Meredith Rotary Club is hosting Styrofoam recycling day on Saturday

MEREDITH — The Meredith Rotary Club, with the cooperation of the Meredith Department of Public Works, is offering the communities of Meredith and Center Harbor a polystyrene (Styrofoam) collection day on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Meredith Solid Waste Facility at 17 Jenness Hill Road. The event will take place rain or shine. 

Polystyrene, more commonly known as Styrofoam, is made from petroleum products with additional harmful chemicals added. It degrades very slowly, and if disposed of improperly poses the threat of poisoning water sources and harming wildlife that may consume its remnants. Additionally, because it doesn’t degrade, Styrofoam takes up much needed space in landfills and cannot be incinerated with other trash, as burning it releases toxic fumes into the environment. 

Polystyrene #6 recycle symbol is the only accepted material on the collection date. This Styrofoam is generally used for foam coolers and as packing material around furniture, appliances, and electronics. Pipe insulation, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, squishy foam, dirty foam food containers, egg crate foam layers, craft foam, and foam board insulation will not be accepted, as they do not carry the #6 symbol. 

All collected material will be transported by Rotarians from Meredith to the Gilford Solid Waste Center, where it will be professionally recycled. 

For additional information, visit meredithrotary.org.