The Village of Algonquin, IL
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Styrofoam Recycling
Styrofoam Recycling Program Suspended: Beginning November 15, 2025, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will suspend their Styrofoam Recycling Program. As a result, the Village of Algonquin Public Works Facility will no longer accept Styrofoam or packing peanuts for recycling. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as the Environmental Defenders work to identify future solutions and promote waste reduction alternatives.
The Styrofoam recycling shed at Algonquin's Public Works Facility is open 24/7 for convenient drop-off.
Styrofoam Recycling Instructions
Styrofoam can be dropped off at the collection site located in the northern corner of the parking lot at the Algonquin Public Works Facility, 110 Mitchard Way. The site is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for resident convenience.
The program accepts clean and dry Styrofoam products, including #6 Styrofoam used in packaging materials such as foam coolers and packing peanuts. Colored food-grade Styrofoam items—like egg cartons, food trays, and coffee cups—are also accepted. To ensure proper recycling, all items must be free of tape, labels, food residue, and other contaminants.
Materials Accepted at Recycling Location
The following items are accepted in the Styrofoam Recycling Program:
| Accepted Materials | Unaccepted Materials |
| #6 Styrofoam: Packaging material and foam coolers. Must be clean, no tape, labels, glue, or food. | Construction Foam: Pink, blue, purple, or blown-in foam with fireproof ingredients. |
| Colored Styrofoam: Commercial and food-grade (egg cartons, food trays, coffee cups). Must be clean and free from food residue. | Sponge Foam: Sheeting, blocks, sheets, pool noodles, etc. |
| Packing Peanuts: Must “crack” and “break.” Must be bagged and placed in the receptacle. | Bubble Wrap & Air Packs: Can be dropped off at store recycling bins for plastic bags. |
Note: Beige or sponge peanuts made from cornstarch will dissolve in water. Do not mix with Styrofoam peanuts.
