FRC: Funding Now Available for Foam Recycling Programs

The Foam Recycling Coalition (FRC) recently opened its grant submission process to support increased recycling of packaging made from foam polystyrene. The FRC, part of the Foodservice Packaging Institute, seeks applicants looking to start or strengthen a post-consumer foam polystyrene recycling program.

“During the past five years, the Foam Recycling Coalition has awarded nearly $820,000 in grants to communities and recycling businesses in the United States and Canada,” said Natha Dempsey, president of the Foodservice Packaging Institute, in a statement. “Over 4 million more people can now recycle foam polystyrene directly due to these partnerships and investments.”

Many communities across North America have started or expanded foam polystyrene recycling programs due to this grant. A list of past grantees and a link to the FRC equipment grant application can be found at recyclefoam.org/grants.

Both public and private organizations involved in managing residential drop-off and curbside recycling programs or materials recovery facilities are eligible to apply for funding.

This initiative helps fund infrastructure for the collection, processing and marketing of products made from foam polystyrene. It targets post-consumer foam polystyrene products, which includes foodservice packaging (i.e., cups, plates, bowls, clamshells and cafeteria trays) and other types of packaging (i.e., egg cartons, meat trays and protective packaging used when shipping electronics and other fragile items).

The FRC distributes up to $50,000 for each grant. Grant amounts are determined on a case-by-case basis dependent upon equipment needs. Although no cash match is required, additional costs may be incurred by the grantee for related items, such as site preparation, provision of conveying system, electrical infrastructure, freight and other installation costs.

Grantees are required to communicate the addition of foam polystyrene in their recycling program, both directly to households and in their regular communication materials. Grantees also must commit to collecting, processing and marketing foam polystyrene for a minimum of three years, which includes reporting on the volumes to FRC.

Formed in 2014, the Foam Recycling Coalition focuses exclusively on increased recycling of post-consumer foam polystyrene. Its members include Americas Styrenics; Cascades Canada ULC; CKF Inc.; Chick-fil-A; Dart Container Corp.; Dolco Packaging; Dyne-A-Pak; Genpak; INEOS Styrolution America LLC; NOVA Chemicals Corp.; Pactiv Foodservice/Food Packaging; Republic Plastics; and TOTAL Petrochemicals & Refining USA.

Applications must be submitted by Friday, May 1 for priority consideration. The FRC will announce grant recipients throughout the year.