are approximately twice as expensive. The New York City board of education found that the lowest bid for foam school lunch trays is $1,972,000 less than the lowest paper product substitute per year.

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Sanitation. Foam food service products provide significant sanitation advantages over reusable items. A 1985 University of Michigan study of disposable food service items concluded that disposable cups, plates and other single use food service products had significantly lower bacterial counts than reusable items. The study further concluded that the more bacteria present, the greater the likelihood of potential health hazard and

Performance. In terms of properties for daily use, foam food service products are far better at insulating hot, cold and wet foods than their paper counterparts. Foam food service products are quite sturdy and easily transportable. In addition, they provide good chemical resistance, which prevents the product from imparting taste or odor to fuod or beverages.

Energy Savings. The manufacture of foam food service disposables uses less energy than that used in the manufacture oft paper-based alternatives. According to a Midwest Research Institute study on special packaging applications, the total energy requirements to make plastic containers (including both processing and materials energy) were lower than or equal to the energy consumed to make competing materials.

~

polystyrene foam biodegradable?

a No, but non-degradable plastics are beneficial in landfills because they neither yield explosive methane gases nor pollute the ground water with chemical residues. In addition, polystyrene foam provides a stable fill material similar to earth, rock or concrete. This allows landfills to more easily convert to new uses such as parks, housing or schools.

Roes polystyrene foam give off toxic emissions when incinerated?

No. Polystyrene foam consists solely of carbon and hydrogen. When completely combusted it gives off water, carbon dioxide and trace levels of ash, the same as paper. Polystyrene foam is actually beneficial to the incineration process. When incinerated, polystyrene produces fuel value of inore than 17,000 BTUIlb. This compares favorably with two common fuels - Wyoming coal (9,000 BTU/lb.) and residual fuel oil (20,900 BTU/lb.). Because of its high fuel values, polystyrene helps to burn wet garbage and to maintain the high burning temperatures necessary for safe incineration.

Is polystyrene foam recyclable?

H Yes. Indeed, all plastics can be reclaimed for reuse. The Polystyrene Packaging Council, Inc. is working actively to develop recycling programs that are both efficient and economical. The industry is supporting innovative model projects to test the feasibility of recycling polystyrene foam food service products collected from school cafeterias, fast food restaurants and the home.



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Waste-to-Energy Incineration: QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

. W h y do we need incinerators as part of the solution to solid waste disposal?

Q Although 85% of our solid waste is currently landfilled, the United States is rapidly running out of landfill capacity. The number of landfills in the United States dropped from 18,000 in 1979 to just 9,000 in 1985. Waste management experts estimate that

the remaining landfills will be filled to capacity by 1990.

While recycling will take care of a growing amount of our solid waste, even the most ambitious recycling programs will not be able to reclaim 100% of our solid trash. Japan recycles about 65% of its garbage - one of the best rates in the world. The Environmental Protection Agency’s nationwide recycling goal is 25%. We currently

about 10% of our waste. ~

Incinerators are needed to process the waste left after recycling the most we can. Incinerators are already quite common in Japan and Western Europe. In Japan, for example, 36 1 waste-to-energy incinerators either generate electricity or provide energy for other municipal purposes, such as heat and hot water for homes for the aged and schools, district heating and snow melting.

Can waste-to-energy incinerators operate cleanly?

dern waste-to-energy incinerators using air pollution control equipment (electrostatic precipitators, wet and dry scrubbers, and baghouses) and operating at an optimum temperature of 1500-1800 F can and do burn waste cleanly.

What are the benefits of waste-to-energy incinerators?

El Waste-to-energy incinerators reduce the overall volume of unrecycled trash by as much as 90%; destroy virtually all bacteria and pathogens and neutralize many toxic substances. This lessens the need for new landfills and extends the life of existing ones.

How many incinerators are there currently in the United States?

El There are currently more than 140 incineration plants in the United States, which process about 10% of our nation’s solid waste. Two hundred more plants are either

incineration could process as much as 25% of our municipal solid waste. under construction or in the planning stages, according to the EPA. By the year 2000, .~

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Do polystyrene foam products give off harmful emissions when burned?

Q No. Polystyrene foam’s chemical make-up consists of carbon and hydrogen. When burned properly, polystyrene gives off only carbon dioxide, water and trace levels of ash - the same products as paper. Efficiently burned, 100 pounds of polystyrene foam leave .01 lbs. of ash residue, as compared with an average 25 lbs. residue per 100 lbs. of mixed solid waste.

In a health risk assessment prepared for the Pinellas County, Flotida Department of

Facility is successfully managing the solid waste disposal goals of the county in a manner fully compatible with protection of the environment and public health.

Solid Waste Management, it was concluded that the county’s Resource Recycling ~~

How does polystyrene foam affect the burning process?

Polystyrene, when incinerated, produces fuel value of over 17,000 BTU/lb. This compares favorably with two common fuels - Wyoming coal (9,000 BTU/lb.) and residual fuel oil (20,900 BTU/lb.).

Because of its high BTU values, polystyrene actually aids the burning of other solid waste, particularly wet garbage. In addition, it helps to maintain the high burning temperatures necessary for safe incineration.

m What happens to ash after the incineration process is completed?

Q Incinerator ash can be treated the same way as municipal solid waste for disposal purposes and disposed of in environmentally safe landfills. Indeed, approximately 85 -90 percent of the nation’s incinerator ash is currently landfilled. The balance is recycled and reused in products such a$ road paving material.

The Environmental Protection Agency has concluded that incinerator ash is not a regulated hazardous waste and can be treated the same as municipal solid waste for disposal purposes. Toxic metals found in incinerator ash do not come from polystyrene foam. These metals come from items such as batteries, lighting fixtures and printing inks. In fact, the National Solid Waste Management Association has concluded that ash from waste-to-energy plants is not a significant risk to public health and the m h m e r r t as long as it is deposited in modern landfills with liners and leachate collection systems.



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Litter and Polystyrene Packaging: QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

a What is the main cause of litter in the United States?

13 Disrespect for the environment. Litter is a behavioral problem, born of a careless attitude and perpetuated by bad habits.

What are the facts on the amounts that different materials contribute to highway litter?

According to data compiled by the Federal Highway Commission, highway litter consists of:

Paper 59 percent Cans 16 percent Bottles and jars 6 percent (All) Plastics 6 percent .Miscellaneous 13 percent

And a 1988 study by the Institute for Applied Research shows that foam products represent less than 2% of litter materials.

’

How can we best prevent people from littering?

The best way of reducing litter is through public education and behavioral awareness programs, like the Keep America Beautiful campaign. Keep America Beautiful promotes litter prevention through public awareness of the problem and by motivating individuals o take personal resonsibility for a clean, wholesome environment.

According to its recent 10-year assessment, the Keep America Beautiful approach has been implemented in more than 440 cities across the nation and has reduced litter up to 80 percent.

Is polystyrene foam degradable?

The plastics industry has developed some degradable plastics and is currently evaluating the potential for degradable polystyrene foam. Degradable plastics include photodegradable six-pack holders, trash and grocery bags.

Although industry researchers are working on developing photo- and biodegradable polystyrene foam, many difficult questions remain to be answered. For example: Will degradation compromise some of the product qualities which have made foam food service products so desirable over the years? What are the products of degradation and how long will the degradation process take?

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Don’t non-biodegradable products contribute more to the litter problem than biodegradable products?

H Not really. Contrary to poular belief, most “biodegradable” products decompose only very slowly. A paper cup, for example, takes many years to degrade. Some contend that degradable products encourage litter to the extent that people believe the degradation process cleans up after them. All litter, whether inert or degradable, is unsightly.

What else is the industry doing to help resolve the litter problem?

The plastics industry has long supported Keep America Beautiful Inc. and its efforts to prevent litter.

In addition, the industry is working with public officials around the country to resolve the litter problem and develop comprehensive policies to deal with solid waste disposal.

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How serious is the problem of marine waste? And what is the industry doing to help resolve the problem?

H The problem is very serious. Marine waste is primarily caused by the indiscriminate dumping of garbage at sea. The polystyrene industry supports enforcement of the MARPOL Act which implements an international agreement prohibiting the disposal at sea of all plastics.



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